What to tell dogsitter

mrsgrubby · 06-25-2006, 07:58 AM

If you were going to dogsit for someone what would you want to know?

We are going out of the country for 3 weeks this summer and have hired a lady to stay at our house with the girls, hoping it would be easier on them to at least be at home while we were away.

this lady had a dobe a few years back, but probably isn't really dog savy.

Because of where we are going, we will not be able to call home and check on the dogs, or her, so I want to write up something that covers everything she is going to need to know about my babies.

What should I tell her about?

So far I have feeding schedule and food amounts, vet information, potty schedules and crate information.

We've asked her not to walk the dogs or take them outiside our fenced in yard, just to be safe. (Violet would run away given any opportunity, and Jasmine is not good with the dogs that often run free in our neighborhood during our walks.

We've asked her to throw a ball for them several times a day in the back yard for exercise.

She works a totally opposite schedule than us, but I thinkit will work out great. She goes in at 6pm and comes home at 3pm, so she should be able to potty them and then sleep till 9. this should be fine with the girls, then she will be with them during the day.

What else should I tell her? She will be coming over for a few hours next week to meet them and pick up her "instruction manual".

Any other thoughts?

thanks

calgal · 06-25-2006, 09:49 AM

I think you just about covered everything. Leaving her written instructions is the best things to do. Also give her the name and phone number of your Vet., and also call your Vet. to let them know the name of the lady who will have your permission to take them in if needed, plus a back up name and number. Have a back up plan. Find someone else that is willing to take care of the dogs in case something happed to the sitter. Give her that phone number too.
Wish I could go somewhere in Europe. I may be going to Italy in October though, but would rather it be Spain.
Good luck with everything, and remember to have a great time, and not to worry about the "kids". They will be just fine.

oc_spirit · 06-25-2006, 12:32 PM

Give her a list of any dos and donts with the girls. Like some dogs hate to be touched in certain areas so be sure to specify that, or some dogs can''t have certain things for whatever reason.

Just a note, many dogs actually do better when everything in their environment changes (AKA getting boarded at a kennel) than if only one thing, the main thing at that, is missing (having someone stay at your house), Like with OC, when I''m gone and my parents take care of him, he;s a completely different dog. He''s a lot more dominant than usual with people, he;s grouchy, and he becomes either very independent or very clingy. If he''s feeling like being alone then he doesn''t want anyone near him or touching him. If he''s clingy you can''t get him away. Just a completly different dog from when I''m home. But when I board him, he stays the same dog as I know until I pick him up again.

mrsgrubby · 06-25-2006, 12:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oc_spirit

Give her a list of any dos and donts with the girls. Like some dogs hate to be touched in certain areas so be sure to specify that, or some dogs can''t have certain things for whatever reason.

.

Good idea, Thanks..

Ritz459 · 06-25-2006, 01:11 PM

And on the note of the dos and don'ts, if your girls have any perks are whatever (like they growl when they are happy or something) let her know about that too. Some things that are taken for granted for us may be a shock to somebody who hasn't been around the dogs before.
Like when Blackie is happy and getting his belly rubbed, he'll sigh and it sounds like he is growling. To us that means he is happy, but to a stranger he would sound like a ticked off doggy.

mrsgrubby · 06-25-2006, 01:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ritz459

And on the note of the dos and don'ts, if your girls have any perks are whatever (like they growl when they are happy or something) let her know about that too. Some things that are taken for granted for us may be a shock to somebody who hasn't been around the dogs before.
Like when Blackie is happy and getting his belly rubbed, he'll sigh and it sounds like he is growling. To us that means he is happy, but to a stranger he would sound like a ticked off doggy.

great point, jasmine too rumbles when she is being pet, it can sound scary

Barrett · 06-25-2006, 01:29 PM

Will you be able to access your e-mail so she can contact you in case of an emergency? I would be most worried about not being able to get daily updates on the dogs.

mrsgrubby · 06-25-2006, 01:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Barrett

Will you be able to access your e-mail so she can contact you in case of an emergency? I would be most worried about not being able to get daily updates on the dogs.

