Szonja

walks just the way your dog likes it ⸰ practicing commands/tricks ⸰ retriever training

I know how difficult it is when you have to choose someone trustworthy to take care of your dog. I promise to be a walker who listens to his/her needs, whether he/she's as extroverted and adventurous as my Helka, or more reserved and contemplative. Whether we become instant friends or he/she takes the time to trust me, I will adapt with patience. 

I was 15 when I adopted my first dog. I was happy to take on the full responsibility—but I had no idea what that would mean. In the 4 years since, I've experienced the full creativity, independence, kindness, and love of a Golden Retriever in Helka. We've been through every imaginable challenge: eating bees and cigarette butts, running away on walks to chase ducks and cyclists, various small injuries and illnesses, eating poisonous moldy walnuts, and even hunting mice. Our walks are my favourite part of any day. Simply spending time with her, sitting in the garden and looking at the bugs and birds around us is something that I really miss since I moved away. As Helka could not join me for my first year at university, I would love to befriend other dogs and help their humans to care for them. 

I believe the best walks are those that are not about the plans of the human, but the ideas of the dog (within the limits of safety). So, there's no rush: every plant and rock can be sniffed and investigated fully, and we can always take the road your dog is more interested in. I never let anything (such as my phone, which is only there for emergencies) distract me, since I truly enjoy seeing the world from their perspective, and slowing to their pace of experiencing the world.

At home, I regularly dog sit for our neighbours, whose Australian shepherd is Helka's best friend. I supervise their play time to ensure their safety and take them out on walks together.

My experience with Helka made me super quick to react to threats to a dog's safety; I have flown across the garden to remove a mouse from her mouth, and I'm really good at noticing if a wild animal is approaching in the woods before she jolts away. I'm not fazed by anything a dog may do; I will not elaborate on what I've seen her eat, roll in, and, well, throw up. 

I have 4 years of experience in 'obedience' training and teaching tricks, as well as in retriever training (a fancier, hunting-inspired form of throwing a stick for the dog). With Helka, we always attended one or two weekly classes at a dog school. During our walks, I can practice basic commands or whatever else you want to work on with your pet, and I can create stimulating exercices for him/her for an even more fun experience outdoors. If you have a Labrador or other retriever-type dog, my experience with retriever training could be just what you're looking for: whether he/she's a trained gundog or has no experience, I can guarantee he/she will enjoy it more than anything! If you're not interested in that, I'm ready to learn and practice any other activities with your dog.

I believe that if a dog is not listening, it's due to a simple communication issue between him/her and the trainer that can be resolved if the human pays more attention to the dog. There is no such thing as a bad dog, only bad days for humans and dogs alike. I've read much about why dogs behave the way they do, what interests and motivates them. I know they're more than happy to help humans, we just have to ask the right way (especially with the right tone of voice and displaying the right body language) and pay attention to their response. 

If you feel like I would be a good match with your dog, reach out, and I'll be happy to get to know you!