5 Reasons Why My Puppy Is My Favorite Valentine!
/0 Comments/in Dog Walking Grand Rapids /by Nature of the Dog GR Dog Walking Companyposted By Rolanda P.
Who says Valentine’s Day is only for humans? Consider starting a new tradition that will not only include your new pet but will also create lasting memories for both of you. Here are five reasons why I’m choosing to spend my Valentine’s Day with my sweetie, a three month Catahoula mix named Whoopi Goldberg!
1. My valentine saves me from the Restaurant Mayhem.
Valentine’s Day is the second busiest day to dine out, which makes it a headache for people trying to find a place to eat. Why not skip the long wait for the next available table by staying at home getting better acquainted with your new furbaby! They will love it!
2. My Amour saves me from last minute shopping!
While everyone else is searching for the perfect last minute deals, this would be the most opportune time to support your local pet store to find the perfect toy or treat for your precious pooch. I’m pretty sure your pup and your purse will thank you later for not spending money on useless and flashy presents.
3. My Sweetheart is open to trying something new.
The beauty of this year’s Valentine’s Day is that it’s on a Saturday, the perfect day for an adventure with your pup to explore a new park or trail.
4. I LOVE All the Money I’m saving!
Why not give the gift of more cuddle time? No matter what, your puppy is guaranteed to love your time spent cuddling, most of which will undoubtedly get you lots of kisses or licks. This gift will always be perfect because it’s from you!
5. I can treat myself as well!
The great thing about treating yourself is that you know exactly what you want. No more hinting or faking that you loved your gift. Go ahead and buy that heart shaped chocolate bar or that watch you’ve been eyeing!
Read more here.
Dog Walking -Winter
/0 Comments/in Dog Walking Grand Rapids /by Nature of the Dog GR Dog Walking CompanyDog Walking – Fall
/0 Comments/in Dog Walking Grand Rapids /by Nature of the Dog GR Dog Walking CompanyDog Powered Scooters and Trikes!
/0 Comments/in Dog Walking Grand Rapids /by Nature of the Dog GR Dog Walking CompanyWe were e-mailed this product to put on our Facebook page. What’s your thoughts on a product like this?
“Dog Powered Scooters
Dog Powered Trikes
Making dog mushing accessible to everyone!
Offering precision steering control over the dog and excellent dog control.
Much safer than using a bicycle.”
Dog Powered Trikes
Making dog mushing accessible to everyone!
Offering precision steering control over the dog and excellent dog control.
Much safer than using a bicycle.”
For more information, click the vendor’s website below: http://www.dogpoweredscooter.com
Dog Christmas Costume Contest!
/in Dog Walking Grand Rapids /by Nature of the Dog GR Dog Walking CompanyWe’ll be having a Dog Christmas Costume Contest this month! E-mail us a photo of your dog in its Christmas costume, and we will post it on our Facebook. OR, upload a photo to our Facebook page and we’ll make sure it gets in the right spot! Whoever gets the most “Likes” on their Facebook photo, wins a $25 Gift Card to Chow Hound! We will post all contestants photos on this blog page as well, but the contest will take place on our Facebook page. Contest goes until December 19th, and winner will be announce on the 20th!
https://www.facebook.com/natureofthedog
Contestants:
Why Hire a dogtec Certified Dog Walker?
/0 Comments/in Dog Walking Grand Rapids /by Nature of the Dog GR Dog Walking CompanyWhy Hire a dogtec Certified Dog Walker?
Dog walking is a fast-growing and entirely unregulated industry. Virtually anyone can hang a shingle and pronounce himself a professional dog walker. In this absence of quality control, it’s important to make sure the dog walker you choose is qualified to care for your dog.
dogtec certified dog walkers have been through an intensive training program.
To be dogtec certified, candidates must:
- Pass a hands-on practical exam. The exam includes walking multiple dogs on and off leash in challenging situations while demonstrating the ability to maintain voice and leash control, keep the dogs safe, and ensure every dog in their care is having a great time.
- Pass a comprehensive written exam. Candidates must show a high level of understanding in several areas of dog behavior, including learning theory, pack management, building a strong recall, reading dog body language, recognizing early warning signs of discomfort, fear, and aggression, and positively managing inappropriate dog play and leash manners.
- Be first-aid certified. Our program includes Pet Tech first aid certification focused specifically on dogs for professional walkers.
- Pledge to use only humane training approaches. All dogtec grads, as a condition of their certification, must commit to use only scientifically sound, positive training methods with all dogs in their care. Just as you wouldn’t want your child spanked by his teacher, you don’t want your dog jerked, shocked, or shouted at by your walker. Hiring a dog walker should provide fun and exercise for your dog and peace of mind for you.
