Hi everyone, I’m a first time poster and have been using THS for about a year – prior to that, I housesat for friends for a couple years.
I’m at a sit that’s over a monthlong and one of the dogs (both over 50lbs) keeps on bolting when we are on walks. It has happened 3x now. The dog manages to slip out of his harness. He did it earlier today while I had my back turned while trying to get the other dog to stop rolling around in the grass because that’s how this other dog tries to slip out of his harness, too.
He is apparently known for being an escape artist, which I did not know until the sit started when I met the HOs.
I feel absolutely awful that this has happened and THREE(!) times already. The HO has been very understanding, however. It is their first time using the platform and having an overnight sitter.
My reputation has already been tarnished by several neighbors who watched the most recent ‘escape’ and one of whom was clearly unhappy with me, as she knows the dogs.
I had a call with them and the HOs are considering returning early. I have a few more days at the sit until I have to let them know whether I’d like to continue or not. They say they are more concerned about me than the dogs.
I honestly feel awful this has happened – this is my first time a HO has considered coming home early because of the sit – and have been following all of their instructions about what to do, this dog is just a super clever Houdini.
They gave me more suggestions today, so I will try using those tomorrow.
Has anybody else had an experience like this? What did you do about it? Did you have to leave early, stop walking dogs, get a dog walker, etc.?
3 Likes
@goldensungirl this sounds very stressful- it’s not your fault , if this was known behaviour, the owners should have mentioned this in the listing and in the conversations that you had before confirming the sit . The owners are responsible and it’s down to them to find a solution .
For one person walking 2x dogs that can get out of their harnesses and bolt could be dangerous for the dogs, you & passersby.
It’s really up to the owners to find a solution - if they have suggested that they will get a dog walker then that could work . Do the hosts usually walk both dogs together ? Just one person or do the couple walk the dogs together ? Even a paid dog walker would be unlikely to be willing to walk two dogs that can escape their harnesses at the same time -A paid dog walker may be able to transport them to an enclosed field for exercise- all arrangements should be made and paid for by the host .
In the meantime , could you walk them separately? That also increases the amount of time that you spend on your responsibilities- so should have been made clear in the listing .
14 Likes
Welcome to forum @goldensungirl !
I would walk them separately. Also take note of what happened just prior to the escape. That would make you more aware and give possibility to prevent. In my experience a dog would often use the same approach. Stop it sooner than the escape if this is the case. How can they get out of the harness? Is it not the right fit?
Have treats in your pocket and use them together with a «contact-word». Do it on a regular basis so the dog knows it will get a treat coming to you. Make sure it is always fun to come. Don’t strap it immediately, for instance.
For a long sit with an adventurous dog it could be worthwhile to do contact-training. You can do this also at home/ indoor. A good one can be that the dog gets a treat by touching your hand with its nose.
You can use just the dogs ordinary kibble if they have dry food. A dog is more food-motivated when a little hungry, so works better for walks before the meal than after.
If the dog has different harnesses, you can also double up on a walk. I know some do this if it is necessary to go out on New Years with fireworks. It is a bit of a hazzle and probably only a good idea if walking them separately. Trainers also use really long leashes. This gives a trainer the opportunity to step on the leash without getting to close to the dog.
Just some ideas you can spin with.
6 Likes
The fact that you are super concerned about this shows you are a caring sitter. The pet parents should have gone over this with your during the application process to determine if it was the right fit. As a sitter, I know my limitations. There is no way I could walk 2 dogs of that size that pulls or bolts and therefore would not be able to take a sit like that. But if I have my sons or my husband with me, then it’s no problem. We did have a sit once with a husky and another big younger dog that would suddenly bolt. I ended up taking her leash handle and putting it through a fanny pack belt so that if she tried to bolt, she would have to take my husband or boys with then. Then we had another dog with a loose collar and I was afraid she was going to wiggle out of it. I bought a body harness to keep us stress free and her safe. Good luck. If you’re that stressed and they offered to come back, it may not be a bad choice to take them up on their offer. Then take a break and start again. Fresh slate!!! Good luck. And don’t worry about those neighbors judging you. Let them judge. You’ll never see them again.
