Pet Sitter in Calgary, Alberta

Hi! I am Helen. I am offering services caring for dogs located in the SE and nearby areas of Calgary. I am happy to walk your pets in your area, or just visit to ensure they are watered, fed and have a pee break. For private neighbourhood walks, water check and top up is included. Feeding and any medication can be negotiated. Depending on your /your pet/s' needs and behaviour, I am able to care for your pets in your home or mine. Both for individual overnight stays or longer vacations. All 'overnights' include a daily walk. Depending on length, needs and location the prices stated are negotiable. My experience is as a dog owner, having raised and trained various breeds. I love all dogs, though I have a very soft spot for bull breeds. I have owned 3 Staffordshire Bull Terriers and cared for many, who happily were well socialized and could walk with other dogs without incident. I have cared for everything from Mini-Schnauzers and Chihuahuas, through to Pit-Bulls, Catahoulas, Shepherds and mixes. I have some experience with cats and other small animals - enough to carry out basic care, but am no expert and I try to keep plants alive if house sitting! As a rule, unless from the same household and non-reactive, I do not walk more than 2 dogs at any given time. I feel this allows me to give the dogs individual attention, report accurately and maintain control. I work on the first meeting (at least) being a leashed walk, even if in the off-leash park. This is to establish a relationship with your dog and ensure recognition and positive association. Later we do off-leash, chase balls and play in the rivers. Well behaved dogs who are staying overnight or being sat, may be taken on a hike, park or mountain walk (if I am going and the owners are agreeable). I do not have specific training qualifications, but have trained my own dogs (including working with a Guide Dog trainer on certain behaviours). I am happy to continue existing habits to ensure continuity and do some work with newbies, where nice walking and social manners will be encouraged. I adhere to a positive encouragement, food incentives and stern tones approach to behavioural training. I am able to transport pets in my SUV, and have cages for this. We visit the dog parks in the area, trying for some variety to keep it interesting (dependent on client location). Lots of time is spent at Southland. References are available, as are lots of pictures! A first meet to discuss needs and meet the client (furry and non!) is free of charge. Reduced rates for additional pets. I am house sitting 4 dogs until June 15th, so overnights aren't possible. Other services are.