Sonja

My name is Sonja and I am a pre-master student at Maastricht University. I absolutely love dogs but unfortunately my current accommodation does not allow me to own pets, which is why I would love to spend time with dogs whose owners might be busy with work or other responsabilities and would love to have company while going for walks around the city and surrounding forests and fields.

I have been dog walking for four years (in the UK and Germany) and have walked all types of sizes and dog breeds during this time. Therefore, I even have experience in dog walking more fearful or traumatized dogs, that need comfort and discipline from their dog walker. I love going for runs around the countryside and would therefore be happy to go running with a very energetic dog that needs to get out a lot of energy. On the other hand, I would be more than happy to take smaller or older dogs for a shorter 30-40 minute walk to move around during my study breaks. 

I have undergone a 12-hour dog training workshop in Germany, after which I undertook a final exam to receive my certificate of dog handling (literally called driving license for owning dogs in German = Hundeführerschein). This qualification allowed me to better read and understand the body language of dogs, what matters when training a puppy or disciplining an adult dog and how to act if my dog or another dog becomes aggressive. This certificate is approved by the Bavarian State Chamber of Veterinarians and helped me to understand dogs' behaviour even better. 

I am happy to walk all types and sizes of dogs and am happy to take vaccinated and unvaccinated pets for a walk or for day sittingl. I live close to the central station in Maastricht and am happy to pick up your dog from your home. However, I do not own a car in Maastricht and would therefore be unable to walk dogs in Belgium or further east than Bemelen. 

Services: 

I offer dog walking, which depending on the dog's size and age will take about 30-60 mins. I am happy to offer training during my dog walks and am happy to pick up from and take back your pet to your house. Please do keep in mind that I do not own a car and am hence only able to take care of your pets within a 5km radius from Maastricht's central station. I also offer home visits either once or twice a day to check up on your dog and give him any food or play with him, so I will spend about half an hour with your pet(s). During these house visits I will be able to water plants and bring in the mail. 

Availability: I am usually available Monday and Tuesday mornings and afternoons and Thursday afternoons.