Sarah M.
Albany, OR
Around Town, or Adventure Hikes!
Pet care experience
I'm a wildlife biologist, falconer, dog owner, and gamebird farmer. I've had dogs since the day I was born and a deep-rooted passion for animal training. I currently have one German Shepherd of my own, and make a point to spend time playing with the "office dogs" at work. I love to hike, and the dogs love to go on adventures with me! All of the new smells are so fun for them to explore and enjoy on low-key walks in the woods. My current dog I have trained using an electronic collar in addition to praise, play and treat rewards. I have a two collar remote and I am willing to include that training potentially on client walks if desired. My dog loves it when the "dot" (laser) makes an appearance when he's an extra good boy!
Reviews
If I were a dog, I'd want Sarah to take me for a walk! Sarah has an amazing rapport with animals - they just seem to take an instant liking to her. She is always gentle and affectionate, yet firmly in control to keep them safe. I have seen her work with an energetic Vizsla, a rambunctious German Shepard pup, and a 170lb Mastiff among others. I have no reservations whatsoever recommending Sarah as your dog sitter/walker.
About Sarah M.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
I have a fully fenced outdoor kennel and a fenced yard. We have a park a block away and several nearby walking paths. We have an extra large crate in the house. Any care provided in your home will be discussed and agreed upon, and I strive to keep consistency in routine while bringing some fun and relaxing into the mix. I enjoy incorporating massages into your dog's care, and they seem to enjoy it!
Home
Information Sarah M. would like to know about your pet
Basic daily routine, how strict the expectations are for following commands in a timely manner, reward methods used, leash manners, how they get along with dogs and people, bad habits, favorite things, physical characteristics and any special needs. By default I expect a dog to be obedient to basic commands, and be a loose leash walker. If these are not important to you please let me know in advance so I can lower the bar accordingly. Also please let me know how long, both distance and duration, of a walk your dog is comfortable with. My last dog could walk 4 mph for as long as you'd keep up with him, but my GSD pup is only good for about 1.5 miles before his hips are done. Knowing what's comfortable for your dog is important for both of us!
A typical day
Where we go really depends on the needs of the dog. A dog with high anxiety may want to stick to familiar places, while others get great health benefits from new and stimulating environments. We are fortunate to have so many trails and bike paths in our area that there is something for every dog! I like to let the dog dictate the pace of the walk. Stopping to sniff is an intellectual activity for dogs and good for their brains. I'm not big on forced marches, but we do keep a pretty decent pace even with the pee-mail breaks.
Services
Sarah can host
Sarah can watch in your home
Availability
My hours for work are flexible and several days per week I work from home. Walks are my preferred method of daily exercise and sharing them with furbuddies makes it a million times better. On days that I work in the office (not listed as available on calendar, typically Tuesdays and Wednesdays) I may have the availability to walk dogs in the Philomath and Corvallis areas.
About Sarah M.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
I have a fully fenced outdoor kennel and a fenced yard. We have a park a block away and several nearby walking paths. We have an extra large crate in the house. Any care provided in your home will be discussed and agreed upon, and I strive to keep consistency in routine while bringing some fun and relaxing into the mix. I enjoy incorporating massages into your dog's care, and they seem to enjoy it!
Home
Information Sarah M. would like to know about your pet
Basic daily routine, how strict the expectations are for following commands in a timely manner, reward methods used, leash manners, how they get along with dogs and people, bad habits, favorite things, physical characteristics and any special needs. By default I expect a dog to be obedient to basic commands, and be a loose leash walker. If these are not important to you please let me know in advance so I can lower the bar accordingly. Also please let me know how long, both distance and duration, of a walk your dog is comfortable with. My last dog could walk 4 mph for as long as you'd keep up with him, but my GSD pup is only good for about 1.5 miles before his hips are done. Knowing what's comfortable for your dog is important for both of us!
A typical day
Where we go really depends on the needs of the dog. A dog with high anxiety may want to stick to familiar places, while others get great health benefits from new and stimulating environments. We are fortunate to have so many trails and bike paths in our area that there is something for every dog! I like to let the dog dictate the pace of the walk. Stopping to sniff is an intellectual activity for dogs and good for their brains. I'm not big on forced marches, but we do keep a pretty decent pace even with the pee-mail breaks.
Location
Albany, OR
Pets
Sarah M.
Albany, OR