our strutters
Daria
Chief Tail Wagger
(Stella)
Certified Advanced Canine Training and Behavior Professional
CCTBS and CACTP
Why do you love working with dogs?
Dogs put me into a positive and present space – much like meditating - and teach me new things every day. Their uncanny ability to make the worst weather fun while wagging their tails! They get me outside, in the fresh air and provide a healthy lifestyle.
Which breed is your favorite and why?
Honestly, I haven’t met a breed I don’t like. Each dog is an individual and has unique qualities and personality traits. Getting to know each one is so special for me.
What is your best tip for walking dogs?
Be acutely aware of your surroundings at all times, pre-open poop bags in the winter so you don’t have to take your gloves off, and make sure you have the right gear (shoes, rain pants, warm clothing, hat, etc.) Lastly, enjoy nature and all it has to offer!
What was your first dog’s name?
My first dog was a medium sized black French Poodle named Coco. She was a gift to my parents when they got married in Cotonou, Africa. She was my first playmate and ultimately my first best friend. I believe she is the reason I love dogs so much.
Matheus
Logistics Manager
Pack Leader
(Tuck)
Why do you love working with dogs?
If you do what you love, you won’t work a day in your life. I can’t help but smile whenever I see a dog. Getting the opportunity to work with dogs is both therapeutic and incredibly rewarding. I look forward to creating and strengthening bonds with the dogs and watch them grow.
Which breed is your favorite and why?
My favorite breed is the Siberian Husky because they are beautiful dogs, energetic, and not afraid to let you know what’s on their mind.
What is your best tip for walking dogs?
The best tip I can offer is to be attentive to the dogs behavior since each dog has their own personality and preferences.
What was your first dog’s name?
A Shiba Inu named Teddy!
Kitty
Strutter
Illustration Maven
(Freya)
Why do you love working with dogs?
There is nothing quite like the unconditional love, affection, and loyalty a dog will bring to your life, and getting to give that back to pups where ever I can makes me very happy.
Which breed is your favorite and why?
I love all breeds of dog, but I definitely have a soft spot for Terriers as my dog was a Border Terrier, love those scruffy little pups! I also think Australian Cattle Dogs are super beautiful!
What is your best tip for walking dogs?
Getting to know your dogs as best as possible, so that you can go at there pace, make sure they get as much enjoyment as possible out of the walk, and the least amount of stress, if the dog has anything that stresses them out. And of course to enjoy the walk yourself!
What was your first dog’s name?
Gravy! After years of begging my folks for a pup my mum convinced my dad to let me get one, his one condition was that I had to name it Gravy after a Laurel and Hardy episode called Laughing Gravy, I think he thought it would make me not want to get a dog, but it didn't! Gravy was a Lil scruffy Border Terrier and the love of my life, and always will be, the best boy anyone could ask for, and I am so honored I got to spend 13 years with him by my side.
Gisella
Senior Strutter
(Rosie & Tuuli)
Why do you love working with dogs?
I love working with dogs because they always give you unconditional love and there’s no such thing as a bad day when you’re working with these furry friends!
Which breed is your favorite and why?
My favorite breed has to be Golden Retrievers because of how friendly and affectionate they are.
What is your best tip for walking dogs?
I think my best tip would be to learn the habits of the dog you are walking, makes the walk fun and easy for both walker and dog!
What was your first dog’s name?
My first dog's name is Princess and she of course is treated like royalty.
Krista
Senior Strutter
Social Media Maven
(Tara, Jax, Maisy & Scout)
Why do you love working with dogs?
I love working with dogs because they are pure joy and uplifting souls. They enjoy living in the moment - a beautiful day to enjoy a walk, a trail to follow with their nose, and the simple pleasures such as cuddles and curling up with their humans.
Which breed is your favorite and why?
French bulldogs are my favorite breed. I think they’re adorable, silly, and so much fun to be around. They tend to seek each other out in groups and their snorts and howls elicit smiles and laughs from me.
What is your best tip for walking dogs?
When walking dogs, remember that no two are exactly alike. Let them set the pace and decide how they like their walks. I find it relaxing to focus on them and their needs.
What was your first dog’s name?
Growing up, a handsome golden retriever named Seamus lived across the street. He was very affectionate and I loved playing with him.
Jared
Strutter & Training Manager
(Ripley)
Why do you love working with dogs?
Dogs have been a constant in my life for as long as I can remember. I love learning about all of their individual quirks and behaviors, as well as being able to enrich their lives as much as I can.
Which breed is your favorite and why?
Probably Samoyeds on account of their insane fluff and smarts, and because we both adore cold weather.
What is your best tip for walking dogs?
Let the dog set the pace of the walk, as long as you can keep up with them. No one likes being dragged along and away from everything and every scent that piques their interest.
What was your first dog’s name?
