Dog Trainer Chad - Pet Services

09/04/2026

🐾 Why Does This Dog Have a Leash On at the Dog Park?

Someone recently asked me why I have a leash on some of my boarding dogs during playtime at the dog park. Of course, that's a great question, and I'm always happy to answer because this is something that may help you if you ever adopt a dog or decide to pet sit for someone else.

Basically, I leave a leash on new dogs until we've had a chance to build some trust and I have a better understanding of how they're going to respond to different situations. Whether we're at the dog park or hanging out at home, I want to have something I can quickly and calmly grab if I need to.

For example, let's say a dog starts lifting his leg in the house. Rather than chasing him around trying to catch him, I can simply grab the leash and calmly guide him outside before he has an accident.

At the dog park, maybe a new dog comes through the gate. I don't know yet how the dog I'm boarding is going to react. With the leash already attached, I can quickly grab it and have control of the situation without having to run over, catch the dog, and put a leash on while everything is happening.

And when it's time to leave the dog park? Is this going to be the dog who suddenly decides it's time to play **“Catch Me If You Can”?** 😂 Not a problem when I can simply grab the leash.

The important part is that the leash isn't there as a punishment or because I don't trust the dog. It's there because I haven't earned that trust yet.** Until I know the dog, the dog knows me, and we've established some reliable communication, I'm going to use management to give us both a safety net.

As a pet sitter, I would much rather have a leash I don't need than need a leash I don't have. 🐾

That's not about controlling a dog. That's about setting everyone up for success.

09/03/2026

Meet Max my newest boarder! He is a great and funny guy. He plays hard and loves meeting new friends.

09/01/2026

🐾 Testimony Tuesday 🐾

There’s something really rewarding about watching a puppy’s progress happen one walk at a time. 💙🐶

Katy’s family shared this wonderful update after having her walked a few times each week:

💬 “Chad walks Katy a few times per week and between his walks and his feedback to me on my leash training tactics Katy’s on-leash walking has improved significantly, making walks more enjoyable for her and I.”

What started as a young puppy learning how to navigate the world on a leash is turning into walks that are more enjoyable for both Katy and her human. That kind of progress comes from consistency and teamwork—and it’s wonderful to see her family putting the work in between visits, too!

They also shared:

💬 “We will continue to walk with Chad and look forward to Katy being able to join his daycare in the near future.”

Thank you for trusting me with Katy and for sharing her progress! Watching our four-legged friends learn, grow, and gain confidence is one of the best parts of what we do.

And who knows… maybe we’ll be seeing Katy at daycare soon!

📅 Looking for help with walks, drop-ins, daycare, or other pet care?
👉 https://www.rover.com/sit/chadp90148

Dogs have always been a huge part of my life, and working with them brings me a real sense of purpose and joy. I’m a certified positive reinforcement dog trainer with over a decade of hands-on experience, including ten years focused specifically on training. Over the years, I’ve worked in boardi...

08/27/2026

https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTDGX3uty/

08/25/2026

🐾 Testimony Tuesday 🐾

Sometimes, travel doesn't go exactly as planned—and having someone you trust to care for your pets can make a stressful situation a little easier.

This family was leaving their dog, Tula, in my care for the first time and shared how comfortable they felt throughout the weekend:

💬 “Chad was very professional and responsive. He kept us informed throughout the weekend and we felt very comfortable having left our dog with him for the first time.”

When an unexpected delay meant they wouldn't make it home on time, they were especially appreciative that Tula could receive an additional drop-in visit.

They also shared something especially sweet about their shy girl:

💬 “Tula can be shy initially and Chad was able to establish trust and she did great!”

A first-time experience with a new pet sitter can come with a lot of uncertainty, so I'm incredibly grateful that Tula's family felt comfortable, informed, and relieved knowing she was cared for until they could make it home. 🐶💙

Thank you for trusting me with Tula and for sharing your experience!

👉 https://www.rover.com/sit/chadp90148

Dogs have always been a huge part of my life, and working with them brings me a real sense of purpose and joy. I’m a certified positive reinforcement dog trainer with over a decade of hands-on experience, including ten years focused specifically on training. Over the years, I’ve worked in boardi...

08/24/2026

https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTDCCoJLy/

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08/21/2026

The best decisions can hurt feelings.
That’s the harsh truth no one really wants to say out loud.
So here goes.

Your family and friends may not be the people you should leave your dog with.
They shouldn’t be the people who get to override your gut when it’s telling you "I'm not sure about this."

Every single thing on this graphic?
Dog trainers see it and live it. Every single day.

The friends walk where the people are friends, but the dogs are everything but.

The big "dog friendly" event that everyone goes to that ends in chaos, fights and a dog that won't leave the house for three days after.
Some of those events are similar to dog parks with far less options to leave and lot’s more pressure.
Sometimes that photo opportunity isn’t worth it.

How about the "I LOVE dogs, I'll watch him!" person you leave your dog with when you go away.
Loving dogs means a lot to hear, but there are a hundred other skills and pieces of knowledge they should have.

There’s a reason people in this industry are ruthlessly selective.
It’s not to be difficult. It’s not to be a kill joy.
It’s 100% for the physical and emotional safety of dogs.

Because we see what happens when people say yes because they didn't want to say no and hurt someone's feelings.

So be choosy.
Be selective.
Be difficult if you have to.
You can say no and it will be ok.

I know plenty of people reading this have lived at least one of the examples on this graphic.
So let’s hear about the good, the bad and the ugly.
The time you didn’t trust your gut.
Or the time you did.

We’ve probably all got a few stories to share.

08/20/2026

A walk with dog walking pup Katy on the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail.

08/18/2026

10 years ago at Dogs Day Out.

08/18/2026

Photo dump please enjoy.