Pawparents got questions. Dazzling Dida and I got the answers.
Have a question that you'd like to ask? Reach out to hello@poochpatrolpdx.com and I'll be happy to help you out.
Dog Boarding Questions
Yes, I only board one dog at a time at the resort because most of my clients are anxious and reactive to other dogs. Your pup will have the whole house and Pooch Patrol pack to themselves.
I can accommodate boarding of two or more dogs together as long as your pups are from the same household. They also need to get along well together.
At our resort, there are several places where you dog can hang out and/or sleep:
- A 6' plush dog bed for medium to large breeds
- Upstairs on our king-size bed at night
- Six-foot couch for snuggle time or sleeping
- She/he can sleep on a queen size bed in our basement (with me)
For small to medium breeds that like to sleep under the covers, we're happy to snuggle together.
If it's your first time boarding your pet with Pooch Patrol, I recommend bringing the following items below so she/he has familiar things that have scents on them. It'll help make your pet feel more comfortable and ease its anxiety about being in a new home.
We have dog bowls and poop bags so you don't need to bring any of those items. We also have a 5' dog bed that's plush so feel free to leave yours at home if you think your pup will use ours.
Overnight Dog Boarding Needs:
- Dog bed (optional)
- Blanket or familiar clothing
- Toys
- Meals
- Favorite treats
- Leash and harness
- Outdoor coat: ideally wind or waterproof
- Medications (if needed)
Yes, many of my clients are anxious or seniors and need oral medications given with their food. We're happy to take care of that while your pets stay at our home.
Yes, many of our clients don't like cats so we separate them during their entire stay at our resort. We have a cozy finished basement where the kitties can hang out away from your pups.
At night, your dog(s) will switch spots with our cats so they can be upstairs. Your pups will sleep downstairs with me in a bedroom. This process works great for everyone.
Whether it's myself, my wife, or my two older boys - there's always someone here at the resort to take care of your pooch. We don't use crates and if anyone needs to leave the house, it's about two hours at the most.
When I leave the house for longer periods of time, I will give your dog treats that will help keep its anxiety down and stay busy. I've found that most dogs really enjoy chewing on a Whimzee veggie pig ear, Toppl with yogurt, or a Kong filled with some peanut butter.
If your dog has bitten you or someone you know, I will not accept an full day or overnight boarding request for it. I was bitten by a dog that was very unpredictable and Pooch Patrol pack was scared being around it. For my family's safety, it won't happen again.
However, I am willing to walk and train your dog as long as it only nips out of fear and does not bite down hard, drawing blood. You'll need to live within the Montavilla neighborhood since I don't drive much in this city.
I do frequently board and walk dogs that are leash reactive to other dogs. As long as your pooch is receptive to my training commands, I'm happy to care for it.
Otherwise, I'd recommend reaching out to Nakama Dog Training. Hayley is a very certified trainer and she can potentially help correct your pet's behavioral issues. The other option is for you to consult a professional behaviorist like Synergy.
The earliest your can drop off your pet(s) for boarding is 7am and latest is 11:30pm.
If your flight is arriving later than that, message me on the Client Portal and we can work something out.
Dog Walking & Training
To keep your dog safe while walking together, over time, I can teach it my dog walking safety commands.
From my experience, most dogs prefer to walk in the front and explore. They do not enjoy being forced to heel on the side. I frequently see many owners walking their dog with too short of a leash (under six or eight feet) while being distracted on their phones.
Is the walk for you or your dog?
My goal is to teach your dog to be a confident, happy, and relaxed leader on our walks together. The walk is for them 🐕🦺 I will guide it and let it roam off the sidewalk, onto lawns, up steps, and let it sniff plants. The is their natural behavior and is very relaxing for them.
I will teach your dog to listen to me and stop at a crosswalk or stoplight using a calm and encouraging voice. I don't use sound effects or clickers because there's no "alpha" when we walk. Once it's safe, I will instruct your pet to move forward before me, again leading our journey together.
