Michelle H.
Canoga Park, CA
All Paws On Deck-ur dog's new BFF!
Pet care experience
Hello and thank you for checking out my page!! My name is Michelle and I am an experienced dog owner and sitter. My love for dogs started early on. I've always had one growing up, and at a young age the neighbors dogs started coming over to hang out with us. It must've been appearant how much fun we were having because soon after their owners showing up with requests for a dog sitter! Which is how I got my first "official" dog sitting job watching my neighbors' cocker spaniel at 8 years old. And I got hooked! I was also in 4H in my younger years and gained a lot of experience with different types of animals; including owning my own guinea pigs, rabbits, (and my favorite) three endlessly entertaining pygmy goats. But dogs will always be my first love! I feel very fortunate to have the opportunity right now to pursue what I'm so passionate about professionally and would LOVE to meet you and your best friend! Unfortunately in 2015 my longest standing partner in crime, Sydney, possibly the happiest, friendliest Australian Shepard there ever was, passed away. After saving up all that pet sitting money, I adopted "Nene," as I called her. I was 11 years old and she was 11 months, so you could say she walked me (literally) through growing up! Needless to say it was quite a loss when she passed. She was and will always be considered a member of the family. I think only a fellow dog lover could understand when I say that pup helped shaped me into the person I am today! ***updated!!!*** As a few of you may know I used to do doggy day care and boarding full time out of my home in Agoura - the family I lived with was ready for a change of scenery and have since moved to Colorado! Unfortunately without that venue, I'm no longer able to offer day care and boarding in my home. But - I'm happy to come to you! Although my location has changed, (I'm in Canoga Park now) my passion for working with dogs is steadfast as ever! So I must adapt accordingly! :) For the time being, or at least until I have a place of my own to host all of your wonderful dogs - I am happy to switch things up and come to you instead! I'm an experienced in-house sitter and have a flexible schedule so I am able to stay as long (or as little) as you need me to! **NOTE** just because your dog is not great on a leash yet does not necessarily mean I won't walk your dog for you! (with your consent, of course) I'm a fairly experienced in dog training and I'm happy to do my best to bring out your pup's best behavior on (and off) a leash! Please be open about your dog's usual behavior on a leash and whatever type of collar/harness/leader etc they are used to working with. ** My relationship with my clients, and their dogs of course, is very important to me. I want everyone to feel happy, comfortable and cared for. I understand how unnerving it can be to trust your dog with someone new and I want you to feel confident their paws are in good hands. 🙂 I definitely get attached to all the wonderful dogs Rover has brought into my life! It's my pleasure and a joy to care for them. My promise to every owner is simply this: I will love and care for your dog as if it were my own! 🐾 That being said, I am flexible and will always be as accommodating as possible to ensure it's a good fit. I absolutely encourage open communication in all areas to make sure of a positive experience all around! I very much look forward to speaking to and meeting you and your dog(s)! Please notify me with any questions/concerns you may have! I'm happy to answer them. Thank you again for taking the time to check out my page and hope to hear from you soon. :) -Michelle H., All Paws On Deck 🙂 🐾
Reviews
I have been through several dog sitters and Michelle is by far the best sitter I've had. I was very impressed with how well she was with my two pitbulls and how well both my dogs listened to her. Everytime Michelle dog sits for me my dogs get very excited as soon as she walks through the door and my dogs don't get that way with everyone. The fact that my dogs get that way everytime they she Michelle tells me that she treats them with kindness and gives them a lot of attention which is important when someone watches your dog. I would strongly recommend Michelle for a dog sitter and I can honestly say you will not regret having her dog sit your own dogs. Thank you sooo much Michelle for being such a great dog sitter!!! You will always be my number one pick for a sitter
Awesome doggie sitter. I can't believe that when I usually arrive home after being gone my babies usually run to the door and get all excited,well this time they wer very happy with their new sitter.I would recommend her to anyone thank you Michelle.
Very happy with Michelle, she connected well with my dog and kept me updated throughout the house / dog sitting. Will def use her services again.
Michelle did a great job looking after our dog and cat! Our dog can be agitated with strangers, but instantly was comfortable with Michelle!
About Michelle H.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
I like to make the transition of you leaving your home as smooth and as stress free as possible. Especially for the sweet and sensitive pups who experience separation anxiety. I find distraction is an excellent tool! I have a good amount of experience of dealing with dogs who suffer from separation anxiety. As heartbreaking as it is to witness an animal go through it, not to mention how frustrating it is that you can't just tell them "it's ok, I promise!" I've found the best thing to do is show them the opposite of what they're feeling. For example - their anxiety could be coming from any number of factors or past traumas, every dog is different of course, but usually at the bottom of their anxiety is fear and insecurity. So I would try and combat that with LOTS of love and affection, holding them close so they physically feel secure, maybe with a favorite blanket or toy that smells like you. But I am always open for suggestions on this topic! That being said, for most dogs after the initial "a new friend to play with!!!" excitement, some scratches behind the ears, bellyrubs, introductions to their favorite toys - we'll be having so much fun your pup will hardly realize you've left! I always like to mention this - don't be shy about leaving instructions! Quick story: One of my favorite clients ever (both human and dogs) had made a perfect spreadsheet of all the information one could possibly think of about her two dogs. When she gave it to me she hesitated letting go of it and says "Michelle you're going to think I'm nuts. My dogs are color coordinated with their food and I pre measured their kibble for you in individual morning/evening baggies, all color coded. They both have different feeding schedules and it's kind of confusing so I thought it might make it easier." 😁 A girl after my own heart! I explained to her that if she hadn't done it, I probably would have. 🤣 My point being, details are great! I love when a client takes the time to explain (or write down) every aspect of their dog they can think of, PLEASE don't think your being over the top by leaving clear, detailed instructions. Like/dislikes, any silly or unusual quirks specific to your dog, their favorite place to poo - anything and everything! The more I know about your dog(s) the better I can care for them. For housesitting, detailed instructions are greatly appreciated here as well. Anything you can think of house-related - if there's an alarm system, if you'd like me to collect your mail for you (I don't mind at all), anything like that. I know it can feel a little awkward having someone stay in your home. I totally understand and I like to keep the lines of communication open as much as possible so that everything runs smoothly! Most importantly, I like to keep whatever routine you currently have established for your pup as much as possible. (feeding times, potty breaks, play times, bed times.. you get the idea) it makes for an easy, smooth, stress free transition! 🐾 🌞🐾
Information Michelle H. would like to know about your pet
Knowledge is power = please be open about your dog as much as possible! Let me know what your dog's average day is like so I know what the expectations are :) The more info I have, the more comfortable I can make the stay for everyone. I have never been bummed out by an owner being involved and detailed about their dogs needs! (Great example in the first section ^ ) :) Please let me know if your dog is crate trained, potty trained, spayed or neutered, how they interact with other dogs (whether it be good or bad), what commands they know, what commands you would like them to know, if they have any allergies or medical conditions, their feeding and potty break schedule, and any other details you can think of, even if they don't seem particularly relevant or flattering. Safety and well being are always top priority!
