Rex-Treks

Dog walks

1. Why do you only offer private on-leash walks?

   It is my professional opinion that one-on-one, structured interactions, are best for this type of secondary-leadership relationship, where I'm like the fun aunt who comes to play on occasion.
   

   Unlike some other dog-walking services, who take small packs of dogs to an off-leash dog park, where they cannot keep eyes on all dogs at all times, and cannot know the nature of the other dogs present, I take your dog on a private adventure, where it's just the two of us, and we get to share a unique experience, while your furried friend has her manners maintained and even strengthened.

   When it comes to socializing and being around other dogs, it really is ideal for you to be the one your dog learns to look to for guidance and confidence. It would take a long time for me to learn the nuances of your dog to a degree that was reasonable for me to put myself in the position of supervising social interactions, especially amidst an ever-changing group of stranger-dogs and stranger-owners, who may or may not have a solid understanding of proper canine etiquette. Additionally, dogs, just like children, require - and even thrive on - structure. Those who provide it are those the dog will look to for leadership. By having a dog-walker who promotes structure in their interactions, you will be able to continue building on the structure you provide, thereby solidifying the dynamic of your relationship with your dog, so that when you take him to an off-leash dog park yourself, there will be a solid base to work from, ensuring fun and safety.

   If, however, your dog is already well socialized, and so full of energy that you would really like him to go play at an off-leash park while you're away, there are a number of responsible sevices in Seattle that can make that happen.
   

Nail trims

1. Why would my dog need its nails trimmed?

   Here are a few factoids about canine toenails:

   A dog’s nails grow continuously.

   Some filing occurs naturally on rough surfaces, such as pavement.

   Long nails can cause discomfort to a dog’s paws by putting pressure on the toes when standing or walking, and can even push the toes into crammed or twisted positions, or in some cases, curl under and grow into the paw pad.
   

   Most modern city dogs require nail trims in order to keep the length of their nails short enough to avoid discomfort; they are too long if they touch the ground while the dog is standing.
   

   Underneath the exterior nail, lies a fleshy portion, called the quick, which is full of nerves and blood vessels.

   It is important to only trim the lifeless nail, and avoid clipping the sensitive quick, because 1) it hurts the dog when it happens, 2) the pain can cause the dog to associate negatively to the nail-trimming activity, which can make future attempts notably difficult, 3) the tender toe can make walking unpleasant for the dog, and 4) quicks can bleed profusely.

   If trims are done too infrequently, the quick will grow long and, even after trimming the outer nail tissue, the toenails will still be relatively long.

   Frequent nail trims, which keep the nails short, and the quick close to the outer end, can cause the quick to recede to a healthy minimal length.

   By handling your dog’s paws regularly, in a casual manner, offering praise and treats, he or she can become quite tolerant of nailtrims.

Training

1. How do I get my dog to listen to me?

   The MOST frequently asked questions, when it comes to training, boil down to this, and the answer lies in respect.

   You must develop a bond with your dog, you must establish your role as leader, and you must foster mutual respect. These are achieved quite simply through play, resource management, and structure.

   For a few more tips on general training, check out my free Canine Curriculum 101, and don't hesitate to ask for more details, or set up a private lesson!
   

Charges

1. What rates do you charge?

   Dog walks: $20 for one half-hour walk (includes additonal visit time for arrival and departure procedures). There is a $5 additional charge for a second dog; no more than two dogs per walk.

   Dog hikes ("Rexpeditions"): $40 for one hour hike (includes additional visit time for park transport and arrival and departure procedures). There is a $10 additional charge for a second dog; no more than two dogs per hike.
   

   Nail trims: $10 for one full-set trim.
   

   Private training: $50 for one one-hour private lesson; $10 for same-visit extensions in 15 minute increments; $30 for one half-our single-issue refinement session. Payment will be required at the conclusion of each training session.
   

2. How do you collect payment?

   Payment for dog walks or hikes can be made by cash, check, or money order, and left at your home for me to collect when I come by, or made electronically with a debit card, credit card, or Paypal account, through the Payment Options page on this site.

   Payments for dog walks or hikes will not be accepted in advance of scheduling an appointment (with the sole exception of the Yelp Deal), but will be accepted on the same day of service, or on a weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly basis, so long as they do not exceed 5 visits, or 5 weeks.

   Payment for in-home nail trims can be added to a dog walk payment. Payment for nail trims done at Health Mutt are made on-the-spot with cash, check, or card.
   

   As mentioned, payment for training lessons is due at the end of each session, and can be made with cash, check, or card.
   

Security

1. How do you ensure security?

   For starts, by avoiding going into too much detail here, on the world-wide web! However, I will be happy to share a few more details with you, should you decide to become a client. I do maintain a stealthy system, as well as insurance and a surety bond. For more info on the latter, you can see the policy by following the link on the About Me page of this site.