General Questions
What services do you offer?
Force-free dog training, dog enrichment, and pet sitting in the comfort of your home. Each service is designed to support your pet's well-being, build trust, and make life easier for pets and their humans.
What kinds of pets do you work with?
Training and enrichment: One dog, or puppy, at a time. I'm happy to refer out for dogs who exhibit offensively aggressive behaviors.
Pet Sitting: Dogs and cats. If you have other animals, like Bearded dragons, let's talk!
What areas do you serve?
Training and enrichment: Shepherdstown, WV, and communities within an hour of Shepherdstown.
Pet Sitting: Shepherdstown, WV, and surrounding communities.
Dog Training
What can dog training help with?
Training can support a wide range of goals, from basic manners and leash skills to better communication, calmer behavior at home, and stronger every-day habits. Together, we'll focus on helping your dog learn practical skills that make life more enjoyable and less stressful.
What happens during a training session?
Dog training is really about training humans to communicate with and motivate their dogs to offer a desirable behavior! After creating a custom plan for your needs, I teach and demonstrate something specific with your dog, then coach the human to do it, helping them learn the mechanics that offer clear communication to their dog.
How much time do I need to train between sessions?
Often, just a few minutes a day, even 5 days a week, is all you need to practice new behaviors. After each training session, I send notes with recommended activities and time limits.
How long does training take?
Great question, and it depends! By the end of an in-person consult, I'll recommend a training package and schedule that meets your needs. Our training sessions last one hour with one or more brain breaks for your dog.
I've heard positive reinforcement training uses a lot of treats. Is this true?
Small (pea-sized) food treats are typically motivating for dogs learning new behaviors, so, initially, yes, we'll use a variety of low, medium and high-value treats. As dogs learn new behaviors, we "fade" the treats, reinforcing desirable behaviors from time to time in the long run. We like to be paid for good work, and so do dogs! We also use "life rewards," like play, going outside, or whatever is fun for your dog to reinforce desirable behaviors.
Why do you avoid traditional training methods?
Modern science offers solid evidence that positive reinforcement / force-free approaches are not only effective, they best support trust and bonding. While aversive practices and tools work and can be effective in the moment, force-free methods motivate dogs to learn behaviors. Consider this: why continue to use leash corrections and prong collars, for example, rather than train your dog to choose to offer desirable behaviors?
Dog Enrichment
What is dog enrichment?
I'm so glad you asked! Dog enrichment includes activities that give dogs opportunities to think, sniff, solve problems, and engage their minds in positive ways. It's a great way to support a dog's happiness, confidence, and overall well being.
Why is enrichment important?
Dogs need more than physical exercise. Enrichment helps prevent boredom, reduces frustration, and gives dogs a healthy outlet for their natural instincts and energy. While enrichment benefits all dogs, those who are timid or anxious especially benefit from pattern games and scent work. Cognitive games are fun for dogs and humans, and there is the old adage, "a tired dog is a good dog!"
What does enrichment look like?
Enrichment can take many forms, including sniffing games, puzzle toys, food-based activities, exploration, brain games, and other experiences tailored to your dog. Together, we'll choose activities based on what's safe, fund, and appropriate for your dog.
Is enrichment good for all dogs?
Yes! Think back 100+ years ago... how did dogs spend their days, and how does that compare to today's urban-centric living? Intentionally adding structured enrichment to our dogs lives benefits all dogs. And, don't be surprised if your dog needs a nap after engaging in cognitive games.
Can enrichment help anxious or high-energy dogs?
Yes, structured cognitive games can be especially helpful for dogs who need help settling, using energy constructively, or building confidence. The science shows that timid, anxious, or reactive dogs especially benefit from structured scent work and predictable, simple pattern games.
Pet Sitting
What does your pet sitting service include?
In-home pet sitting for one or a few animals where your pets can stay comfortable in a familiar environment. In addition to feeding, care, and companionship with your beloved pets, I'll be keeping an eye on your home, watering plants, taking in mail and packages, managing trash and recycling, and responding to any emergencies that arise while you are away.
Why choose in-home pet sitting?
Many pets feel most relaxed at home, where their routines, smells, and surroundings are familiar. In-home pet sitting can reduce stress and allow your pet to stay comfortable while you're away.
Do you stay overnight?
Yes. I like to arrive before you leave to ease the transition. Some customers with cats only need cat checks, and we can arrange for that, too.
Can you care for pets with special routines?
Yes, I do my best to maintain each pet's normal routines.
Can you give medication?
If medication support is part of your service, let me know when you reach out, including how the medication is handled and delivered.
Will my pet be safe and comfortable while I'm away?
This is always my priority! I care for pets with patience, attention, and respect, and I make every effort to keep them feeling secure, seen, and well cared for.
Working Together
How do I get started?
The best first step is to reach out and share a little about your pet adn what kind of support you are seeking. I will follow up to schedule a video call to learn more.
What information should I share?
Tell me about about your pet and the services that interest you. It helps to know your pet's age, breed or mix, weight, any behavior concerns, and your interests and goals.
Do you require a meet-and-greet?
Yes! After you reach out, we'll connect via video call to learn more about each other and your needs and plan an in-home visit. I have a protocol we'll follow each time I meet a new dog. Between the call and visit, we'll have a good idea if we are a match and can go from there!
What payment methods do you accept?
I accept cash, check, and a variety of digital payments through my website.
How far in advance should I reach out to book services?
It's best to reach out as soon as you know you want to ask about working together, especially if you are requesting overnight pet sitting.