NOTE: PLEASE READ MY MEET & GREET POLICY AT THE BOTTOM BEFORE SENDING A REQUEST. We are a family of mom (stay at home mom), dad, 4 kids & 2 large dogs living on 13 acres with plenty of room to care for a kid-friendly dog. Our number one priority is SAFETY! We have a large fenced yard and front porch for dogs to play and nap on. Any dog who stays with us will have playmates and will receive TONS of attention from our dogs and kids! We will explore the property with our visiting dog on a leash. Our two dogs are on an invisible fence so our guest dog can have his/her own personal space in the fenced yard if needed. If our guest dog prefers to hang out with mom all day that's cool too. We accommodate as much as possible to what our visiting dog's regular home life reflects. I take a very patient but firm approach to doggie discipline. Most dogs come to me well trained due to great caring owners. I have worked with a dog behaviorist and trainer. As a sitter with safety in mind it is important that I establish myself as the Alpha of the pack so that dogs do not feel the stress of needing to take a leadership role, which can often trigger brawls and sudden aggression. If they know I am in charge they can feel free to play, roughhouse and eat without being fearful of an attack or needing to attack another dog. They will also enjoy walks without stress (shown through pulling) and play with toys, balls, and sticks without competition. A dog with healthy boundaries is a happy and healthy dog. Every dog is different with his/her own personality but knowing who is leader of the pack gives a dog the freedom to just be a dog. Please note that firm does not equate with mean. I do not physically harm any animal and I show tons of love. My children love to play with our fur-friends, take them for walks, brush them and play fetch. We have a 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom house with two living rooms, one very large with minimal furniture and lots of open space. We have a warm laundry room if a dog or puppy prefers to sleep alone and/or in a crate. Both the front and back porches are covered. Mom is home most the day except for running kids to and from school and a few morning activities on some days of the week. We take great care to make each dog feel safe, secure, and welcomed into our home as we would expect the same for our beloved pets. We also work hard to honor the requests of dog parents. A FEW NOTES: I work on a first come first serve basis even with repeat clients. I WILL take an un-spayed female ONLY if she is not in heat. I WILL take an un-neutered male UNDER the age of 1 and as long as I do not have an un-spayed female already booked. I encourage local owners to use Bend Spay and Neuter Project before or by the age of 1 unless planning on specifically breeding. Please help prevent unwanted puppies. Basic Training: If you would like your dog to receive basic command training and leash walking training I can work with Fido/Fifi. I do use a simple chain and leash for minor corrections but will use positive reinforcement and treats as the primary method. If you would like your dog to be clicker trained I can work on that as well. MEET & GREET POLICY: What to expect: I have restructured the way I run meet and greets due to trial and error and speaking with owners and professionals. When you bring your furbaby for a meet and greet please do no feel ignored while I ensure that my two dogs and possible guest dogs are completely in control, settled and calm. This may take a few minutes. I will then spend time with your dog. If other dogs are barking we will wait until they stop before introducing your dog. The key to meet and greets and pack environment is CALM. While we all love the adorableness of an excited dog wagging his/her tail and ready to play this can create too much stimulation for other dogs who can suddenly become aggressive or fearful. Play is vital to all dog's health and existence but within controlled boundaries. Before introducing your dog to my dogs/guest dogs I may want to take your dog for a walk down the driveway to establish a relationship with him/her. If your dog is overly excited I may "ignore" this behavior to avoid reinforcing it until he/she has settled down. Once all is calm and everyone is ready then dogs may be introduced and enjoy time to play. I will then show your dog lots of affection. If in the very rare and unexpected event your dog is attacked during a meet and greet you are responsible for the care of your dog. If my dog(s)/guest dog is attacked by yours during the meet and greet I am responsible for the care of my dog(s)/guest dog. Bringing dogs together in one environment is an assumed liability on the owners part. While I have no expectation of attacks or fights this policy is put into place to avoid any confusion on who is responsible for the care of his/her dog. I will not spend time debating whose dog did what.