Andy comes from a dog-loving family, and has had canine pals in his life since he was a kid. “Me and my brother have always had dogs ever since we were young. My family is Bolivian but me and my brothers were born here in the United States. My parents had two Yorkies and we pretty much grew up with them,” he said. After their parents passed, the two looked for dogs of their own, and ended up with a stray beagle and two German Shepherds who utilized the huge yard his family has shared for 15 years.
Today, Andy, a firefighter by profession, shares his yard with guests and their dogs as both a way to make extra income with minimal commitment, and as a way to serve this community, particularly for people with dogs who benefit from playing in privacy.
Always looking for new sources of income, Andy was intrigued by the methods people are using to generate extra cash with their homes, and came across what seemed like a great fit in Sniffspot. “I’m not sure I remember exactly how we stumbled upon Sniffspot, but I believe I saw it advertised somewhere online or I may have just seen it in the app store,” Andy recalled. “I thought it would be a perfect opportunity for us to have another source of income for things like upgrades around the house, groceries, and emergency repairs.”
Of course, having a Sniffspot isn’t necessarily meant for everyone. In order to have a great spot, one thing you need is room to host dogs, which Andy had plenty of. ”After reading more about it, I realized that our yard could actually be the perfect spot for something like this,” he said. “In the county I live in, this much land in my area is not very common, but so many people have dogs here, so when we thought about having access to something dog owners can really enjoy we had to ask ourselves why we wouldn’t let people use our yard.” Hard-pressed to find reasons not to, the brothers set forth and opened their Sniffspot with no regrets.
When most people open a Sniffspot they aren’t quite sure what to expect, and Andy and his brothers are no different. They did realize right away, however, that hosting provides a service to those who need it, and runs their space like a business in that way. “We are providing a service, and with any service comes some expectations that you must meet as a ‘business owner that all your clients have when they visit,” Andy explained. “I didn’t really know what to expect when we first started hosting with Sniffspot but I did know there would be responsibilities that came along with it.”
This business-minded outlook is what Andy credits with much of his success, and he prioritizes three things above all else in order to keep things running smoothly – clear communication, regular upkeep, and investing in the right improvements. “I think the biggest thing was making sure all my new clients had clear and detailed instructions, like directions to the Sniffspot, parking, entering the yard, where to leave trash, etc.,” he said. “My new guests receive a pre-written message that answers most of the questions that someone may have when visiting so there is no confusion as to what to expect. After their first visit, most of the time they are able to make the booking and visit without any help from my end so it makes for a very seamless experience, but I always let them know they can reach me with any questions! Last minute bookings are almost never an issue because of the text alerts that I receive.”
Interested in hosting?
Learn more here about how your land can help dogs and you can earn up to $1,500 per month!
“Then the second biggest thing was making sure the yard was clean, making sure the grass is cut regularly and that we go outside to pick up our own dogs’ poop,” he added. “As far as improvements go, the only thing we really did was add some more permanent gates for the deck/porch so that any visiting dogs don’t enter the deck. It limits dogs to the yard and the guests don’t have to worry about retrieving their dogs.”
While technical matters certainly need to be handled to ensure a tightly-running ship, the care and emotional aspect of Andy’s relationship with dogs is the other side of running a successful Sniffspot. “Income aside, I think the biggest benefit of hosting is how a lot of the clients point out that they have reactive dogs that do not do well with other dogs so dog parks are not really an option for them,” he said. “It’s very satisfying to know that you can provide a safe space for these reactive dogs, which there appears to be a lot of.” While reactive dogs aren’t heard about much, or are often villainized when they are spoken of, reactivity is more common than many people realize, and Sniffspot has allowed countless guests to offer their dog the same enjoyment many other dogs get to experience on a regular basis – space to run, the ability to exercise with no stress, and freedom from judgment, tight leashes, and scolding onlookers.
“The best thing about hosting with Sniffspot is being able to see other dogs enjoy the yard,” he added. “It’s one thing to see your own dogs running around in your backyard, but to see other dogs, sometimes dozens of them, exploring and sprinting around the yard gives me a very happy feeling.”
