1. Introduction to Dog Sitting
The act of taking care of a pet for a certain period of time has existed for a long and people have often asked family, friends or relatives to take care of their companions when they couldn’t. There have always been some exchanges such as: “While you are in Spain, I will take care of your dog and when I go to the Maldives, you can take care of mine.” However, dogs were not considered so much part of the family and many owners used to leave them to the care of a neighbor or in a kennel during their holidays. Nowadays, pets are members of the family. They are pampered and have special diets at their expense. Pet passers or sitters became a source of savings or simply an additional service for many busy owners who cannot give them a walk or accompany them at home as much as they deserve, especially during their holidays or during working hours, which for many are more than eight hours a day.
Taking care of pets is a delicate and serious matter, recognized as such by those who love and respect animals. In developed countries it has been accepted as a profession which is regulated and trained. In Spain and despite all the publicity that is given to the training of animal trainers and educators, as of today, dog sitting or dog walking is not yet a profession regulated by the state. Anyone can perform these services without prior experience. Animal loving owners take the biggest risks when hiring a person without prior training or a reference for a service that requires responsibility when spending long hours taking care of their pets. Moreover, we are talking about a moment as complex as the separation of the owners, which could manifest behavioral problems. However, there are companies that train these professionals and take care of the rest regarding insurance, licenses and contracts, something that is not usual.
2. Understanding the Job
So, what’s a dog sitter? Imagine being a dog’s best buddy when their humans are away. As a dog sitter, you’re the go-to person for dog owners who need to leave town but don’t want to stress out their furry pals. When it comes to choosing a dog sitter, many pet owners pick a neighbor, a trusted friend, a relative, or someone from their community to look after the puppy while they’re gone. But when it comes to people who do this job professionally for profit, they’re called pet sitters. And while there are those who sit for pets like cats, rabbits, birds, reptiles, or fish, dog sitters only look after dogs. Dog sitters may fulfill their duties in a variety of ways, like visiting the pet owner’s home and staying with it there, or moving to the pet owner’s home until their return, or providing the dog with a place to stay while its owner is vacationing. But just know this – people at resorts who offer daycare services for their guests’ dogs are not dog sitters, even if that’s what they call themselves.
You know what? Not all dog lovers make good dog sitters. To be a successful dog sitter, you need to really love dogs and have practical experience caring for them. Apparently, you need to also be caring and patient, calm and attentive, have a basic knowledge of dog breeds, and stay fit enough to manage walks and playtime sessions with your clients. If you’re lucky you may be contacted to look after their puppies in the same way a nanny would do. Dog sitters who visit the pet owner’s house and care for the dog there generally spend most of the day playing with it and making sure it has regular feedings and bathroom breaks. This is a physically demanding job and you’ll need a lot of patience and compassion.
3. Benefits of Hiring a Dog Sitter
When looking for someone to watch your dog while you’re away on a trip or at work all day, there are many options. There are boarded kennels, other family members, and of course, a dog sitter! While other options can be viable, no service can truly compare to what a private dog sitter can offer. Pets become part of your family and caring for them while you’re away can be stressful for everyone involved. Here are just a few of the many reasons hiring someone to care for your dog at home is the best option.
No Boarding Kennels – Stressful and Dangerous Environment for Pets
Kennel life is simply not ideal for most dogs. The loud sounds of barking, doorbells, and general chaos of other animals simply isn’t the calming atmosphere a pet would enjoy while you’re away. The lights are constantly on and all sleeping schedules go out the window. If you have a dog that is particularly anxious when boarding at a kennel, you may come home to find him with dirty fur from never having the chance to go outside, and in severe cases, even injuring himself in an attempt to escape.
Another problem with boarding your pet is the actual kennel itself. If the proper hygiene protocols are not maintained, animals can quickly pick up diseases. There are many cases of dogs coming home treated for various diseases and parasites. After paying hundreds to stay in a kennel, it can be troublesome and disheartening to pay thousands more only to have a sick dog on your hands. Hiring a dog sitter will allow your dog to have in-home care and, in some cases, be walked multiple times a day, allowing him to work through that excess energy and not acting out or putting pressure on his joints.
Less Stress on You and Your Dog
4. Key Responsibilities of a Dog Sitter
A dog’s health and overall well-being are a dog’s owner’s major responsibilities. But when a dog owner employs a dog sitter with certain duties, the dog sitter takes care of various aspects of the dog’s health, safety, and enjoyment. While the dog owner is at work or on vacation, the hired sitter takes care of the pet, taking on a set of responsibilities, including responsibilities for the dog’s safety and health. Here are some of the main responsibilities, as well as examples and varying levels of responsibility.
