5.0

I've had a dog in the house since I was born, and cared for my own from 2010 to 2026 no gaps — which means I've been handling doggy accidents and early morning potty breaks for longer than I've been an adult. I've done it all with pups, from dog shows to puppy births to injuries and the extreme shy guys. Right now, it's just me in the house, so your dog has all my attention. For over 15 years I've owned, bred, and shown AKC registered Australian Shepherds. That includes handling dogs at the National Dog Show and Westminster, competing in the dog sports agility and rally, and spending an unreasonable amount of time making some feisty angels look runway ready. It also means I've been through the whole arc: managing a girl in heat keeping her a non-drama mama, taking big mama through birthing a litter on my own, raising puppies from day zero, raising furry demons through their formative stage during potty training, de-sensitizing for loud noises and surprise situations, puppy manners and teenage respectful behavior, and keeping seniors comfortable and dignified once the stairs stop being their friend. Show dogs are only half of it. I've volunteered with multiple rescues over the years, building a rep as a dogo's best friend. I once was summoned by friends of friends (of friends) on Facebook to respond to a loose Aussie on someone's ranch who they couldn't get within thirty feet of. Poor girl was skin and bones, out in the Arizona desert heat for days, she was in rough shape. I was able to coax her into a crate, spend a few weeks working on her confidence, manners, and anxiety. Eventually got her into a permanent home. I've also worked at a large doggy daycare where I was overseer of up to 50 dogs at once — every size, breed, and temperament in one play yard, 8hrs at a time. I handled the disagreements, the timid boys, and the grouchy veterans. It's there I honed an expert ability to read dog body language. Being able to identify when somebody was getting spicy prevented plenty of arguments, and kept everyone in good shape. So if your dog is shy, reactive, bouncy, loud, or extra in their own way, I've met them before, and I've loved them already. The practical stuff: I'm trained in canine CPR and advanced first aid, and I can give medication however your vet has it packaged — pills, liquids, ear and eye drops, suppositories, subQ, and IV. I'm well versed in contamination protocol for vulnerable pups or dogs currently dealing with an illness, and in canine nutrition and behavior. From day one with your canine collaborator, I'll know if something's off-base, and I'll know how to handle anything that could come up. Any and all furbeast is in the safest hands with me. The house rules here are customized to your specifications. No couch? No bed? Dinner promptly at 6pm and only after a good-boy sits and waits? That's what will happen. If you have no preference, dogs stay here like they pay rent; no room, furniture, bed, or lap is off limits. Fair warning: your dog may come home with a slightly inflated sense of status. Have a behavior issue to work on? We will spend plenty of time emphasizing whatever you're trying to accomplish. Strictly positive reinforcement only - this isn't a Caesar Milan fan house. My home has a medium sized fenced-in yard in a quiet neighborhood. My schedule is flexible, so I build the day around your dog and keep alone time under four hours. I have webcams covering every room and check in regularly even for the short time I'm away. Besides dogs, I've owned and cared for cats, chinchillas, frogs, lizards, birds, snakes, spiders, fish, salamanders and probably a few I'm forgetting. I've gathered bitey endangered watersnakes in Ohio and giant slimy salamanders in Japan for researchers. I've ridden horses and camels, pet wolves and black bears, rehab'd box turtles and helped breed threatened salamanders. Between dealing with pretty much every pet possible, the Army, helping out behind the scenes at the zoo, and volunteer work, nothing surprises me anymore. If you need specialty pet care I can do it. I know exactly what it feels like to have to leave your best friend with someone new, concerned at the level of care being the same as at home. I'm the guy who will help you leave those worries behind. With me, you can enjoy your trip knowing for sure everything will be ok. Questions? Ask me anything. No matter how many questions you have, how detailed or personal they are, whether the answer is already in my profile and you just want to confirm — you're thinking about leaving your baby with me and there's nothing that's off limits or out of bounds when they're involved.