No, we will be without any contact for almost three weeks, that is why we are putting together such a complete list for her. there is absolutely no way to contact each other while we are gone.

britishbandit · 06-25-2006, 02:04 PM

Are you going to be having her come over to get used to the dogs before you leave? That would be a good way for her to see how you do things and she can ask about certain things as well.
Also, if you are a NILIF user, that's something you should have her continue while you are away.
Keep pen and paper around. And jot down anything you might suddenly think of on the spur of the moment that may help.

ewarp · 06-25-2006, 02:24 PM

Be sure to leave a friend or relative's contact info, just in case. Also, leave basic instructions for small mishaps... make sure she knows how to use the washer, where you keep extra bedding for the dogs, what to do if one of the girls gets an upset tummy, what kind of discipline you allow (if any), when collars go on/off, what "toys" aren't really toys and are off limits... that kind of stuff. Let her know that you'll reimburse her for any vet bills. Make sure you either have enough food for them or she knows where to get it.

RIo&Nickysmommy · 06-25-2006, 03:50 PM

When I have someone watch my pet I always call my vet as avised. I tell my vet- No matter what care for my pet. I give them my creidt card information and I also give them the phone number of my Dad who will also put anything on his credit card for them. (My vet is good never had a problem with payment with them) But I want that part handled incase anyone has to take them because of funds while I am away I do not want my dogs not get all the medical attention they may need. I have a standard rule here. Before the dogs go out make sure the fences to the yard are shut. You would be amazed - the landscaper may not latch it or the wind or anything can open it. I want my dogs watched while outside not just left their on their own. Watch Garbage bags and can with the dogs. Rio is not a garbage picker Nicky will eat anything if you walk out of a room. Dfinetly have a back up person who can check to make sure all is fine even if its just a phone call every few days this way you have peae of mind. I am sure all will be fine. If your dogs get aggressive with their bones or fight about them. I would remove them all before you leave. Big thing no matter how nice this person is have a no vistor policy with her. You do not need you pet to meet new people while you are not their with them. Please let us know how your trip goes and how the girls make out. Like I said I am sure they will be fine. Have fun while away.
RIo&Nickysmommy

06-25-2006, 07:58 AM	#1 (permalink)
mrsgrubby Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Michigan Posts: 2,476 Rep Power: 146	What to tell dogsitter If you were going to dogsit for someone what would you want to know? We are going out of the country for 3 weeks this summer and have hired a lady to stay at our house with the girls, hoping it would be easier on them to at least be at home while we were away. this lady had a dobe a few years back, but probably isn't really dog savy. Because of where we are going, we will not be able to call home and check on the dogs, or her, so I want to write up something that covers everything she is going to need to know about my babies. What should I tell her about? So far I have feeding schedule and food amounts, vet information, potty schedules and crate information. We've asked her not to walk the dogs or take them outiside our fenced in yard, just to be safe. (Violet would run away given any opportunity, and Jasmine is not good with the dogs that often run free in our neighborhood during our walks. We've asked her to throw a ball for them several times a day in the back yard for exercise. She works a totally opposite schedule than us, but I thinkit will work out great. She goes in at 6pm and comes home at 3pm, so she should be able to potty them and then sleep till 9. this should be fine with the girls, then she will be with them during the day. What else should I tell her? She will be coming over for a few hours next week to meet them and pick up her "instruction manual". Any other thoughts? thanks

06-25-2006, 12:32 PM	#3 (permalink)
oc_spirit Snow Girl Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 2,619 Rep Power: 146	Give her a list of any dos and donts with the girls. Like some dogs hate to be touched in certain areas so be sure to specify that, or some dogs can''t have certain things for whatever reason. Just a note, many dogs actually do better when everything in their environment changes (AKA getting boarded at a kennel) than if only one thing, the main thing at that, is missing (having someone stay at your house), Like with OC, when I''m gone and my parents take care of him, he;s a completely different dog. He''s a lot more dominant than usual with people, he;s grouchy, and he becomes either very independent or very clingy. If he''s feeling like being alone then he doesn''t want anyone near him or touching him. If he''s clingy you can''t get him away. Just a completly different dog from when I''m home. But when I board him, he stays the same dog as I know until I pick him up again.
	__________________ NORTHERN BLACKOUT SIBERIAN HUSKIES AND CUSTOM LEATHER LEASHES Even the quietest whisper can be heard over the loudest gunshot. When? When it speaks the truth! I shall stand by your side and fight! Together we shall prevail through all life's adversities!