I will be 100% there and engaged with your pet while we're together. The only time I will be on my phone is at the beginning to start my client check-in and timers. If we take a quick break, then I'll use my phone to take a few photos or videos. Otherwise, I'm always focused on patrolling your pooch!
Most professional dog walkers don't offer training as part of their services. It's very important to me that your dog is safe and relaxed as much as possible on walks at all times. So I need to be able to communicate with your pooch while we're walking near unfamiliar dogs, down busy sidewalks, or crossing streets. The majority of my client's pets are anxious or rescues that can be reactive while on their leash. Because I offer this higher level of service compared to other walkers, my rates reflect that.
No, I am not a professional dog trainer. Every dog's personality is unique and there are so many different techniques you can use. There is no "one-size-fits-all" method when it comes to training your pet, especially for anxious and rescues with past trauma.
My methods are my own and inspired by some of my favorite online dog trainers who also use positive reinforcement as the base of their techniques: Zak George, Gia Savocchi, and Victoria Stilwell. Beyond that, I use my experience, instincts, and intuition when I'm caring for your pets.
Yes! I will walk your dog in just about any weather condition: day, night, rain, snow, etc. I have waterproof clothes that keep me dry and warm during the fall and winter months.
If you want to hire me for my walking services, make sure your pooch has a high-quality, waterproof raincoat or winter jacket that's reflective at night. I want your pet to be safe with me while we're on walks.
Your dog's safety is my #1 priority so I only walk one at a time.
Since most of my clients are reactive to other dogs while on leash, I find that it's best to focus on one pet at a time. They need extra TLC to stay happy and calm.
If I'm caring for two dogs at the same time, I will walk them separately or have one of the Pooch Patrol pack members walk the other dog.
Yes! Every dog is trainable as long as you're willing to put in the hard work every day. Be consistent, present, and engaged with them and you will see results in a week, sometimes in a few days.
I use positive reinforcement techniques with all of my senior dog clients. I use high-value training treats and lots of praise. Old dogs can indeed learn new tricks!
Yes, I know several certified dog trainers that can help correct puppies that jump on their owners and strangers. They use positive reinforcement techniques that work. They provide one-on-one personal training so you will have techniques to keep your puppy calm.
Services and Requests
Service Areas:
I'm located in Northeast Portland, Oregon in the Montavilla neighborhood. I mostly serve neighborhoods that are within a 10 to 15-minute drive from my home.
- Montavilla
- Mt. Tabor
- Rose City Park
- Madison South
- Laurelhurst
- Belmont
- Buckman
- Hawthorne
Dog Walking
I generally only provide walks to clients who are located in the Montavilla neighborhood. However, if you have been referred to me by another petcare provider, I may make an exception. If you're requesting walks in the evening, I'll be more available.
Dog Boarding: Overnight
If you'd like to board your dog(s) overnight with me, you can be located anywhere.
Doggy Daycare Adventure, Dog Boarding: Full Day, and Doggy Day Hike Experience
You'll need to drop off and pick up your pet if you're located outside my service areas above. Otherwise, I can pick and drop off your dog.
Dog and Cat Drop-In-Visits
You just need to be located within my services areas above.
Cat Overnights
I'd prefer that you live within my service areas above but may make an exception if it's a week or longer stay at your home.
I'd recommend reaching out on my Pooch Patrol Facebook business page first. We'll be able to get to know each other and learn about your pet(s). If I see there's a good fit, I'll coordinate an in-person meet and greet with you at my home.
If everything goes well after our meeting, I'll send an email invite to you to join my client portal. Once you've created an account, you'll be able to request my services, send/receive messages, manage your pet's info, and more.
Otherwise, visit my Book a Service page and fill out my inquiry form. Be sure to provide as much information as possible about your pet and photos really help as well.
Many of my new and repeat clients have booked boarding services through 2022. We also have a client who already booked in 2023.
