ANSWERS TO ALL

Before I book...

I'd like to book with you, what should I do?

Woohoo I can't wait to meet you & your little furry friend - if you get in touch either by phone or email telling me about your pooch & what services you'd like, I'll get back to you within a few hours.

We'll arrange an initial meet & greet so I can say hello, meet your dog & have a nice chat about your dog's personality, activity level, training and any special needs. If you're wanting an overnight stay, we'll arrange a trial stay for one night to get your dog comfortable with spending time with me, ahead of the weekend/short break you've got planned.

What qualifications do you have?

I'm beyond excited to study canine behaviouralism. I started an IABTC certified course in Canine Behaviour & Training in February last year. It's going to take a few years to be qualified as I'm studying part time, but it was so important for me to be really confident as a dog trainer & behaviouralist rather than doing a week's crash course.

My passion in dog behaviourism was born from my very first dog client who was reactive around other dogs but adored people. I really wanted to understand why this happened & how to guide her owner to improve her life & daily walks. Before she only walked off-lead with no other dogs around & fast forward 6 months later she walks off-lead & is happy being around other dogs. The impact on her life & her owner's is what motivates me to continue.

What's a meet & greet like?

It's a great opportunity for us to meet before I look after your dog, and to ask all the questions you may have. It's totally up to you whether you want to come to my home to see where they'll be looked after, or whether you'd rather meet in a park or at your home.

I love meeting your dogs beforehand & start getting familiar with their personalities, their likes/dislikes & understanding any training you're doing with them.

Don't worry if you have any afterwards, you can always drop me a text or email!

Do you only take well-trained dogs?

I adore all dogs. I've specialised in caring for dogs who are reactive towards other dogs as I understand the need for making a walk as enjoyable as possible for your dog without causing more stress. I will work with you on training requirements for your dog that you'd like me to reinforce as well as sharing from my personal experience/research.

What areas do you cover?

I cover Clapham Common, Clapham South and Clapham Northside for dog sitting and overnight stays. For dog walking, it is predominantly just the Clapham Common area. If you're not sure, then please contact me & I'll see if there's anything I can do to help!

My dog has separation anxiety, can you help?

Absolutely! I love being able to help dogs with separation anxiety (particularly common with lockdown pups) or reactive dogs, especially when I see the impact it has on the dog & their owners when they're super happy being left with me or they have a great walk with no stress from other dogs.

I'm not a qualified dog trainer yet so I can pass on hints & tips for now - and I'll be able to offer more tailored advice after finishing my studies.

Will you take multiple dogs at one time?

For majority of cases, I will only take dogs from 1 owner at a time. By exception, when I have 2 of my regular clients who need help on the same day/time, I do accept multiple dogs provided both owners agree & the dogs have met before to ensure that they get on well with each other.

What time is pick up & drop off?

For a full day's (8 hours) doggy day care, dogs should be dropped off from 9am & collected by 5pm.

If you need slightly earlier drop off or later pick up, then please let me know as if I'm available then that shouldn't be a problem. There are additional charges for being outside of my normal hours, or if you need longer than 8 hours of doggy daycare.

What is your cancellation policy?

I kindly ask that you give me at least 24 hours notice if you need to cancel your booking. If it's within 24 hours & I don't receive a new booking then you'll still need to pay for your booking

Are you insured?

Yes, I'm fully insured to professionally care for dogs, with specialist pet business cover through Protectivity in place. My insurance covers public liability; day care; custody & control of your dog; loss of keys & home boarding. I always recommend that you have your own pet insurance & make sure that anyone looking after your dog is fully insured!

During your dog's visit

I've never been to doggy daycare, what should I bring?

You don't need to pack a suitcase, just a few bits that will make your dog feel happy & remind them of home whilst they're with me.

You'll need to bring enough food to last them for the day or their entire stay & any regular medications they are taking. I always suggest bringing their favourite toys, perhaps a blanket or bed they have at home (so they have something familiar with them) and then any treats if they have a specific diet.

Will you keep me updated with photos & what you're up to together?

Absolutely - you'll receieve multiple pictures a day of what we're up to whether that's muddy walks in the countryside, snuggles on the sofa or learning new tricks.

Is my dog allowed on your sofa or bed?

It's important that your dog's mini holiday doesn't change any of the behaviours you've spent months teaching so I mirror exactly what you do at home. So if you're a sofa or bed cuddles dog, I'll never say no but likewise if you prefer dogs to stay off the furniture that's fine as well.

Will my dog be supervised at all times?

Yes absolutely - you're trusting me with your dog & I am with them 24/7 so rest assured they'll never be left unattended.

For longer overnight stays, I will ask during your meet & greet if you dog is able to be left alone for a quick food shop or a gym workout. If that's not possible then I'll do a food shop beforehand or get a delivery instead!

What happens in an emergency?

I always take details of your vet when accepting a booking and will try to get your dog to your registered vet if they become ill (and let you know immediately). However if there is an emergency, I will take your dog to the nearest vet available. Either the vet will invoice you on your return or I'll pay & seek reimbursement from you for any expenses incurred.

Where will my dog sleep?

Similar to having dogs on furniture/sofas, I mirror exactly what you do at home. I ask that you bring their crate or dog bed from home & let me know what you're currently doing.

I do ask if you can please be honest if they're sleeping in your bed as it's a nightmare trying to get them to sleep in their bed in another room if that's not what they're used to doing!