Here are more details about feeding and nutrition, exercise and playtime, and grooming and hygiene. These three responsibilities are crucial to a dog’s welfare. Not all of them apply to every dog sitting situation. The dog owner may have other terms in addition to the usual duties; their main concern is that the dog is well cared for. These responsibilities should be discussed before any dog sitting assignment is undertaken. The owner may also require a certain level of experience, especially for long-term and special-care dog sitting.
Each dog’s feeding schedule and nutritional needs differ by age, health level, and type of food, with some needing special food or even medication. Puppies and some other dogs need to be fed several times a day. Many dogs need snacks; others may be allowed only during certain times. If dogs are allowed, they may be let outside, taken on a walk, or just played with outside or with a special indoor toy. Because dogs require more exercise than humans consider, it’s crucial to get to know each dog’s exercise requirements. And of course, all dogs should have enough time, at least once a day, to engage in play with their dog sitter.
4.1. Feeding and Nutrition
It might seem easy to choose the right food for a dog sitter’s furry friend. After all, there are plenty of canned and dry foods sitting in stores, and it is easy to simply head there and pick something off the shelves. However, there is a lot that goes into maintaining a dog’s healthy diet and nutritional balance, which is why many owners carefully select their dog’s preferred food. That’s why, as a dog sitter, it is the sitter’s responsibility to ensure that the dog is fed a balanced diet that is suitable for their needs.
Before diving into dog food options, however, any reputable dog sitter will recommend that owners address any dietary needs with their pet and, possibly, a vet. Some owners may specifically breed their pets based on size, coat, and other features. Breeding aside, dogs also come in different sizes that require varied diets. For instance, small-breed puppies need specialized kibble or canned food made with additional protein, fats, calcium, and phosphorus. Certain dog types might also need specialized diets to maintain coat health, controlling stomach issues such as flatulence, and even life expectancy.
Pet owners also need to check for medical issues when selecting their dog’s diet. Some dogs may be allergic to gluten in pet food, which could lead to issues such as gas, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and tiredness. Other dogs with diabetes need specially formulated low-fat, high-protein food in smaller portions. Likewise, owners of dogs dealing with bumps, lumps, skin infections, or loss of hair may need to include supplements in their diet, which require proper communication with a vet.
4.2. Exercise and Playtime
Dogs are active creatures and most require ample exercise every day in order to stay happy and healthy, and it tends to vary by the individual dog. While some adult and senior dogs require exercise at a more leisurely pace, such as long walks, vigorous activity is needed by most puppies and working or sporting breeds. Insufficient exercise can lead some dogs to engage in destructive behavior or become overweight. It’s a common misconception that keeping a dog in a yard will provide them with enough exercise. Most dogs are social creatures who want to spend time with humans or other animals and, in fact, need to interact with others.
Exercise is very important in maintaining your dog’s physical well-being but it’s also important in keeping them mentally stimulated. Dogs are intelligent animals, and if they’re not given an outlet for their excess energy, they can create their own outlet — often by performing annoying or destructive behaviors. There are many things you can do with your dog to keep them physically active and mentally stimulated, including walking, running, biking, hiking, swimming, and playing fetch, frisbee, tug-of-war, or hide-and-seek.
In addition to typical walks and romps outdoors, there are other activities to consider that are different and intended for bonding with your dog, including indoor training games and enrichment and exercise equipment, including dog treadmills and interactive puzzle toys. If you don’t have the time available to properly exercise your dog, especially if they’re very active, you might consider hiring a local pet sitter or dog walker to help. Whether you’re looking for a more casual dog walker who takes them for a few blocks here and there a couple times a week or a professional dog handler trained to tire out working dogs, there are many services to choose from.
4.3. Grooming and Hygiene
If there’s anything dogs hate more than fireworks, it’s a bath and groom. And depending on the breed, some dogs need serious coaxing to tolerate the grooming process. But for dog owners, having a dog sitter to assist with grooming is a major bonus. It not only makes the groomer’s job less painful, but also ensures the dog is looking and feeling their best. There are several aspects to grooming and hygiene that should be on a dog sitter’s radar. Here’s a quick guide with some pointers.
