Summary

Availability: Weekdays, occasional weekends

Rates: Local:£ negotiable

References: Yes

Insurance: Yes

Services Offered

Dog Walking

Dog Sitting

About Me/ Company

Hello,
My name is Elaine and I live in the Essex area. I have always loved animals, dogs in particular. I was born & brought up overseas for 15 years, I was in a fortunate position to have not only domestic animals around but now and again close encounters with the wildlife!

I have been scuba diving for the past 13 years, climbing the ladder to assistant instructor, and this has opened up a whole new underwater world. I have had the opportunity to dive with sharks, manta rays & turtles to name a few and count it a privilege to share their world.

I have always wanted to work with dogs and for the past 30 odd years I have worked with children. How did that happen!?! Don't get me wrong, I have loved it. I had the opportunity to revisit my dream and make it a reality, I hope you and our furry friends can help me do this! I in return aim to keep your faithful companion/s happy and content which in turn makes a happy owner.

Previous Experience

Before we had our rescued 14 year old dog, Luke*, whom we love dearly, we did puppywalking for the Guide Dog for the Blind Association. Our first puppy was Zaff, a golden labrador. Our time spent with him was tremendously fulfilling & great fun! He went on to become a successful working Guide dog. We went on to foster some Guide dog puppies while their walkers were on vacation or in hospital. I learnt some valuable dog training skills from the Association along with dog behaviour in general.

I have always had dogs around whilst growing up abroad along with a chipmunk and an injured crow we named Corkie! (He was released once healed)

Our rescued dog, Luke* had problems when we got him at 4 months old. After around 6 months of rehabilitation he realised that he was with us for life and I was going to return if I left the house. Today he is a faithful, loyal & very laid back dog who is very much a family member.

We adopted another dog called Brian, back in August 2013. He features in my gallery. He's a 9 year old black & white Staffy that I looked after for awhile in 2012 while his owner was on holiday. Unfortunately his owner's home circumstances changed & he had to find Brian a new home...he didn't have to look for long! Brian has fitted in very well, getting on well with Luke, & much loved.

*We had to say goodbye to our beloved 14 year old dog, Luke, on Oct 4th 2013 when he passed away peacefully. We miss him terribly.

Qualifications & Training

*Diploma gained in proficiency in the study & application of Dog Psychology & Behavioural Correction plus mountains of hands on, practical experience!

*CRB checked (with local Primary school; local church & Great Ormond St Hosp - voluntary work)

*Fully Insured

Relevant Info

If your dog stays in our home while you are on vacation or overnight, please bear in mind that although our dog, Brian, is easy going and gets on well with other dogs, YOUR dog needs to be happy to share his space as well! We are a NON-SMOKING family.
When your dog stays with me, you will need to bring their usual food plus a favourite toy /blanket (one that they're not possessive over preferably!) Helpful when settling in.

If you prefer your dog/s being walked further afield away from your home area i.e to woodland/park/playing fields and it is necessary to use transportation, there will be a small additional cost to cover this. I have a secured dog cage container in my car.

I will walk your dog/s on a leash unless you specifically require them to be off leash once reaching their exercise area eg. playing fields, woods etc. They need to be good at recall! I will need your written permission to do so for insurance purposes.

I will keep you updated on how your pet is doing by WhatsApp (free!) or email rather than texts if you're holidaying abroad and email/texts while you are on vacation or on just a day out in the UK.

Other Services

I will be happy to have your dog staying with us while you are on vacation or having them with us at home overnight. We have a secure garden they can play in and nearby woods/ parks & playing fields.

If your dog just needs company or let out into your outside space, I will happily provide this service. The cost will be the same as walking a dog. *Note: additional cost if location is further afield.

I am happy to walk more than one dog if required but with a maximum of two & only with each owner's consent.

I will walk more than two dogs together only if they are from the same family & used to walking together.

I am happy to go further afield if your dog requires an overnight stay or vacation at my house. I will be happy to collect/return, please note there will be an additional cost for this service. Please see the special notice attached to the 'Specific Areas' section.