06-25-2006, 01:11 PM	#5 (permalink)
Ritz459 "Nothing is ever easy" Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Indiana Posts: 5,898 Blog Entries: 3 Rep Power: 240	And on the note of the dos and don'ts, if your girls have any perks are whatever (like they growl when they are happy or something) let her know about that too. Some things that are taken for granted for us may be a shock to somebody who hasn't been around the dogs before. Like when Blackie is happy and getting his belly rubbed, he'll sigh and it sounds like he is growling. To us that means he is happy, but to a stranger he would sound like a ticked off doggy.
	__________________ ~Blackie, Rose, Chloe (dogs), Pheobe (cat), Casey, Dameon (ferrets), Joey ('Tiel), Dot, Louie (cavies), Pickachu (hamster),

06-25-2006, 02:04 PM	#9 (permalink)
britishbandit Rottweiler Mum Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Windsor, ON Posts: 4,185 Rep Power: 180	Are you going to be having her come over to get used to the dogs before you leave? That would be a good way for her to see how you do things and she can ask about certain things as well. Also, if you are a NILIF user, that's something you should have her continue while you are away. Keep pen and paper around. And jot down anything you might suddenly think of on the spur of the moment that may help.
	__________________ "No matter how little money and how few possesions you own, having a dog makes you rich." - Louis Sabin

06-25-2006, 02:24 PM	#10 (permalink)
ewarp sabooooooo Join Date: Apr 2006 Posts: 457 Rep Power: 82	Be sure to leave a friend or relative's contact info, just in case. Also, leave basic instructions for small mishaps... make sure she knows how to use the washer, where you keep extra bedding for the dogs, what to do if one of the girls gets an upset tummy, what kind of discipline you allow (if any), when collars go on/off, what "toys" aren't really toys and are off limits... that kind of stuff. Let her know that you'll reimburse her for any vet bills. Make sure you either have enough food for them or she knows where to get it.
	__________________ Get on with living and loving. You don't have forever.

06-25-2006, 09:49 AM	#2 (permalink)
calgal My Yorkster kids! Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: central ca. coast Posts: 6,876 Rep Power: 234	I think you just about covered everything. Leaving her written instructions is the best things to do. Also give her the name and phone number of your Vet., and also call your Vet. to let them know the name of the lady who will have your permission to take them in if needed, plus a back up name and number. Have a back up plan. Find someone else that is willing to take care of the dogs in case something happed to the sitter. Give her that phone number too. Wish I could go somewhere in Europe. I may be going to Italy in October though, but would rather it be Spain. Good luck with everything, and remember to have a great time, and not to worry about the "kids". They will be just fine.

06-25-2006, 01:29 PM	#7 (permalink)
Barrett dachshund Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Washington Posts: 2,758 Rep Power: 158	Will you be able to access your e-mail so she can contact you in case of an emergency? I would be most worried about not being able to get daily updates on the dogs.

06-25-2006, 03:50 PM	#11 (permalink)
RIo&Nickysmommy Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: NY Long Island Posts: 256 Rep Power: 67	When I have someone watch my pet I always call my vet as avised. I tell my vet- No matter what care for my pet. I give them my creidt card information and I also give them the phone number of my Dad who will also put anything on his credit card for them. (My vet is good never had a problem with payment with them) But I want that part handled incase anyone has to take them because of funds while I am away I do not want my dogs not get all the medical attention they may need. I have a standard rule here. Before the dogs go out make sure the fences to the yard are shut. You would be amazed - the landscaper may not latch it or the wind or anything can open it. I want my dogs watched while outside not just left their on their own. Watch Garbage bags and can with the dogs. Rio is not a garbage picker Nicky will eat anything if you walk out of a room. Dfinetly have a back up person who can check to make sure all is fine even if its just a phone call every few days this way you have peae of mind. I am sure all will be fine. If your dogs get aggressive with their bones or fight about them. I would remove them all before you leave. Big thing no matter how nice this person is have a no vistor policy with her. You do not need you pet to meet new people while you are not their with them. Please let us know how your trip goes and how the girls make out. Like I said I am sure they will be fine. Have fun while away. RIo&Nickysmommy

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