Bath time is, well, bath time! During the summer months, it’s generally recommended that dogs are bathed once every two to four weeks. What you use to bathe the dog will depend on the coat type and any skin issues they may have. Mainstream dog shampoos are generally not recommended, so your owner will most likely either provide the products or let you know what to use. Bathing a dog in winter ought to be avoided if possible. If they do get dirty, use a damp cloth to wipe them down, either in the bath or outside with a hose or shower. Wiping down with a warm, damp cloth and drying them off with a towel is preferable if they’re inside. Toweling may be all you need to do in winter.
As far as brushing, it’s best practice to brush dogs that shed daily and dogs that mat at least weekly. Dogs that don’t shed and don’t mat should be brushed at least monthly. In addition to brushing, some breeds require small portions of coat to be cut back every four to ten weeks. If you’re uncertain of your dog’s coat type, research it or ask your owner.
5. Essential Skills for Dog Sitters
Dog sitters require several essential skills to ensure that the dogs in their care remain safe and happy:
5.1. Communication Skills
Excellent communication skills are one of the most important skills for pet sitters. Dog sitters should keep their clients updated on their dog’s well-being and send them regular photos of their beloved pet. Good communication skills can also help establish a strong relationship between the dog sitter and the dog, easing the transition from caretaker to client once the pet owner leaves. A dog sitting for the first time might take a while to get used to his new caretaker, no matter how well the dog has been prepared by the owner. Clear communication will allow the pet sitter to reassure the dog and help him feel more comfortable in his new surroundings.
5.2. Time Management
Time management is an essential skill for any caregiver, and dog sitters are no exception. Pet sitters usually have a busy schedule, especially if they’re running a pet sitting business. In most cases, they are responsible for caring for multiple pets from different owners at different locations. Thus, they must spend the right amount of time with each pet, ensuring that everyone is happy and healthy. Maintaining a strict schedule allows pet sitters to care for different pets in different locations, often on the same day. A pet sitter may have three clients with three dogs who all require at least an hour of supervision, feeding, exercise, and playtime. The client with the earliest appointment will have to return home to meet him. The dog sitter must establish a strict time frame for the other dogs, ensuring that all three dogs’ needs are accounted for. Time management skills ensure that each dog receives sufficient attention and care while sticking to the appointment schedule.
5.3. Basic Dog Training Knowledge
Basic dog training knowledge may not be required unless specified by the pet owner. Basic commands—sit, stay, and come—ensure that the dog is easier to manage and less likely to run into trouble. Basic leash knowledge will also ease the stress of dog walking.
5.1. Communication Skills
Dog sitters care for all kinds of dogs. But the requirements for each job are highly dependent on the needs of the owners. For example, a six year old Fox Terrier with a heart condition will likely require different attention than an active puppy left alone to explore for a weekend. As a dog owner, it’s important to clearly communicate all of your needs, requirements, and desired boundaries. Your dog sitter has likely had multiple jobs across different breeds, ages and personalities. They are fully capable of going above and beyond to ensure your dog doesn’t get into any sketchy situations. But how would you know they’re right for you? During your first interaction, always ask the right questions.
So, how do you choose the right sitter? Whether you plan to hire someone ever again, or just need a last-minute replacement, picking a great dog sitter early saves you a lot of worry in the long run. The first point of contact matters a lot. This could be via a message, but often enough you’ll want to schedule a meet and greet. As a pet owner, you want a person who greets you with a smile and makes an effort to focus on you and your needs. The most qualified dog sitters are friendly, flexible and considerate. They ask a lot of questions about your dog and make sure to take notes. Here are just some qualifications you should look for: A questionnaire to fill out. Dogs will be staying with the sitter for both long and short periods of time. In this first meeting, the owner should be able to communicate to the sitter what the dog will need during the visit, special requests, and questions of their own.
5.2. Time Management
When you think about what a dog sitter does, you might think it just requires spending a lot of time with dogs, taking care of their needs. But if you’re providing this service to multiple dogs each day, it involves a lot of planning! A dog sitter must develop a dog-care schedule, and for that, time management is key. Depending on how many clients you have, you will need to schedule several drops, visits, or training sessions with dogs, ideally in the same geographical area. This way, you won’t lose time – which, by the way, you will be paid for – traveling across to care for clients. Unless it’s a special client’s request, it makes no sense to visit a dog that lives on a street and then have to go to a dog on another street half an hour later. On the other hand, every dog has its own needs, and the sitter must schedule visits and walks based on the individual dog and on when their owner can be contacted – in case there are any emergencies or special requests.