The success of Andy’s Sniffspot is apparent, and the extra income he makes from it isn’t earned for anything in particular, but used as he sees fit. “The money we earn from Sniffspot gets put into an emergency fund for the home,” he said. “If we need to do repairs to the home then we’ll pull money from that fund, and we’ll occasionally use it for upgrades to the yard, such as the gates for the deck. We haven’t put much thought into future plans for the yard but we are certainly open to ideas, especially if it can earn us more money.”
For anyone interested in hosting for themselves, Andy recommends setting yourself up for success by ensuring that your guests are treated to an experience that’s safe, welcoming, and well thought out. “I think it’s important to be prepared to take on some responsibility as a host, like making sure all your guests have their questions and concerns answered, and making sure your yard is kept clean, safe, and secured. One of the biggest challenges when I first started hosting was balancing the time it takes to do all that,” he said. “I think the other biggest thing is making sure you are okay with strangers coming to your home because a successful Sniffspot will see an influx of different people coming in and out regularly.”
In the months ahead, Andy and his brothers aim to keep hosting, earning, and sharing their space with their community and the dogs within it. While his Sniffspot is typically used for exercising, some guests have used their time “Occasionally I will have guests that host parties with a lot of dogs and they’ll bring snacks, drinks, tables, and just other things you would generally bring for a small party,” he said. “And the most memorable experience is when clients request that my dogs come out to play. Watching dogs make new friends is a very funny experience as you watch them go from the initial meeting phase and all the way to the chasing each other and playing phase.”
Interested in hosting?
Learn more here about how your land can help dogs and you can earn up to $1,500 per month!
Does your dog ever growl when you walk by their food dish? Maybe they get possessive of treats, carrying them far away and giving you side-eye when you start to approach — or snarling at your other pets or children if they get too close.
As almost every dog owner is aware, the nose of a dog is an amazing thing. Just as they can pick up sounds we can’t hear, their sense of smell and ability to pick up scents is well beyond ours. In fact, dogs have 40 times the number of olfactory receptors as humans.
More than 80 million Americans rely on their service dogs to help them navigate the world. Task-trained assistance animals perform a huge range of life-changing—in many cases, life-saving—services: These dogs act as eyes for visually impaired handlers, provide mobility support, alert to seizures and blood sugar crashes, interrupt anxiety attacks, remind their people to take medications, and so much more.
You thought your dog was house trained. Your home was clean from puddles of pee, those dreaded middle-of-the-night bathroom breaks were behind you, and you loved every minute of dog ownership… until your four-legged best friend started using the bathroom inside again. What’s going on?
Ah, poop. We humans think it’s disgusting… but many of our dogs seem to love the stuff. If you’re wondering why your canine companion tries to eat feces (either their own or that of other animals) you’re not alone!
Do you have a water-loving dog looking to burn some energy? There are countless dog parks to visit throughout our country — but some of them become far too hot in the midday sun to be safe for your pets to play. That’s why we’ve put together a list of some of the best dog water parks throughout the United States! At these locations, your pup can frolic, splash, and swim to their heart’s content.
* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *
Does your dog destroy every toy you give them? Is your house littered with remnants of fabric and stuffing of all different sizes? Are you tired of investing in “indestructible” toys only for your pup to still dismantle—or worse, get bored of—them in just a few days?
You’ve been told your dog needs regular exercise. There’s a reason “walking the dog” is a classic daily activity: Frequent excursions give your pup a chance to experience the world, maintain a healthy weight, and — most importantly — spend time with you! Consistent physical activity can also improve their strength, muscle tone, coordination, and mental ability over time.
* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *
Many dogs have gotten a bad reputation over the years for being "dangerous breeds." Rottweilers are among them. Like pit bulls and other large, blocky-headed types of dogs, these powerful and beautiful animals are often assumed to be aggressive.
Your dog is reactive. They’ll see another dog, person, or other stimulus in the environment (like a car or bike) while out on a walk and suddenly go crazy at the end of their leash. The barking, lunging, and growling feels embarrassing for you — and it’s clear that your pup isn’t having a great time either.
