Tag: invermere dog walker

What is Socialization?

Posted on by Invermere Pets

A Better Way to Introduce Dogs

We all think our dog should have dog friends and we want them to be happy and social. But what does socialization really mean and how do we create positive introductions?

leash walks

Socialization is about exposure to new surroundings, noises and environments. We want to create positive but neutral associations to many different experiences. Exploring the world, meeting other dogs and new people and learning how to navigate every day life!

Socialization is NOT taking them to the off-leash dog park to let them “figure it out” or dropping them off at doggy daycare where “dogs can be dogs” and play all day. Many dogs find dog parks or daycare situations too overwhelming. The over-excitement, hyper-arousal and constant stimulation can create more reactivity as time goes on.

Try parallel leash walks with other dog owners – start on opposite sides of the street or farther apart then gradually begin to walk closer together. We offer pack walks in the spring and fall. Working with like-minded dog owners we can work on leash skills, practice neutral and calm behavior and share some helpful training tips.

Choose a few friendly dogs for structured, controlled meetings. Plan calm, one-on-one interactions with select dog friends instead of the chaotic, rowdy wrestling play dates. When meeting new dogs avoid giving treats, tossing toys or even excessive petting as these can trigger resource guarding responses in some dogs. As always, watch your dog’s body language and do not leave dogs unsupervised, intervene early before issues escalate into big problems. Advocate for your dog!

If you are struggling with your dog please contact us! We can connect you to a certified dog trainer and help you build confidence as a handler and improve your relationship with your dog!

We love Happy Healthy Pets! Thanks for reading!
Shannen 🙂

Winter’s Almost Here!

Posted on by Invermere Pets

Welcome to Winter 2024 and looking ahead to 2025.

Summer was busy and fall went by in a blur. Now here we are, winter is knocking at the door and it’s time for an update! Weekly walks are in full swing and most days have a stacked line up. Contact me for walk availability on Tuesdays, Fridays and limited space on Saturdays. Book early to secure a spot!

Vacation Dates for the new year include: January 9-13 (Vancouver), January 18 – February 1 (VACATION) and February 14-20 (Vancouver). My parents and family are in Vancouver and as they get older I will try to spend time with them when / while I can. Thanks for understanding!! Currently overnight pet sitting is fully booked until March.

Coming in 2025… additional training programs and pack walks. These on-leash structured walks help dogs learn to be neutral and co-exist with other dogs. All you will need is a dog and a leash! Stay tuned for more info to come!

As always, Thanks for the continued support, referrals and time spent with the best companions.

: ) Shannen

May Days and Beyond!

Posted on by Invermere Pets

Spring and Summer Updates for Walks and Pet Sitting

May is here and we are finally creaping into warmer temps and spring conditions. Sunny days definitely make dog walks more enjoyable but keep a towel by the door in case of rain!

I have a couple more family-time trips planned in the coming months. * I am away May 11 – 19 and again June 23 – July 11 *. Pet Sitting nights are currently fully booked until the end of October. Once we get closer, I can “release” dates for November, December and Christmas. Stay Tuned!

Thanks for all the support and keeping me busy and active!
Shannen

2024 & More!

Posted on by Invermere Pets

Dog walks, pet sitting dates, and time away in 2024!

Invermere Pet Services now offers dog walks four days a week. Reach out to sign up for Monday, Wednesday, Thursday or Saturday walk spots. These days fill up fast!

I will be taking a bit more time away in 2024. My family is in Vancouver and spending time with them is becoming more important. I’ll always give lots of notice for my time off. * I’ll be away: Feb 25 – March 5 and May 11 – May 19 and June 23 – July 10 *

There are limited pet sitting dates available in the spring. Contact me for rates, dates and details to keep your pet happy and healthy while you enjoy your vacation!

Thanks to all my clients and good dogs and cats for trusting me and keeping me active and busy! I love my daily walks and adventures. I appreciate the support! : ) Shannen

On-leash walks.

Posted on by Invermere Pets

Why I choose to keep dogs on-leash.

I believe the most important part of dog walking is bringing your dog home at the end of the walk (call me crazy!) I always keep new-to-me dogs on a leash until we get to know each other better. Walking on a leash builds a connection because we are (literally) connected! A leash is a great communication tool and provides lots of valuable feedback.

Keeping your dog on a leash keeps everyone safe. Your dog might have great recall with you, but will they listen to someone new? Is your dog a runner, wildlife chaser, or garbage snacker? Is your dog spooked by loud noises, startled or distracted? These are some of the little unknowns and risks that I would rather not explore.

But my dog needs to run off leash or with a pack to be tired!

You might think, “My dog needs to run off leash in order to be tired.” I can move pretty fast, ask anyone that has ever tried to walk with me. I cover a lot of ground so your dog will get plenty of physical exercise. Walking with a different person will keep their brain switched on, which in turn will also make them tired. It’s a new person to listen to, new places to walk and there are so many different smells along the way to keep things really interesting!