Time management is about balancing speed and quality. You’ll need to have an internal timer if you want to work with multiple dogs or if you’re doing drop-in sessions with regular clients. With a dog that you walk regularly, you’ll be familiar with its needs – how often it stops to sniff things, how often it needs to pee, whether it takes more than 30 minutes to eat its meals, and so on. But if you’re doing drop-in sessions with new dogs, you won’t know how long they take to eat or how often they like to pee – but you’ll need to keep a watch on those things in case you get asked for a second session with the same dog in the future. Most importantly, you’ll need to be able to gauge time accurately while being flexible: some dogs might need more time than they usually do, while others may need less.
5.3. Basic Dog Training Knowledge
Family friendly dogs are generally less difficult to care for than those that have experienced previous trauma. New people, sights, and smells upset these dogs. It’s easy to forget that for animals a visit to unfamiliar cities can be just as traumatic as going on vacation without their human companions. Providing care, watching, and learning how to improve their experience can teach many anxious pet owners the skill of leaving their dog with a caretaker instead of at boot camp. The ability to truly care for an anxious dog and teach icebreaking skills can ease that anxiety to a more manageable level and strengthen the dog/caretaker bond through communication.
Pet sitters with an understanding of basic dog obedience training can offer a higher level of service. This is an especially sought-after skill for busy families visiting a new city with kids who may want to play, hike, or do other activities while traveling. Sometimes teaching a dog how to “sit,” “stay,” or “come” in just one short visit can break the ice so that everyone feels secure and relaxed, and leash training is great for using someone else’s pet to teach children without having to worry about scolding or upsetting the family dog. Listed below are just a few of the items that might come up between you and your client as you talk about their dog.
It’s important to keep in mind that just because you may have access to a beach, lake, or dog park, not all dogs are going to love visiting these places. Dogs have different energy levels and personalities just as people do. If you live somewhere that might attract people with dogs who love outdoor activities, suggest your new clients take your charge to one of those locations to help break the ice if you have instructions from the owner on how long it is okay for their dog to be outside. While there, you can observe their dog’s personality, energy levels, and leash training if you are only a backup babysitter for the time they are in town.
6. Building a Relationship with Dogs
Building a relationship with your dog is essential, just as it is in any other relationship. You would not suddenly go up to a stranger and hug them, would you? Try these tips when it comes to bonding with your dog. Don’t rush your dog or force them to allow physical touch. While they might love you in their own way, they might not want a lot of physical affection yet. Sit near your dog, get on their level and speak softly and calmly to them – away from treats or toys. Try tossing a toy to them that they can catch and play with all by themselves. Being quiet together in the same room and just hanging out can help as well. Use caution when reaching for or touching your dog. Dogs sometimes feel the need to protect their toys, food bowls, or loved ones, and may react defensively if given the impression that you are coming in to take something they value. Pay attention to the internal signals your dog is giving you. Watch them tuck their tails, stiffen, or lower their bodies. If your dog is showing you any signs of distress, walk away and develop trust at a pace that feels comfortable. Use snacks to reward your dog for positive behavior. Patience and understanding are the most important keys to developing trust and a good relationship with your dog. Establish a routine with your dog. Dogs love routine; they love knowing what is coming next. Establishing a routine will not only help your dog build trust in you, but it will also create a strong foundation for your relationship. Establish what time you will pick them up, where you will take them, what time they will eat their meals, etc. When you are consistently picking up your dog around the same time every day, taking them to the same places, and feeding them around the same times, your dog will begin to trust that you will return to them.
7. Conclusion
Regardless of which suburb you call home, a pet sitter is someone that allows you to enjoy your time away from your furry family while guaranteeing that your dog doesn’t suffer from separation anxiety. Luckily, there are people in our community that can help you with that. But not just any pet will do. When considering any potential applicants, make sure you: 1. Trust the person wholeheartedly 2. Ask questions including what their experience is, how often they walk local dogs, how do they keep dogs calm during stressful times, how do they handle stranger danger, and do they know canine body language? 3. Use your pet cam and trust your gut after the trial run. You want your vacation to be a happy time for everyone involved. A dog being taken care of in his own environment will be less likely to cause trouble while you’re away; barking, digging, howling, and generally being anxious. You also want to come back to a house that feels good to return to. Your dog and home share a bond and by hiring a dog sitter, you know that they’re taken care of.