If you have travel plans later this year, I'd recommend requesting them through the client portal as soon as you know your dates. I am always very busy from spring to fall. It slows little in the winter but Jan/Feb are also busy because of Christmas and New Year holidays.
For all these services, I recommend requesting the service a few days to a week so I can get you on my schedule.
Similar to my boarding service, it's best to request as soon as you know your dates before I get busy.
I generally don't accept requests that are for the next day unless it's an emergency.
Yes, I'm happy to refer you to another petcare provider. I have a shortlist of providers that also care for rescue, senior, and anxious pets so you'll be in great hands.
Just ask 😎
Yes, I give $5-$10 discounts off client rates for the following circumstances:
- You live in the Montavilla neighborhood
- You are a veterinarian or studying to be one
- You are employed in the healthcare industry
- You were referred to me by another petcare professional
- You are a fellow petcare professional needing my services
I sometimes offer discounts to my services on holidays such as Small Business Saturday, Christmas, New Year's Day, etc. Follow me on Facebook because that's usually where I announce sales events.
To visit the client portal, login here. I use Time to Pet (TTP) so you can manage your personal and pet's information, request services, pay your invoices, and message me directly within the app or through the TTP portal website.
Yes, Pooch Patrol LLC is licensed, bonded, and insured through Pet Sitters Associates. They are a trusted and preferred pet business insurance provider since 1998.
- View my profile on the PSA website
- View my PSA member certificate
Client Portal & Billing Questions
Pricing for my services is based on your pet's individual and specific needs. If your dog has high anxiety or fear, that means it will need more patience and TLC compared to my other clients.
I will adjust your rates between $5-$10 to compensate for the extra time it requires help keep your pet happy, comfortable, and calm at home or while we're on walks.
If your dog has severe separation anxiety and/or can't be left alone, you'll be charged an extra $10-$15 above the current rates listed on my Services page. Same thing if your dog has severe resource guarding with food or sleeping accommodations. I will give it the space it needs.
Senior dogs and cats also generally require more frequent attention and care at night. I'll adjust your rates between $5-$15 according to your pet's special needs.
I don't charge extra for administering oral medications.
I will send a message to you a few hours (or the night before) through the Client Portal when I anticipate I can care for your pet.
I will provide a one to two-hour window of when I expect to arrive at your home. Once I've left my home, I usually will send your a follow-up message.
When I've arrived and started my service, you'll receive an automated text message from the Client Portal. This applies to these services:
- Dog Boarding: Full Day (if I'm picking up your dog)
- Doggy Day Hike Experience
- Doggy Daycare Adventure
- Dog Walking
- Dog Drop-In Visit
- Cat Drop-In Visit
To visit the client portal, login here. I use Time to Pet (TTP) so you can manage your personal and pet's information, request services, pay your invoices, and message me directly within the app or through the TTP portal website.
When you request my Dog Boarding: Full Day or Dog Boarding: Overnight services, please select the first timeslot, which is 7:00am. I'll take care of the rest on my end. If you run into any problems, message me on the Client Portal.
For all of my services, I require a 24-hour notice either through the Pooch Patrol Client Portal or by email.
If you need to cancel the same day of the service, your account will still be billed so it's in your best interest to notify me as soon as possible. If that happens, I'll either add a credit or refund the charge on your account.
Yes. If for some reason you need to cancel service at the last minute and have already paid, I can either add a credit to your account or refund the charge. You won't be charged a fee.
When you book a service with me, you'll receive an auto-notification email one day before the payment will be processed from the client portal on Time To Pet (TTP).
On the date when the invoice is due, payment will be automatically processed and applied at 9am PST to the credit card or bank account you have on file with TTP.
You can also manually make payments through your client profile using TTP.
Need a calm, caring, and patient pet sitter for your pooch?
© 2023 Pooch Patrol LLC
Licensed, insured, & bonded by Pet Sitters Associates
Based in Montavilla, Portland, OR