- Pledge to adhere to ethical business practices. We teach walkers how to run their businesses effectively and ethically—always with the client in mind. Graduates agree to observe the best business practices and to take as good of care of their human clients as their four-legged ones.
For more information, click here: dogtec
Nature of the Dog receives first dog walking certification in Grand Rapids!
/in Dog Walking Grand Rapids /by Nature of the Dog GR Dog Walking CompanyDevelopment News
Nature of the Dog receives first dog walking certification in GR, expands coverage area
Anya Zentmeyer, Development News Editor | Thursday, August 07, 2014
After completing a four-day, 27-hour dog walking certification course run by San Francisco-based company Dog Tec, Nature of the Dog’s co-owner Luke Moord is now the first and only officially certified dog walker in Grand Rapids.Dog Tec’s “Dog Walking Academy” came to the MVP Sports Spot at 3701 32nd St SE July 31 to Aug. 2, arming participants with not only professional dog walking certifications, but also information on marketing and business techniques specific to a dog walking organization, as well as education and training about canine behavior and first aid.“We went in that direction just because it’s a reputable source,” Moord says. “It’s the only one around, but they also teach a lot of positive dog-related training practices.”Originally started in 2011, Moord’s wife Jackie opened Nature of the Dog under the name Jackie’s Walk: Grand Rapids Dog Walking Service. The name change came in January, when Jackie became pregnant and Luke took over the bulk of the dog walking, so they both wanted the new name to reflect the partnership behind their business.
It didn’t take long to fall in love with his new role, Moord said.
“I grew up with animals, specifically dogs, and just loved kind of the interaction of learning more about the dogs,” he says. “In terms of a career choice or vocation, I really kind of wanted to do something where I’m moving and I’m active, and not only that, but I’m actually outside interacting.”
The operation has been steadily growing since 2011, and Moord says they’re now walking between 15-20 dogs on a regular basis and have expanded their service area to cover the majority of the greater Grand Rapids area. He says Nature of the Dog has and will walk dogs in neighborhoods as far north as 3 Mile and as far south as 44th Street.
“We really try to stick to the highway systems when we’re out of downtown,” Moord says, adding that if someone lives a few miles off the highway, they do make exceptions and try to work with customers as far as the service area is concerned.
However, one of the most important changes Nature of the Dog is making to its customer policy is a simple but significant one as far as Moord is concerned: customer commitment.
What that means for customers is they will have to sign on for the dog walking service at least twice weekly, with prices ranging from $17-$30 depending on whether it’s a 30- or 45-minute walk and how many dogs require attention.
“We commit ourselves to our clients and really ask for a commitment from them,” he says. “A big piece of that was asking them to stay on with us. If we’re going to take you on as a client we’re going to reserve a spot with you in our schedule, so we need to know you’re committed to us.”
Moord says the trouble with drop-in visits is not just limited to scheduling purposes, but also doesn’t allow he or Jackie to foster the kind of relationship with a person’s dog that allows for a productive walk or interaction.
Nature of the Dog is currently in the interviewing process with intentions to hire a third employee to join their team – a sign they are not only poised for growth, but also committed to growing here in Grand Rapids.
Writer: Anya Zentmeyer, Development News Editor
Images courtesy of Nature of the Dog
Article taken from: http://rapidgrowthmedia.com/devnews/NatureoftheDog080714.aspx
The Dog Walking Academy
/0 Comments/in Dog Walking Grand Rapids /by Nature of the Dog GR Dog Walking CompanyLuke Moord (Owner of Nature of the Dog -GR Dog Walking Company) is taking his Dog Walking Academy class this Thursday through Sunday! This class will enable him to obtain a dog walking certification. This certification will help Nature of the Dog provide Grand Rapids with the most professional dog walking service available. Information on the Dog Walking Academy is below!
The Dog Walking Academy
An intensive 4-day workshop leading to professional dog walking certification. Graduates come away fully equipped to start a dog walking business—or advance an existing one. Expand your knowledge of canine behavior, learn new pack-management techniques and fight protocols, and go through the A-Z of running and marketing a dog walking business.
What You Will Learn
Pack management | dog communication & body language | aggression in all its forms: what it means, how to prevent it, and what to do about it | safety and fight protocols | basic training: build reliable sits, recalls, and polite leash behavior | client and dog screening | public relations | small business practices | liability protection | marketing | increasing profits | legalizing your business
The course is taught through lecture, video analysis, demos, hands-on exercises, and fieldtrips.
This is a professional course for adults 18 years and older.
What You Get
- Professional dog walking certification
- First Aid certification
- 24 CPDT CEUs