At Bed & BARKfest, our mission is to create safe, loving, and enriching experiences for every dog in our care - and that all begins with our incredible sitter team. Last month, we came together in person for our annual Sitter Education Day, a hands-on, collaborative event focused on strengthening skills, connection, and our continued commitment to exceptional dog care.

We believe that ongoing education isn’t a bonus — it’s essential. Every sitter on our team commits to showing up, learning, and growing so we can confidently serve the dogs (and humans) who trust us.

One of the highlights of the day was a live training session with Kelly from Olympia Dog Training. Kelly led an engaging, interactive workshop, where our sitters deepened their ability to:

• Read and respond to subtle dog body language cues
  
  
• Prevent and manage conflict calmly and effectively
  
  
• Respond appropriately if a dog fight occurs
  
  
• Use training tools confidently through hands-on practice

Following a thoughtful Q&A with Kelly, we shifted into Bed & BARKfest protocols - covering everything from meet & greet strategies and drop-off routines to flight-risk prevention, emergency response plans, and sitter perks.

It was an energizing, team-focused day, grounded in our shared belief that dog care should be intentional, informed, and deeply compassionate.

Why It Matters

Sitter Education Day is just one of the ways we invest in our team - and in the quality of care we provide. Our sitters are more than dog lovers. They’re trained, attentive professionals who show up with confidence and care in every situation. Because when your pup is with us, they’re family - and we treat them that way.

🐾 Scroll through some of our favorite moments from the day!