Sage was a West Highland Terrier.
Ryan
Strutter & Trainer
(Sammy)
Why do you love working with dogs?
I like working with dogs because I've never met a dog I didn't like and now I get to meet new ones everyday!
Which is your favorite breed and why?
I have a soft spot of Black Labs since I grew up with one.
What is your best tip for walking dogs?
Dogs are very receptive to your energy, so make sure yours alligns with the different types of personalities you meet.
What was your first dog's name?
Myra , Black Lab Mix
Connor
Strutter
(Gibbs)
Why do you love working with dogs?
I think that there’s something especially rewarding about caring for something that has nothing to give back to you other than love. Our relationship with dogs may seem one-sided, after all we are the ones feeding and walking them, but the love you get back in return is more than worth it. Not to mention a wagging tail and happy face can turn any bad day into a good one!
Which is your favorite breed and why?
I have always loved the labradors. They always seem to have the friendliest and sweetest personalities with the right amount of
crazy mixed in!
What is your best tip for walking dogs?
My number one tip for dog walking is to know the dog that you’re walking. Every dog has their own quirks and knowing what those are and how to deal with them is key.
What was your first dog's name?
Olivia
Eddie
Strutter
Research & Dogvelopment
(Winston)
Why do you love working with dogs?
I love working with dogs because just seeing a dog puts a smile on my face. The energy they bring everyday and the unwavering positivity they have makes work everyday incredibly rewarding and enjoyable.
Which is your favorite breed and why?
I love Golden Retrievers. I find them absolutely beautiful, and their playful and energetic personalities always lead to fun times!
What is your best tip for walking dogs?
The most important thing about walking is knowing the dogs' personalities. Both the walkers and the dogs have more fun when the walks focus on what the dog likes.
What was your first dog's name?
My first dog's name was Mr. Bear, he was a black Chow Chow.
Jarret
Strutter
(Rosie)
Why do you love working with dogs?
I love working with dogs solely because it’s a serotonin boost every day, whenever I walk in their door and see their tail wagging with excitement it can brighten any day within seconds.
Which is your favorite breed and why?
My favorite breed has to be a Rat Terrier. My very first dog from when I was a baby to about the age of 14 was one, we had lots of memorable times throughout my life growing up and even had a litter of small ones at one point.
What is your best tip for walking dogs?
The best tip I can give as a dog walker and overall being around pets is to let them walk you in unison. I’ve noticed since I started with StrutnPup that these are their neighborhoods and streets, and a lot of dogs have their own specific routes and ways they like to take me every day, which really makes it less rudimental and more than just a walk around the block each day. Each dog is different and takes time and patience to build a relationship.
What was your first dog's name?
My first dog as mentioned previously was a little Rat Terrier named Pedro (after the Red Sox player Pedro Martinez)
Matt
Strutter
(Shiloh & Beau)
Why do you love working with dogs?
I like working with dogs because they never have bad days so how could !?
Which is your favorite breed and why?
I love the Australian Cattle Dog. They have a wild coat and are super smart.
What is your best tip for walking dogs?
Keep them entertained with treats/talking/different routes. Bored dogs are mischievous dogs.
What was your first dog's name?
My first family dog was a Golden Retriever named Goldy. My first dog was a Portuguese Podengo named Oscar.
Rebecca
Money Maven
(Quincy)
Why do you love working with dogs?
I learn so much from being around dogs, like living in the moment and unconditional love.
Which is your favorite breed and why?
I love all breeds, but have a soft spot for pitbulls and Satos. They are just the sweetest dogs.
What is your best tip for walking dogs?
With shy anxious dogs, I will sit on the floor near them and read to them, in a very gentle voice, like you would with a toddler. It calms them and they end up either in my lap or lying next to me.
What was your first dog's name?
My first dog's name was Banky. She was a beagle, poodle, mix we think. She was so sweet and gentle.
Steve
Strutter
Why do you love working with dogs?
I love working with dogs because of he feeling of accomplishment you get when you see your hard work paying off. When they learn and grow into great dogs because you built the foundation with them
Which is your favorite breed and why?
My favorite breed is the Labrador retriever. Easy to train, unconditionally loving, and just great dogs.
What is your best tip for walking dogs?
My best tip for walking dogs is to be aware of your surroundings at all times - people, other dogs, bikes and trucks.
What was your first dog's name?
My first dog was named Jingles.
Annie
Volunteer Strutter
(Nightrain)
Why do you love working with dogs?
Because they love unconditionally and I cannot have one of my own so it's the next best thing! And I get to love the dogs I walk.
Which is your favorite breed and why?
My favorite breed is the pug! They were the first breed I ever met.
What is your best tip for walking dogs?
Having a kind heart and positive attitude and they will always be happy to see you!
What was your first dog's name?
Ginger was my first dog.