Training: I have extensive experience growing up with two dogs (one small breed, one large breed) and being responsible for training both of them. My mom was very passionate about dog training. While attending Dartmouth College, I trained dogs to sit, stay, come, wait for food, heel while walking, not pull on leash, etc. Leash training is something I'm particularly passionate about. I raised my dog from puppy age (8 weeks) and have been very attentive to her training. She can now walk off leash, has excellent recall and knows all the basic commands and then some. I believe proper training is the first step in a mutually respecting and loving relationship with your dog! Fostering: I fostered a 70 pound pittie in late 2015. She was dog-aggressive (due to in-exposure) but we came a long way during our time together, and I was responsible for getting her adopted to a loving forever home :) While living in San Francisco, I watched my friend's pit / lab mix frequently. Owning: I'm now raising a puppy of my own (Lodge)! I started a support group for other puppy owners during covid-19 to share best practices. Since I'm a graduate student at Northwestern, I have plenty of free time and am home most of the day (I take my classes virtually). If I were to plan to not be home on a day you request, I would let you know that upfront before booking.