share. Don't accept the job if you're not ready or feel unprepared. Leave Detailed Lists: You can’t overdo it with the lists. You probably shouldn't look after your friend's dog if you're scared of them. If you’re going to bring the dog to your house, make sure you have a pet-friendly home where the dog can run around and play. Sometimes you just need that darn dog to sit down and stay put. On top of this, I have personal transportation available. Pet sitting is a very big responsibility. Is it a dog that is very energetic that needs lots of time outside to run around each day? End behavior: The dog sits for a hand signal and the verbal cue “sit.” Step 1: Stand in front of the dog. Or your friend will be simply "checking in" with your dog once a day, twice a day? Elisabeth offers behavior training, puppy manners, body awareness and injury prevention, diet, exercise and dog nutrition services. Start with a neutral object — one that the dog has no interest in, such as a book. I have two dogs and two cats. If you really can’t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. She hasn't asked for money but would like to give her an appropriate amount to thank her for helping me out. When i house sit if its for a week depending on how many animals and location. This stimulation can be in the form of obedience training. If you’ve already met the dog you’ll be caring for, still try to spend a little bit of time with the dog before it’s in your care to renew your bond. This usually helps a dog get comfortable. What sounds like a good amount to give her. Doing so can help you make sure the dog is comfortable in his new surroundings. References. This article was co-authored by Elisabeth Weiss. It’s the season for vacations and weekend getaways. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Tell dog-owning friends that you'd like to watch their pup for a few days to give your kids a test run in dog ownership. The next time you are asked if you would mind dog-sitting, you say, “You know, I’m a little embarrassed. Technique 2 – At-home The most common technique, and one that most veterinarians teach at puppy schools, uses a hand over the head method to encourage your dog to place its bottom on the floor. 1 review of Sitting With a Friend "Julie comes almost everyday to visit our dogs rugby and Uzi, two chihuahuas. Some pet sitters can house sit, pet sit, and still go to their jobs every day, so know in advance how present you want your pet sitter to be. When I teach “sit,” I do so as if it’s a fun trick; I treat reward at first, praise, then work it in other locations, reducing treat rewards along the way while increasing praise. Elisabeth Weiss. Elisabeth relies on science-based, force-free, and reward-based techniques. To deter your own pets from eating the dog’s food, try feeding them in separate rooms, or keeping them separated when you aren’t around if the dog needs food down all the time. Your ultimate goal will be to have your dog sit … My husband and I recently went on vacation for a week. The amount you should offer depends on several factors. hide. According to Pet Sitters International, pet sitting is characterized by in-home care for a pet while the owner is away. Timid dogs also resist lying down, a position they might deem too unsafe. On top of this, I have personal transportation available. Close. To make matters easier, ask your carer if he or she can stay in your house while you're away — that way, you have a built-in sitter to provide your dog with comfort and affection, in addition to food. Play with a neighbor's cat. 98% Upvoted. Pet sitters visit their clients’ homes either once per day or multiple times per day to provide exercise, offer fresh food and water, change litter boxes, clean out cages, administer medications and provide companionship. I’ve often socialized him since he was young at a dog park and around friends and family. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Please help us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker. I have 3 dogs, and 2 cats. Have your friend greet your dog by petting and talking in a calm, soothing voice, give your dog time to sniff your guest, and then have your human friend go and sit on the sofa. Treat your pets for fleas: If you have a cat or a dog at home and you intend on bringing in a new animal, it's a good idea to treat your pets for. Also staying at my house and getting mail and watering plants. My friend will be pet sitting for me while I am away for a month. Tips for Training and Educating Dogs “Man’s best friend”, “The ideal pet”, “The perfect companion for going on walks with”, “A child’s favorite toy”. report. That being said, it's important that you familiarize yourself with your temporary pet's routine before you bring him home. She loves our girls and we trust her implicitly. The last person i pet sat for i included walking the dogs daily and charged about $30 a day. Just tell your friend you're scared of dogs, I'm sure he/she will understand. Probably should n't look after your friend 's house or will your friends and keep! Dog walking and pet sitting is a great relationship a chair with your will! Goes wrong appropriate amount to thank her for helping me out him get treat. All of wikiHow available for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker they can provide the best care an. 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