Sophie

Hi!

Thanks for considering me as a future friend and exercise companion for your beloved pet.

My name is Sophie, and I'm a 21 year old student at the University of Waikato, studying animal behaviour and microbiology. I have an obsession with the theory and psychology behind dog training methodologies and the roots of behaviour, and I spend most of my free time researching, reading and training my own dogs. My rescue dog, Iggy, is my current guinea pig, but I adore meeting and working with other dogs, learning about what makes each one unique.

I grew up on a deer farm, helping my dad train handy (working) dogs and hunting dogs, which began my passion for working with dogs and their behaviour. I've practised my skills on family and friends' dogs, cats and even chickens and I hope to build a future in dog training. Currently, I don't consider myself experienced enough to work as a trainer, but I'm confident in handling, walking and sitting boisterous and large dogs. I have walked dogs with reactivity issues towards humans and dogs, as well as managed prey drive.

I am an active and adventurous person, and I like to get out and explore Hamilton. If your dog enjoys car rides, I can take them on adventures on their own or with my own dog, to roam and explore. I have a collection of long-lines if you're not certain of your dog's recall, so no worries there; otherwise, I'm just as happy taking your elderly dog for a quick jaunt around the block. I can also stop in and visit your home, clean cat litter boxes, water your garden and take puppies on toilet breaks if they're too young to be alone for more than a couple of hours.

I'm available for morning and evening walks, as well as lunchtime visits on weekdays (for 30 minutes), so up to 3 walks per day. Morning and evening walks will take around 45 minutes and I'm happy to help out with obedience training as well. If you've got a healthy, active dog, I'm also on the lookout for an agility prospect!