Hi there! My name is Kaia Lininger. ☺️

With over four years of hands-on experience caring for dogs of all breeds, sizes and temperaments, I am dedicated to delivering personalized, high-quality care that meets each pets unique needs. As a lifelong animal advocate, I have built my career around nurturing dogs to help them flourish in supportive environments.

Professional Experience

Live-In Assistant to a Dog Breeder (2 years)

  • Managed daily care for a pack of seven dogs, including scheduled feeding, walks, supervised play, grooming (brushing and bathing), and thorough cleaning of dishes, toys, laundry, crates, and outdoor areas.
  • Handled overnight responsibilities, such as potty breaks, with dogs integrated into my living space.
  • Assumed full oversight of dogs and property during owners' absences, ensuring seamless operations.
  • Specialized in raising litters of puppies through targeted socialization and exposure methods, preparing them to become well-rounded service and therapy dogs.
  • Provided additional walking, training, and sitting services for neighborhood dogs during off hours.

Dog Daycare Specialist (September-November, near Forest Grove, Oregon; Previously 2 years in Los Angeles and Orange County, California)

  • Applied strong observational skills to facilitate appropriate play with both large and small dogs by monitoring their body language and looking for various stress signals (lip licking, whale eyes, yawning, shaking, ears back, tucked tail, excessive panting and/or drooling, etc.), overstimulation, excitement, assertion, fear, or anxiety to ensure all dogs are engaging in balanced, positive, and safe interactions.
  • Delivered customized one-on-one walks and play sessions tailored to individual and breed-specific needs.
  • Prepared meals, administered medications according to owner guidelines, maintained hygienic sleeping areas and bedding, and ensured constant access to fresh water.

Volunteer for Dog Trainer (Current, Jenns Dogs, Cornelius, Oregon)

  • Assist dog trainers during private and group training sessions
  • Set up and take apart training equipment
  • Distribute toys, tools, treats before and during class
  • Assist class participants with various techniques
  • Assist the trainers with various administrative projects
  • Assist with various public events
  • Clean and sanitize training equipment, toys, dishes, and floors

My next mission is to extend my expertise to rehabilitating rescued puppies and dogs, with a focus on matching them to families whose lifestyles and homes complement their breed characteristics and personalities.

Dogs are my lifelong passion, and I am committed to providing exceptional care for beloved pets. Contact me via phone, text, or email to discus how I can support you and your furry loved ones.

Waggingwalks333@gmail.com               (657) 855-4403

Certification

Pet CPR and First Aid Certified (TheSafeDog.com)

 

Sherri McNeil 

June 30th 2025

It is my pleasure to provide this letter of recommendation of Kaia

I’ve known Kaia as a neighbor and dog walker for two years.  I’ve witnessed Kaia walking with several dogs from the neighborhood; sometimes individually and often times with several dogs at once.  Kaia is very calm with the dogs, as well as the dogs are very calm and obedient with Kaia. She is always kind and friendly when I greet her, and so are the dogs.

Kaia was our dog walker / trainer for 2 weeks in an urgent situation.  My mother’s dog, Maddie, is full of more energy than either of them can handle.  Kaia came in to save the day and escorted Maddie on daily 2-hour walks.  At the end of the very first session, Kaia had Maddie walking calmly next to her side, with Maddie’s full attention on Kaia. Kaia had good advice / observations when it came to Maddie’s behavior, and by addressing this behavior, our family is more easily able to work with Maddie to achieve a calm, rested, and happy puppy.  Maddie is very excited to see Kaia each day and can hardly contain her enthusiasm for the time they share together.  My sincere regret is that I didn’t hire Kaia sooner!

I highly recommend Kaia as a dog walker and believe she will be an excellent trainer as she continues her education and experience. She is a calming force with each dog I’ve witnessed her walking with.  

Sincerely,

Sherri McNeil

Robin Blackwell
July 7th 2025
Kaia has been a dedicated pet sitter and walker in our neighborhood and after observing her on point interactions at our local park with other dogs of all temperaments and breeds we were confident in hiring her for some leash training for our beloved Golden Retriever, our trust was well placed. In four short lessons Kaia was able to completly redirect the leash pulling to pleasant walks for us and our dog. Coaching my husband and myself as well as providing tips for leashes and recommended videos so we could keep up the positive behavior. Kind, and forthright we recommend Kaia without reservation for your fur babies care.

Kathi Campbell

July 7th, 2025

Kaia truly loves the animals in her care, and knows her way around dogs and cats. She communicates very well, is on time, dependable, and very trustworthy. I am always comfortable leaving her in charge of my house and furry loved ones! She is a very sweet person as well :). I highly recommend her.

Lore Fredette

July 13, 2025
Hello, I am writing this letter regarding Kaia. She has lived in our canyon this past year and taken care of our neighbors dogs walking and training them. Kaia has also worked and taken care of a number of our neighbors dog. She is kind, caring, friendly and excellent with the animals in her care. Kaia has joined a number of our clubs in the canyon and everyone speaks highly of her. Kaia has also worked for us and taken care of our dog when I’m out of town. We felt confident dent and secure with Kaia taking care of Bubba our Golden. Kaia is responsible, reliable and good with the people she works for.

Best regards, Lore Fredette

Pat Hunt
Jul 7, 2025

Recommendation for Kaia Lininger

I volunteered to write this recommendation for Kaia because I was so grateful and happy with her care of my puppy this past year. I met her while she was living and working in Modjeska, California. I was going to have hip replacement surgery and a neighborhood friend suggested that Kaia could help me when Kaia had free time. I observed how wonderful Kaia interacted with all the dogs, large and small, before making offer to her. It was the best decision I ever made! Kaia came to my home twice a day to walk, train and play with my pup. She was never late, answered any concerns I had and showed great love for animals with patience and confidence. We learned so much and sorry to see her go but happy that she’ll still be doing what she loves.  As a company owner, I am confident Kaia will fit in and go beyond any employer’s expectations.

Sincerely, Patricia Hunt 

Theresa Thoburn
Jul 07, 2025

Kaia was a tremendous help to us and our 7 dogs for well over a year. She helped with walking, bathing, feeding and supervision. Kaia has a good understanding of dog body language and can intuitively identify when a dog is fearful or might be overly excited. Kaia has a kind heart and always put our dog’s best interest first. She is punctual and very reliable.