I arrived at a sit yesterday after having an initial visit where all was well to discover that the female dog is on heat. The male dog as you might imagine is trying to hump her every chance he gets! No surprise. I messaged the owners for advice and they said he should know the ‘no’ and ‘leave’ commands if he’s being ‘dominant with the female’ - but he only obeys until you turn your back. She said you can put him to bed to separate them (in another room), which I am doing but he cries because he’s used to being with his pal. Plus the neighbours might not appreciate the continual noise.
It’s a short 2-day sit and otherwise they’re fine. A part of me thinks well the owners knew this plus as the dogs sleep together there must be humping at night. When I mentioned this it was met with amusement and I think that these busy people working long hours at home don’t have time to see what the dogs are doing a lot of the time. As soon as I put them to bed last night he started. The female doesn’t seem distressed about it but I guess for her it’s just what happens in the doggie world. I put her on my lap sometimes out of his reach. They have tiny legs so can’t get up/down.
So if there’s anything else I could try I’d be interested. I’ll carry on with bursts of separation as long as he’s not too loud.
Is this the kind of information we should expect to be told by an owner? I am thinking that cats are the way forward!
It was really cheeky not to warn you the dog was in heat!
I have only ever agreed to a sit once when the dog was in heat - and never again! I always ask now if the dog is spayed/neutered and when they are due, and unless it’s an older dog where they would be very light/short I will avoid it!
In terms of practical advice for this sit, I don’t have much other than maybe just putting them out of your line of vision, I will often shut serial humpers in a different room so I don’t have to look…
I presume the male dog is neutered otherwise it’s a very serious issue that will almost certainly result in a pregnancy.
A dog came on heat once during a sit I was doing, even though I had specifically asked about this. As they come on heat roughly every six months I’m highly suspicious that the owners knew it was likely. They were ‘oh so sorry, had no idea’ etc but I was pretty peed off. Apart from having to be super alert to other dogs making contact there’s all the mess to clean up too. Now I only sit for neutered animals.
Unfortunately the only thing you can really do is separate them or have her on your lap as you have been doing. Count your blessings it’s only 2 days.
I’d definitely mention that in my review as a prompt for other sitters to check and not have the same problems.
Yes I assume so, at least I told the owners straight away so if he’s not it’s on them. She is little so easy to carry round with me which she likes but of course she does want to play with her pal as well. I haven’t seen any mess yet but am using a blanket on my lap. This is a lovely house to stay in which is a plus and yes absolutely only 2 days!