4 Likes
I sat one dog that was an escape artist and reactive to trucks. They had a harness that was more of a swat team vest. And a collar. You had to attach the leash to the harness and the collar. No way to tighten the harness, as others suggested? No collar to carabiner the leash to the harness?
1 Like
Do you want to stay? If so, I’d ask the hosts to pay for two harnesses that fit and don’t allow escaping. Meanwhile, I’d walk the dogs separately.
Even if they got a dog walker, it sounds like the dog(s) could still escape. And since you’d still be sitting, it seems likely that you’d be drafted to look for the dog(s). Plus, you’d still feel bad if anything happened to them, because you’re a caring person.
If you don’t want to stay, then agree that the hosts should return early.
And no matter what, I’d suggest that you review them accurately, because they withheld key info about their dogs and you could help other sitters avoid being misled as well. People who know their pets are escape prone and don’t tell a sitter are jerks, because they heighten the risks that their dogs can escape and say get hit by a car or such. It would automatically create stress for any normal human. And they would’ve never had the chance to make an informed choice about whether to sit. (Personally, I would never knowingly accept such a sit.)
9 Likes
Thanks everyone for your suggestions and support!
We have decided I shall walk the dogs separately starting today. We will see how it goes. The hosts usually walk both of them together but often with difficulty. They’ve not suggested a dog walker.
The dog that keeps on slipping out – his head is smaller than his body, and while his harness is tight, he is able to shimmy and back out of it in about 2 seconds. I am wishing they had another harness for me to use because clearly this one is not the right fit for the poor dog. Both harnesses are the same and the leash connects to the back of the harness, not the collar.
I have been considering contact training the one who keeps on slipping out. It seems his recall isn’t very good, especially with me, and he is a young dog (around 4). He is not food-motivated, either, and often does not eat.
I don’t have any backup sits in place – I live nomadically, so can make things difficult especially for a longer sit like this where I have already made arrival/departure arrangements – but do have a place I could stay, free of charge. We’re deciding whether or not I should continue on Sunday, we’ll see how the next few days go.
8 Likes
They need to get a tracker for their dog collars/harnesses. It will help future sitters to relax a little because then the sitter can track where each dog is if they make a run for it.
Also, they need a couple sitting together, not someone sitting on their own, so they can handle a dog each. That’s what most of our owners have done when they have dogs that are more tricky to be walked by one person.
You’re obviously a good sitter for caring.
4 Likes
I would use 2 leashes, one on the harness and one on the collar.
5 Likes
If we have trouble walking dogs, for whatever reason, we take them to fully enclosed dog parks whenever possible. This way, the dogs get exercise while we don’t have to worry about them escaping,
I realize that dog parks are not available everywhere, and some dogs do not get along with other dogs, or perhaps Sitters have no way of getting to the dog park.
These owners need better harnesses.
6 Likes
Definitely walk them separately. It’s unfortunate that you didn’t know that in advance. I am a homeowner and a pet sitter. I do have one 100 pound dog that can pull me down when he sees a squirrel so I notified everybody of that during the interview interviews. I also gave both the opportunity to take him to the dog park in the fence area where they don’t have to deal with walking with squirrels, but I do agree. It is the homeowners responsibility. I would try tying that harness on more or hooking it to a collar on top of the harness it can’t just be the harness alone with that dog under those circumstances does he have a collar you can hook to also with a double leash?
Is it just me or does anyone else feel that leaving two dogs who are escape artists with a sitter is a really unfair thing to do? As a dog owner, I believe those two should have gone to a boarding kennel. They are younger, apparently full of beans and would probably do well in a group dog setting. I feel sorry for you as a sitter. That information about the dogs’ behaviour should have been provided before you agreed to the sit.
12 Likes
I had a sit recently and said in my response to her review that she should consider a paid sitter. She said I was great if looking for a dog walker and housekeeper, otherwise not. Excuse me. What am I suppose to do as a sitter? Take care of the house and pets. That is basically our role and I do it well. But some HOs are trying to get a better deal for problem pets. My daughter and I travelled a lot and I paid over $10,000 in dog sitter fees. My dog walker always took her. But at $50 per day for one dog and that was a few years ago, it is very expensive. And there seems to be sitters for all kinds of situations.
