Alex

Hi there, I am a doggy lover from the UK on a working holiday. One of the things I miss most is my two-year-old Border Collie Sam, taking him for walks and playing ball. I have been dog mad since I was little and always got ‘how to train your puppy’ books from the library years before I got a dog. I adopted my first Border Collie Max when I was twelve. I walked him every day after school and took him to dog training where we advanced to the Platinum class in the Good Citizen Dog Scheme, with commands such as long stay, recall, walking to heel off lead and stop, where I was the youngest handler in my class. I have also attended Crufts, the world’s largest dog shows too many years to count, where I have gained knowledge and learnt techniques on dog handling and training. Max was a difficult dog and had problems socialising with other dogs on the lead, thus I have great experience in dealing with problem dogs who might prefer to be walked on their own and I know the tell-tale signs of an unhappy or anxious dog, so if you have an anxious pet please do not worry, I can adapt my walks to suit them. After Max passed away we now have Sam, a red and white Border Collie, who I have also helped train, socialise and walk. Both my Border Collie’s love playing ball, so I am happy to play fetch until the cows come home. As well as caring for my own dogs I have often been a dog sitter and walker for my neighbour’s dogs back home, two lively Springer Spaniels. I also advise and help friends train their dogs, including a French bulldog, who at first was troublesome, now pictured socialising with my dog. I am extremely patient, have a great understanding of dog behaviours and tending to their every need. I have experience in walking difficult dogs on a halti, harness or collar and am confident in walking dogs of all sizes. My recent clients have included a Border Collie, Jack Russell Terrier, Kelpie, Beagle, Daschunds, French Bulldog, a German Pointer cross and a Goldie cross.

Above all I love man’s best friend and will happily give kisses and cuddles, play ball, walk, pick up after and care for your dog. As soon as you hold the lead a dog can tell if you are tense or relaxed. With me they will have a joyous chilled walk and return home happy and satisfied. I love to walk along the coastal paths, by the beaches and in local parks. I am available for dog walking and dog sitting services in the Lewisham and Marrickville area but I am happy to travel around Sydney for dog sitting. My walks typically last one hour depending on the age and ability of the dog, and the temperature (we don't want doggies overheating in the midday sun!) but we will walk rain, snow, sleet or shine. I typically walk along walking tracks and away from main roads and to doggy parks and open spaces. I am happy to take on a maximum of two dogs per walk. For home visits, I would stay for an hour. During this time I will play, cuddle, groom, train, feed and walk your dog. I am happy to discuss options for overnight stays in the owner’s home, where your dog will be given 24 hours of love, playtime and walkies. I understand that dogs are not just pets, they are part of the family and very precious to us. Please feel free to ask me any questions about my experience or techniques. I look forward to hearing from you soon.