Find a DogPro

I have been a professional dog trainer in NYC for 15 years. As a child, I participated in dog agility and showmanship through 4-H and won several local and state competitions. I began my path to become a trainer by receiving a certification from the vocational school, Animal Behavioral College. When I began to hit a wall in my self-education four years ago, I enrolled in CUNY's Psychology program, and will be graduating May, 2025 with honors with an interdisciplinary BA in Animal Psychology and Creative Writing. I am currently volunteering as a Research Assistant for the Center for Canine Behavioral Studies, as well as assisting in a lab at Hunter studying Pandas. I am also a PPG member.

Please visit my business website for more info: 4pawsprocare.com

I have been a dog walker, sitter and have boarded dogs for over four years. I have taken care of senior dogs, large breed dogs, puppies and adolescents. I volunteered at an animal shelter where I took many dog handling workshops and am Fear Free certified and first aid CPR certified. I use a positive reinforcement, partnership based, compassionate tuning in approach when walking or otherwise interacting with dogs. I strive to meet the physical and emotional needs of animals through sufficient attention, affection, exercise, and exposure to nature.

I have always had a deep love and passion for dogs. Their loyalty, companionship, and unconditional love have always fascinated me. So, it was only natural for me to turn my passion into a business. Twelve years ago, I decided to start a dog walking business. I wanted to provide a reliable and trustworthy service for pet owners who needed someone to care for their furry friends when they couldn’t be there themselves. I focused on building my credibility and knowledge. I attended dog training and behavior classes to understand how to handle different breeds and temperaments. Additionally, I obtained certifications in pet first aid and CPR to ensure I could provide the necessary care.

I started a professional dog walking business in San Francisco, CA in the summer of 1992. I walked dogs and boarded dogs in San Francisco for 27 wonderful years. At the end of 2019, I made the decision to move out of San Francisco and move back to the East Bay, where I was born and raised. In 2020, I moved to beautiful Castro Valley and now I am boarding dogs ( small dogs only ) out of my home. I have a lovely park-like backyard, complete with its own "dog park" (synthetic lawn). I rescued a shelter dog in the middle of the pandemic. He is a 15 pound mixed breed dog named Fonzie. Fonzie gets along great with all dogs. I am licensed, bonded and insured.

I train people and dogs with lots of smiling and laughing

I specialize in small breeds only! I am insured and my home has been inspected to foster by the ASPCA. That being said we provide a loving home environment for your family member. I have cared for many seniors and have extensive experience with special needs dogs. I provide enrichment activities such as snuffle mats, lick mats, frozen healthy treats, a tunnel, and backyard jumps. We are kennel free. I provide boarding and daycare and have about 100 repeat clients! So we have different dogs coming and going daily, although I keep the number of pups at 5. Dogs in my care must be social with other dogs and cannot have separation anxiety or obsessive behaviors.