6 Likes
Update: have done 2 morning walks now walking dogs separately. Working way better! They do get anxious being separated & with the schedule change, but much easier for me. It adds an extra 30mins to my morning, however. I am working on training the younger one – the escape artist – to come to me with a chosen phrase and a treat upon following the command. He is getting better, slowly but surely. And learning to redirect when he sees something he wants to bolt toward. The older elderly dog is way easier.
HOs have ordered new gear which should be arriving soon.
Thanks everyone, it really helps to have this community support. Can’t believe I didn’t know about this resource until a couple days ago!
This is my 17th sit (in & out of THS) in 3 years. I just posted on another discussion thread that I am seriously considering starting up a housesitting business because I do believe I have the proper experience & knowledge now to charge what I am worth and I have a dozen THS testimonials. I would actually feel way better doing longer, more difficult sits like this if I knew I was being paid. I do have a website set up but no traction yet. Just accumulating experience for now.
12 Likes
That’s really unfortunate, and honestly the homeowners should have let you know that beforehand. Definitely not ok and I’m sorry you’re experiencing this.
I know it’s not ideal, but in the interest of saving your own review, and saving the homeowners from cutting their vacation short, what about taking the dogs separately? This way, you can focus on one at a time and not have to worry about Howl-dini escaping his harness while you fuss with his brother?
I’d also make sure the harness is nice and tight and perhaps double lead - one clipped to collar and one to harness.
Ultimately it’s up to you, but might be a good way to save that 5 star review and let HO enjoy the rest of their vacay.
3 Likes
@Kai_s_peeps , thanks, please see comment/update above yours!
1 Like
I was thinking about this as I was walking the dog on my current sit. She is super easy, a pit mix, but sweet and she socializes like crazy in the dog run. The last dog I sat was a problem. I told them they need a paid sitter. I think when you have a dog that requires this much work, it is not a fair exchange. Dogs already take more work than cats. And then add on a dog that requires 8 hours a day of walks, training. That is too much.
4 Likes
Here is my two cents worth. I bring my own Martingale collar which has a limited slip and as a professional dog trainer nearly impossible to get out of. I bring my own leash as well. I refuse to walk dogs with harness as they are often ill fitting, uncomfortable for the dog and easy to slip out of. I also refuse to use extendable leashes.Find a system that works for you and bring it along. Many folks use a haltie system (kind of like on a horse). I can tell you that when you have control of the head, you have control of the dog.
My biggest issue is that owners are sure their dog will behave with you as with them. They will not. I always insist on the dog being on lead even when owners insist the dog will be fine off lead. They will play every card they have with the sitter like a child lol.
I hope it gets better for you and in closing … crap happens.
7 Likes
What a great piece of advice ! Worth much more than two cents! I am going to look for the same equipment you use as it just nips problems in the bud. Controlled dog is what everyone needs on a sit!
Many thanks.. I have brought an extra lead with me in a haversack … Glad I do as I had an extendable break whilst out on a first trip!
1 Like
I think this is a behaviour issue that could cause a safety issue for you which should’ve informed you about if the dog is an escape artist and comes out of his harness on walks that’s a safety issue for you. The harness might be too loose also but my dog is also pulled out of her harness when she became distressed when I was also trying to get her to go a different way or pull her back from something. They’re very good at it.
I would probably tend to carry some treats with you to entice the dog back, but I think you can’t really walk the dog safely. Maybe one walk one dog at a time that way you don’t have the two antagonizing each each other and you might be able to focus on the one dog instead, which should be a lot safer. I would actually address it with the home owners and ask what they want to do, but my suggestion would be to take one dog out at a time. Even though they say, they care more about you and not the dogs, you would still feel very bad if something happened to the dog I’m sure if it pulled out of the harness. So yeah I just do one at a time. See how it goes in there, maybe a short walk with the one that pulls out of the harness to see how it goes till you get the trust of the dog good luck!
2 Likes