Manda

I am a Store Manager of a busy Pet Store in Yarraville, looking to help out the local community by offering dog walking, pet sitting, aquarium maintenance, and basic dog and cat training.

I love to spoil my clients, and I tend to form bonds with many of my clients, and the dogs who visit my store regularly. I have high behavioural expectations (Both of my cats sit and high five me for their treats, nothing for nothing is my motto), and I help my furry friends find thier way, through positive reinforcement training, if they are a little unsure of what is required of them. My repeat clients are often pleased that their pet has learned to do polite things that are of benefit to their households.

I currently work 5 days a week, and have several regular clients for dog sitting and walking through the week, meaning that I am not always available to take on more work due to often knowing these clients will be booking in on certain days before the bookings happen, but I am always happy to answer queries, and will fit in new clients where possible. Part of the service that I offer includes 24/7 supervision - I will not accept a dog to be left in my backyard all day, my clients deserve better the best, and I can't provide that if I am not with them. Dogs need to be housetrained, and to be able to be inside the house, around my family and I, at all times.

Dogs that I sit Sunday-Thursday spend the day at the Pet Store during the day, and if they are dropped off at, or picked up from my home, they will do a 30 min walk with me to and from the store. They may have company with other dogs at the store, or other clients I have booked in, and they will likely meet lots of people and other dogs, due to the nature of being in the store. I always make sure my clients are happy with their pet being with another dog before accepting two or three bookings at once. The dogs tend to hang out with me in my small office, with a baby gate to keep them secure, but I ensure they receive stimulation, rewards and training throughout the day. I cannot guarantee constant stimulation throughout the day on days they are at work with me, but I can guarantee constant company and affection.

If your pet is with me for Fridays or Saturdays, they will be spending time with my husband and two cats as well. My husband adores all of my clients and spoils them rotten. Some of them love him more than they do me!

*NOTE: I cannot accept dogs for sitting in my home that are not cat friendly. It would be stressful for the dog, and for my two cats, to be in an enclosed space together, and the risk to each of their safety is too high to accept.*

Many of my current clients, and one of my own cats, have health or dietary issues, and I have plenty of experience with single-protein diets, specialised food preparation, and administering medications to pets. I am also comfortable dressing and treating wounds, and administering pariticidal treatments.

I have a few years experience in basic dog training, mostly focussing on positive reinforcement and negative subtraction methods, with recent studies in dog behaviouralism favouring these methods.

Please keep in mind that dog training is as much about continuity and consistency as it is training - my job is to train you as much as it is to train your pet.

I can handle a wide range of pet personalities, from boisterous Pugs to lazy Bull Arabs, and the most rascally Kitties to the reserved cupboard-dwellers, and I have helped quite a few anxious and nervous dogs and cats learn to come out of their shells.

As well as my experience with your furrier pets, I also work part time at a busy aquarium in West Footscray, with 5 years experience taking care of Freshwater Cold and Tropical Aquariums, including African and South American Cichlids. I would love to look after your aquariums while you are on holidays, or help you out with performing regular maintenance.

I will do more than just feed your fish, I will test the water parameters regularly, monitor fish health, treat any issues that may arise, and complete water changes were needed. I have my own testing kits, water change equipment & medications that I bring with me on site, and I clean all equipment in aquarium disinfectant and salt water after use. Ask me about arranging a home visit to talk about what you require for your aquatic needs.

Feel free to send me a message if you think we can work together to keep your furry, feathered or scaly friends happy, or if you have any queries about my availability or services.