Does your dog display reactivity to other pets or people? Maybe they’re a new rescue pup and are still settling into your home. Or they were sick growing up, so you missed their critical socialization period. Possibly they’ve had a bad experience after being raised as a normal puppy.
Do you have a reactive dog or suspect you may have one? You’re not alone!
* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *
From 2009 to 2020, there was a 40 percent increase in the development of public dog parks. Designated spots for canine exercise have become commonplace in every major city in North America — many pet owners won’t even consider renting an apartment that doesn’t have its own fenced-in pet area for their canine companions.
Thousand Oaks, California has been a safe haven for Sniffspot host, Jen, since childhood. Having grown up in busy Santa Barbara, Jen, an introvert from an early age, would seek out solitude and serenity away from tourists attractions and droves of people visiting from elsewhere. “My grandparents own 60 acres about a 30 minute drive from here, and I grew up spending every summer and every holiday visiting them on the ranch,” Jen explained. “In Santa Barbara, we wouldn't go to the beach on the weekend because that's where everybody was, so you'd find places off the beaten path where the tourists weren't. For me, the ranch was just my happy place.”
Ellen is the host of Country Pasture Getaway, one of Sniffspot's most popular sniff spots. She has taken the time to write up the lessons she has learned about how to be a great sniff spot host.
Just 20 minutes outside of the busy city of Portland, Oregon, and settled right on the banks of the Columbia River, you’ll find what countless visitors have flocked to the area in search of – mountain views, crisp, clean air, and running water for miles. What you might not expect to find, however, is a hidden oasis designed just for dogs and their people, owned and operated by a farming couple and enjoyed by visitors on two legs, and four.
Fran is the host of Ranch Setting, one of Sniffspot's most popular spots. She has taken the time to write up the lessons she has learned about how to be a great Sniffspot host.
Looking for a space to play with your dog no matter what the weather’s like outside? Look no further than our list of the best indoor dog parks in the United States! These climate-controlled spaces are growing in popularity as pet ownership increases throughout the country. As a bonus, many of them also offer dog training, boarding, grooming, or daycare services on the premises.
Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog? We’ve got you covered! It’s hard to narrow down, but we’ve put together some of the best off-leash dog parks throughout the country so you can plan your next adventure — along with a checklist of what to bring, what to know beforehand, and some frequently asked questions.
Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog in Las Vegas? We’ve got you covered! Take a look at the best local dog parks to plan for your next adventure in Sin City.
Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog? We’ve got you covered!
Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog in Portland? We’ve got you covered! Take a look at the best local dog parks and plan for your next adventure in the City of Roses.
Discover the German Shepherd Dog, a breed celebrated for its intelligence, loyalty, and versatility. Known for its impressive size and smooth, graceful movements, German Shepherds excel in various roles, including as guide, therapy, bomb detection, and police dogs, while being a devoted family companion.
Discover the Labrador Retriever, a breed celebrated for its playful nature, affectionate temperament, and trainability. Labradors are known for their friendly demeanor and adaptability, making them perfect family companions and versatile working dogs. As one of the most popular types of retrievers, Labs are ideal companions for various lifestyles and are recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) as an excellent breed for families.
Discover the Golden Retriever, a popular breed celebrated for its affectionate, playful, and trainable nature. Considered a large dog, Golden Retrievers were originally bred in Scotland for hunting and retrieving game beginning in the 1860s. Today, they're recognized by the Kennel Club and the American Kennel Club (AKC) as one of the most beloved companion dog breeds.
Discover the American Staffordshire Terrier, a distinct breed celebrated for its playful, friendly, and loyal nature. Often confused with the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, a separate breed of British origin, the American Staffordshire Terrier (AmStaff) is considered a medium-sized dog. While both breeds share some similarities, the AmStaff is generally larger and has been developed as a distinct breed in the United States.
Discover the Australian Shepherd, an AKC breed celebrated for its trainable, playful, and affectionate nature. Despite its name, the Australian Shepherd is actually a native breed to the United States, originally developed to breed on farms and ranches. Considered a medium dog, Australian Shepherds were bred for herding beginning in the 1950s. As one of the high-energy breeds, Aussies are known for their boundless energy and need for regular exercise, including aerobic exercise.