We joined last month and I’ve posted twice now (removed and refreshed/added new photos/more details) and so far I had one (single) application who decided walking a Labrador for an hour a day was too much and cancelled.
I’ve since changed to 30 minutes a day - added lots more detail and even sent invitations to apply but despite lots of ‘your home is lovely’ replies, we aren’t seeing any applications at all (still just the one that cancelled).
Is there anything glaringly wrong with the listing, or I’m wondering could it just be our ultra rural location - in which case I may look to cancel membership as I wasn’t hoping to be chasing/begging people to apply
Really appreciate any guidance/responses as we’re -6 weeks away from going abroad and I’m thinking I may have to consider kennels…
Thanks
James
(Post edited by the Forum team to remove link to profile and this has been added to their Forum profile instead).
I cant see any thing “wrong”, it looks lovely and you’ve given lots of good detail. My only suggestion is to reorder your photos so that there’s a nicer one of the house upfront.
I cant believe someone balked at walking a labrador for 30 mins twice day - surely that’s standard?!
The only significant issue is transportation as sitters would have to bring their own car. If you can offer one or subsidize a rental that will boost interest.
I would clarify what is meant by the cats need encouragement? To go outside or come back in? Some may be intimidated by having to launch a search party for missing cats.
If your dog needs an hours walk a day, leave it at that. I have a golden and I specify exactly that. It isn’t unreasonable, just need to find a sitter who likes to walk. I do say it can be all at once or split into two 30 min walks, whatever works for the sitter.
Lastly mention the spin bike in the home description. Some sitters would like the ability to get some exercise on a rainy day! (We have a peloton as well).
I had a look. The dates don’t suit me and it’s too far away from my home in Scotland, otherwise there is nothing there that would put me off. Perhaps the rural location is the main factor. I hope you will find someone..
Also is there a way you can get a photograph of the house against a starry night sky? Do you have a telescope that sitters can peer through? I love stargazing and many others do as well…
Thanks - will update ref the cats to make clearer (they don’t like the outdoors unless it’s 20’ and blue skies, but always comeback in/beg at the door til you let them )
I’m not a sitter I’m a HO but darn this sit looks like heaven to me. I’d be tempted to sign up as a dual member but we already have summer holiday plans
Good luck, it really looks lovely…I’m sure someone will grab it!
Hi @JamesBrecon I think it seems like a great sit, and just the sort of thing I would usually look for - rural, great scenery, and a lovely dog that would enjoy some good walks in a stunning national park!
I was allergic to the last ragdoll cat that I looked after, and know that they tend to be quite affectionate and enjoy human company, so that (plus the fact I’m without wheels at present) would be the only reason I’d hesitate.
I would stick to your guns on an hour’s walk per day for Frank - don’t short change him! - as your sit is a great opportunity for someone to enjoy time in a lovely part of the world, and for the right person, an hour’s walk will be a pleasure rather than a chore.
It looks great and would suit who? Spell it out- nice for walkers great for digital nomads (if you’ve got fast WiFi add this). Tell us about the personality of your dog/their behaviour/training etc. describe local bus/train stations. Can you offer a doggy car to go out and about in. Are there bikes? Do you have Netflix etc.
So basically launch your listing as if it’s a big marketing campaign. Make it stand out.
It’s an ok listing but easy to skip past so the 1st photo needs to make a sitter stop and want to know more ok. I’d put a full face dog photo first to draw sitters in. Red fox labradors are a fantastic breed. Best wishes.
PS safety wise I’d remove any photos that show your children.
The main road to our house is the next one north (next to the Antiques centre), the one with the closure is used manly by tourists heading to the Usk Reservoir so very little disruption for us
I think it looks excellent. I generally walk dogs 4 walks a day – unless, like currently it is an old dog. My last sit, a month, I walked them 6-7 miles per day, which is at least a couple of hours, on trails. I think you just need to put it out there and wait.
Hi James and welcome to THS. The listing looks fabulous, Frank, your home and location. A couple of things that you might consider adding. I suspect that Frank will need to be walked on his lead/leash for the sit in April because of lambing and possibly the same for the sit in June. If that’s correct how is he on the lead in open countryside when there are sheep around? If he can be let off his lead on woodland walks, or away from livestock how is his recall? Is he reactive with other dogs? Can he be taken to coffee shops and pubs? Regardless of the answers I’m going to DM you with my profile as I’d love this sit.
On my Welsh sit the best part was long walks with the dogs. I would emphasize cool local hikes, or maybe add a photo on a local cool looking hill/forest/what there is.
There’s 100 walks within 15-30 minutes drive, and probably 10 you can do from our front door! I’ll look to add some detail tomorrow, thanks for the suggestion
All I can say is that, of course Frank needs an hour walk a day - at least! He’s only two. I think the person that applied was possibly more interested in going off exploring without Frank, although you generously say he can be left for 6-8 hours - not something I would consider. I’ve looked after a golden Lab 3 times now and we’ve done some lovely long walks together. I’m afraid I can’t help you but, honestly, there is nothing wrong with your listing. You have opened it up to families and might allow sitters to bring their own pets too.
I really do hope you find sitters for your dates. You’re in a fabulous location too. Oh and the cats are gorgeous too. Good luck!
Looks fantastic to me, we had a sit in Wales last summer and managed to sightsee a huge amount in 4 hours a day and have a glorious time with a retriever and 2 kittens. Shame the dates don’t work for me either but I agree with others, be patient. He’s gorgeous
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