I posted my first listing a few days ago. I haven’t gotten any applicants and would appreciate any feedback on my listing. I linked the listing to my forum profile.
I’m not too worried about finding a sitter for this trip because I have a plan B already set up since it’s short notice. But I’m planning more, longer travel in the future and would love to have this shorter opportunity for my dog to get used to having sitters stay in my house rather than him stay at a boarding facility.
Anyway, thanks in advance for taking the time to look at my listing and share your thoughts!
Your ad is good, as are the photos. Highlight the use of the truck early on. Mention how long Bear can be left for. Downside is that there is only 1 bedroom which means handover will have to be done on the day the sitter arrives and you’ll have to leave that day. Plus the garden isn’t fenced.
Well, you home looks lovely and really cosy, too. I’m a HO, with 7-8 sits under my belt and have never HS for others.
I suppose perhaps the only thing is how long actually does the sitter have to spend with Bear on a typical day? Also, he is nervous with new people - in what form does this take? Dog lovers will be patient with a dog that barks a lot and “investigates” at the start, but maybe some more info on exactly what the behaviours are with new people and any concerns about aggression to new people. Reassurance on that would be helpful and your own tips & advice on how to deal with it (welcoming the sitters the day before you leave, for example, so that Bear gets used to the sitters?). Also, how long can Bear be left - could the sitters have a couple of hours off to go ski-ing maybe?
I think you will get applications soon, though - it just might take a few more days. Very best of luck.
I will add to the text how long Bear can be left for. I had only marked it in the check boxes which I’m gathering isn’t prominent enough. I’ll also move up the info about using the dog truck. Thanks!
Thanks for the suggestion about including info about Bear meeting new people. I’ll add more info about that (I was worried about including too much detail based on feedback I’d seen on other people’s listings). Bear is the gentlest soul and close to silent. He’s never displayed an aggressive behavior even when cornered. His anxiety with new people is mostly pacing, hiding in a different room, and giving them side-eye until he’s ok with them. I have some tips on warming him up so I’ll include that too. Thanks!
I think it looks like a great dog sitting opportunity.
Your description of your dog truck as a traveling dog crate made me laugh. I can relate as we have a 30+ year old 4 Runner that has been used for decades of transport for our dogs and fosters.
@indiebear Unfortunately the checkbox you tick for how long a pet can be left doesn’t appear in a listing. For some reason they are there for “information gathering” for THS.
You have a well written and informative listing, and you make your location (which I know nothing about) appealing. I think my biggest concern would have related to the need to give eye drops to a “giant” dog who is nervous of new people. Definitely add the information you have provided here to your listing, it would give a lot of reassurance.
As a sitter I would wonder whether I was expected to do nails/ brush teeth during a sit and how he is with grooming. Mainly because my own dog is not happy about it at all, and might snap, at least to others than me. And of course how long can he be left for.
I would include how many hours Bear can be left alone. Sometimes owners state something like this, “Bear can be left alone for up to 6 hours but not every day, please.” And then discuss more during a video chat about your preferences.
I would include a few photos of the town and nature.
I would include information about transportation from the SLC airport. Certainly there is a shuttle of some kind, and then the Sitter will have the truck and walking when at your house. You might mention typical weather during the October dates. When does the first snow usually happen? Also, what is the altitude? That might be important for some sitters.
For those of you who are not familiar with Park City, it is an absolutely beautiful area, an outdoor enthusiasts’ dream. Winter sports are especially popular there. Real estate is very expensive.
We would consider watching Bear but cannot do your October dates.
Thanks for the useful tip. Bear gets eye drops from other people often so I didn’t even think about it being a possible concern for a potential sitter.
Thanks for highlighting that as a question. Bear is so gentle that he lets anyone do things to him, even when he’s anxious. I hadn’t thought of that as something to point out but I’ll add it because obviously other people don’t know his temperament. Thanks!
Good points. Park City is so overrun with tourists as a resort town that I forget that lots of people don’t know anything about it.
Also, I’ll be posting future trips soon so maybe you can come visit another time!