A typical day
I believe a happy dog is one that gets both mental and physical stimulation on a regular basis! And of course, lots and lots of love! That being said, we can go for walks and sniff out the neighborhood or just play in the yard - maybe even learn a new trick or two! If you have a regular walk route please let me know :)
Services
Michelle can watch in your home
Availability
As I mentioned above, I'm very fortunate to have a super flexible schedule right now - so I'm able to fill it up with Rover clients all day! :) ya'll will have to bare with me on the short distance from my home that I am able to serve right now. My (parked) car was the victim of a hit and run recently, so for the time being I'm uber-ing- I like my clients to be aware of this just so they know that - for now - I currently will not be able to transport their dog via my own vehicle if necessary. Just a friendly heads up! Luckily this inconvenience does not hinder my abilities as a great dog sitter! I truly am devoted to this line of work and I think I have just as much fun with your dogs as they do with me!
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About Michelle H.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
I like to make the transition of you leaving your home as smooth and as stress free as possible. Especially for the sweet and sensitive pups who experience separation anxiety. I find distraction is an excellent tool! I have a good amount of experience of dealing with dogs who suffer from separation anxiety. As heartbreaking as it is to witness an animal go through it, not to mention how frustrating it is that you can't just tell them "it's ok, I promise!" I've found the best thing to do is show them the opposite of what they're feeling. For example - their anxiety could be coming from any number of factors or past traumas, every dog is different of course, but usually at the bottom of their anxiety is fear and insecurity. So I would try and combat that with LOTS of love and affection, holding them close so they physically feel secure, maybe with a favorite blanket or toy that smells like you. But I am always open for suggestions on this topic! That being said, for most dogs after the initial "a new friend to play with!!!" excitement, some scratches behind the ears, bellyrubs, introductions to their favorite toys - we'll be having so much fun your pup will hardly realize you've left! I always like to mention this - don't be shy about leaving instructions! Quick story: One of my favorite clients ever (both human and dogs) had made a perfect spreadsheet of all the information one could possibly think of about her two dogs. When she gave it to me she hesitated letting go of it and says "Michelle you're going to think I'm nuts. My dogs are color coordinated with their food and I pre measured their kibble for you in individual morning/evening baggies, all color coded. They both have different feeding schedules and it's kind of confusing so I thought it might make it easier." 😁 A girl after my own heart! I explained to her that if she hadn't done it, I probably would have. 🤣 My point being, details are great! I love when a client takes the time to explain (or write down) every aspect of their dog they can think of, PLEASE don't think your being over the top by leaving clear, detailed instructions. Like/dislikes, any silly or unusual quirks specific to your dog, their favorite place to poo - anything and everything! The more I know about your dog(s) the better I can care for them. For housesitting, detailed instructions are greatly appreciated here as well. Anything you can think of house-related - if there's an alarm system, if you'd like me to collect your mail for you (I don't mind at all), anything like that. I know it can feel a little awkward having someone stay in your home. I totally understand and I like to keep the lines of communication open as much as possible so that everything runs smoothly! Most importantly, I like to keep whatever routine you currently have established for your pup as much as possible. (feeding times, potty breaks, play times, bed times.. you get the idea) it makes for an easy, smooth, stress free transition! 🐾 🌞🐾
Information Michelle H. would like to know about your pet
Knowledge is power = please be open about your dog as much as possible! Let me know what your dog's average day is like so I know what the expectations are :) The more info I have, the more comfortable I can make the stay for everyone. I have never been bummed out by an owner being involved and detailed about their dogs needs! (Great example in the first section ^ ) :) Please let me know if your dog is crate trained, potty trained, spayed or neutered, how they interact with other dogs (whether it be good or bad), what commands they know, what commands you would like them to know, if they have any allergies or medical conditions, their feeding and potty break schedule, and any other details you can think of, even if they don't seem particularly relevant or flattering. Safety and well being are always top priority!
A typical day
I believe a happy dog is one that gets both mental and physical stimulation on a regular basis! And of course, lots and lots of love! That being said, we can go for walks and sniff out the neighborhood or just play in the yard - maybe even learn a new trick or two! If you have a regular walk route please let me know :)
Location
Canoga Park, CA
Michelle H.
Canoga Park, CA