Some people confess, “My dog pulls!” Mine too, but we keep training every day! With your dog, I work on leash skills while we get to know each other. We practice a nice calm sit at the door, we stop on our walk for check-ins, or we do drills to help with leash awareness and handling.

And, after time, your dog might progress to off leash fun – some dogs may never get to that point – and that’s ok! When your dog is so excited to see me on our walk days, then we can try off leash time in small controlled settings. Sometimes we go to an empty tennis court to do quick recall drills or we will go to quiet trails or parks and spend a few minutes to build up to more off leash time.

Keeping your dogs happy, healthy and safe is my top priority. Keeping your dog on leash is the best way for me to keep that promise!

Thanks again for choosing me and keeping me busy!

: ) Shannen

Christmas Holidays.

Posted on by Invermere Pets

Christmas is just around the corner and I will be going back to Vancouver to visit family and friends. After three busy holiday seasons in the valley it’s time to make a trip home. I will be away Dec 22 – Jan 7. The last regular dog walk day will be Thursday Dec 21 and walks will resume Jan 8.

Pet sitting dates are fully booked until the end of the year and a few dates are already booked for the new year. Home visits (once or twice a day) for your feline friends are still available! Contact me if you need daily check-ins for your cats, chickens, hedgehogs or goldfish, or if you need someone to water plants or check the mail!

More walk spots will hopefully be opening up in the new year – stay tuned for new walk days. Also January will see a rate increase – dog walks will be $30/walk. I also hope to introduce a punch card option for the weekly regulars – buy 9, get the 10th free!

Thanks for all the continued support and walks. I hope to keep your dogs and cats happy and healthy – just like they keep me fit and active!

Tell your dog I said HI!
Shannen

Fall and Winter 2023

Posted on by Invermere Pets

Welcome to September and the home stretch of the last few months for 2023.

July and August were smokin’ hot and the Columbia Valley was packed with summer tourists. I stayed busy pet sitting, dog walking, working part-time and enjoying some summer fun.

Overnight pet sitting dates for September, October and November are fully booked. I can only be in one place at a time so my dates book up fast! Home visits for your feline friends are still available during these times – send me a message if you need kitty visits.

I’ll be away for the Christmas holidays to spend time with my family and friends in Vancouver (December 23-January 6). If you are planning a winter get-away in the new year send your requests for dates in soon!

Thank you for all the support and referrals! I hope to be able to offer more weekly dog walks spots in the future!

Tell your dog I said Hi!
~Shannen

Welcome to Summer!

Posted on by Invermere Pets

Reminder *** I will be away June 27 – July 12! ***

I’m off to the coast (home) for a visit with family and friends and to work my other, other, other job with BC Bike Race!

Summer in the Columbia Valley is amazing, there’s new snow on the mountains (!!) the lake is refreshing and the trails are perfect for running, hiking or riding. During the hot summer days our dog walks might get a little shorter, slower and shadier. I bring water with me on all walks and try to get to the lake or other water source whenever possible.

Pet sitting dates are almost fully booked from July to November. I only have a few potential spaces available. As well, I will likely (hoping!) be away during the first two weeks of December to have a much needed vacation and get some SUN before the cold of winter hits.

As always, I want to say a huge THANK YOU to all the awesome dogs and cats (and the people!) for all the support. The dog walk days keep me fit and active and I love to get as many kitty cuddles as possible!

Thanks for all the love,
Shannen

Winter Walks

Posted on by Invermere Pets

Thanks to all my amazing dog and cat clients! I am so grateful for all the ongoing support here in Invermere and the Columbia Valley. This May will be THREE YEARS of Invermere Pet Services! WOW!

Winter Dog Walks

Christmas was a very busy time for pet sitting and home visits. That momentum kept my calendar packed until the end of January. I have a little quiet time before the spring break rush starts again in March. Currently, pet sitting bookings are fully booked until May.

My dog walking days continue to be Monday and Thursday with a few weekend spots on Saturdays too! I have a few “Black Out” dates to note: No Dog Walks on: Monday Feb 13, Monday March 13, Thursday March 27.

Thanks for choosing Invermere Pet Services!
~Shannen

Happy September!

Posted on by Invermere Pets

Availability updates for Fall and Winter

What a brilliant and busy summer! Thanks again to all my wonderful doggos and PAWsome kitties for keeping my summer full of walks and cuddles.

September is here and I am off for the next two weeks to enjoy my work with BC Bike Race helping riders at the Aid Station! All walks will resume on October 3.

Winter pet-sitting bookings are filling up fast. I will be away Nov 27-Dec 5. I’m already booked for the Christmas break but can still accept clients needing home visits only. If you are planning a winter holiday or spring break getaway in the new year, secure your dates soon!

Thanks again to all my dog-walk and cat clients. Honestly every dog is my favorite and I love my time with all the fun, silly, goofy, cuddly and happy pets I can take care of.

: ) Shannen