What is your name?
Domien Zahradnik
How old are you?
59
What do you do in daily life? Work? Study? Hobby?
Functional age discharge from Marine Corps.
Hobby; obviously sports, as I was a sports instructor in the Marines, in addition music.
Did you also have your own dog or dogs? If so what breed/crossbreed and what is his/her name?
I had a dog of my own, Tervueren shepherd named Fugazi
What was/were your cutest babysitting dog(s)? and why?
All dogs are fun, the very difference is what makes it so fun.
Why did you start babysitting dogs through Petbnb?
If you get a dog, you need to be able to take care of it on a daily basis. Since I cannot guarantee that at the moment, this was a pleasant alternative for me! In my personal schedule, I indicate when I can't babysit. The rest of the time I am then available for possible owners, so I can still enjoy all kinds of dogs.
How do you find out if there is a good match with the dog and the owner during an introduction?
I notice this immediately when I have contact with the dog in question, although in all honesty I must say that until now it has not happened that I did not have a match with a dog. But it seems, as I have heard several times, that I have a certain natural charisma towards dogs, which makes them feel at ease with me.
What is the most memorable/special situation you have experienced so far while babysitting?
That a stray dog from Sarajego was so attached to me within 24 hours that I could take her everywhere without a leash, without even having to correct her! She already started having trouble when I had to leave her at home for an errand or the like. I never knew that a dog can bond so quickly, even though I did not bring her from Sarajego myself!
Did you also learn new things through babysitting?
You learn daily, they are like people. If you do not experience that, then to my knowledge you are not open to these animals!
Favorite dog walking spot & why?
Basically a field where I can play to my heart's content with the dog in question, in my humble opinion this is exactly how you build a bond with the dog.
What tips & tricks would you pass along to other babysitters for good babysitting?
Of course make sure you have a match with the dog, if you don't have one, don't force it. Another one will come your way! In addition, try to keep as much contact with the dog as possible, talk to them a lot, even if it seems strange to an outsider! Play with them regularly, and when you let them out be there for them, leave your smartphone at home or in your pocket. Because even a dog knows very well that you are busy with your smartphone, instead of taking them for a walk and that is not good for the bond you want to build with that animal.
What else would you like to add to Petbnb?
In the questionnaire please ask if a dog barks a lot, this is because of sitters who live in an apartment and have to take into account all their neighbors, next to them as well as below and above!
Got excited after this story? Quickly check out Domien's Petbnb ad and see if he still has a spot available for your dog!
https://www.petbnb.nl/hondenoppas/nederland/s-gravenhage/fugazi-3727
Curious about more stories from our babysitters? Read Ellemieke's story here
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