nik b.
Halifax, NS
flexible, accommodating care in NS!
Pet care experience
After adopting, training, and getting to know my own dog Billie (35 lbs) over the last 5 years, I have learned to understand dogs, their needs, and how to promote desirable behaviours through reward and celebration! Friends (and sometimes even strangers at the dog park) have looked to me for advice and care, trusting me with their dogs anytime they need a sitter. I have house, crate, and leash trained Billie as well as recall and various commands such as; sit, lay down, paw, sit pretty, spin around, figure 8 around my legs (come through), sitting between my legs (middle), stand, wait, fetch, drop it, go find it (lots of hide n seek!), press buttons (I point to the button), jump over, and backpack (she sort of gets on my back!). If you are working on new commands, please let me know and I can support their learning!
Reviews
I can't say enough wonderful things about having our dog Bailey stay overnight with Nik. Nik is very kind and extremely professional and So great with Bailey (our 4 year old cocker spaniel). I would highly recommend Nik - whom I have now nicknamed "The Dog Whisperer".
Nik took great care of my 12 year old dog, Maddy, who can be on the anxious side! They kept me updated with photos, videos, and messages while I was away and Maddy was happy and obviously well cared for when I picked her up. Very grateful to Nik for taking her for the week! Hoping to use them again in the future since Maddy was so well cared for :)
Nik is so great - accommodating, conscientious and respectful. Great communication and genuine care for the animals.
Nik is great - so attentive, kind and respectful. Super recommend!
About nik b.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
Dog safety, comfort, and trust for me begins with knowing Billie's cues and boundaries when introducing her to a new friend to be able to prevent any possible conflict. I always meet a dog where they are at, following their lead in building that trust with me. It is critical for me to be attentive to and take on this responsibility as seriously as I do - because of this Billie actually has a social life much larger than my own!! Additionally, I am experienced in caring for dogs with leg injuries. Billie has had a fractured wrist, luxating pateller surgery, and tibial plateau leveling osteotomy. Through these experiences I have had to learn many ways to keep a dog entertained and stimulated when they cannot get sufficient exercise, as well as the rehabilitation exercises required for these injuries I am happy to work with people and their pets unique, individual needs and personalities to ensure that dogs under my care are feeling safe, loved, and comfortable. if you would like more assurance, feel free to lurk my TikTok @lavendercowboy_ where I post montage videos of each dog that boards with me.
Home
Information nik b. would like to know about your pet
How is their recall? Are they allowed off leash? How are they in cars? What are their commands? Do they have any allergies? Do they get along with other dogs? Are they food or toy possessive?
A typical day
Billie and I go to the park everyday - some of our favourites are point pleasant, conrose, and shubie park. When we have a more flexible day, and the weather is just right, we like to go to lakes and beaches near by. Otherwise you can find her curled up, napping, with her snout buried under a blanket or pillow while I work at my desk or crochet and watch documentaries next to her. Luckily for her, she doesn't have to spend much time alone because of my flexibility, and preference to spend time with her (& other dogs!).
Services
nik can host
nik can watch in your home
Availability
I work part time as a director of a music festival (working from home) and part time as a municipal youth worker (1 or 2 3-hr shifts per week) which provides me with incredible flexibility. if your dog can't be alone during my youth work shifts, the centre I work at is very accommodating and willing to adjust my schedule. I have a vehicle, can work remotely from anywhere, and am willing to travel across NS for extended dog sitting opportunities. Typically a day with my dog involves a trip to the dog park, two short walks around the block, and two additional bathroom breaks as well as cuddles and playtime inside! Billie loves to make friends, and has even been a positive influence on other dogs training (or fear of swimming!).
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About nik b.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
Dog safety, comfort, and trust for me begins with knowing Billie's cues and boundaries when introducing her to a new friend to be able to prevent any possible conflict. I always meet a dog where they are at, following their lead in building that trust with me. It is critical for me to be attentive to and take on this responsibility as seriously as I do - because of this Billie actually has a social life much larger than my own!! Additionally, I am experienced in caring for dogs with leg injuries. Billie has had a fractured wrist, luxating pateller surgery, and tibial plateau leveling osteotomy. Through these experiences I have had to learn many ways to keep a dog entertained and stimulated when they cannot get sufficient exercise, as well as the rehabilitation exercises required for these injuries I am happy to work with people and their pets unique, individual needs and personalities to ensure that dogs under my care are feeling safe, loved, and comfortable. if you would like more assurance, feel free to lurk my TikTok @lavendercowboy_ where I post montage videos of each dog that boards with me.
Home
Information nik b. would like to know about your pet
How is their recall? Are they allowed off leash? How are they in cars? What are their commands? Do they have any allergies? Do they get along with other dogs? Are they food or toy possessive?
A typical day
Billie and I go to the park everyday - some of our favourites are point pleasant, conrose, and shubie park. When we have a more flexible day, and the weather is just right, we like to go to lakes and beaches near by. Otherwise you can find her curled up, napping, with her snout buried under a blanket or pillow while I work at my desk or crochet and watch documentaries next to her. Luckily for her, she doesn't have to spend much time alone because of my flexibility, and preference to spend time with her (& other dogs!).
Location
Halifax, NS
Pets
nik b.
Halifax, NS