Dog sitting by cat sitter's

Sitter Questions, Advice & Chat
1

Hi everyone!

I’ve only ever owned cats, but through my experience with pet sitting, I’ve become interested in dog sitting.

Since I’ve never actually owned a dog, I’m curious that how dog sitting differ from cat sitting.

All I really know is that they need at least one walk a day, their personalities are very different from cats, and they get lonely more easily, so they shouldn’t be left alone for long periods.

Of course, if I were to apply for a dog-sitting, I would certainly let the dogs’ parents know that I’ve never owned a dog myself.

I’d love to hear from people who sit for dogs and cats both.

Do you think that it’s possible to do dog sitting without having personal experience raising a dog?

2

Hi @Romy . I started sitting with THS in 2019 never having owned a dog in my life and have since looked after quite a few - over 100 I think - of all varieties. I did look after and walk a few dogs for friends before embarking (pardon the pun!) on sitting and would recommend you do that too, if possible, and ask the owners for references.

As for the differences between cat and dog sitting, well you’re correct. I personally love walking and a walk is so much more enhanced when accompanied by a dog, especially if it can be let of the lead. I particularly like long walks so tend to pick younger dogs than can walk for an hour or more. I also like to take them exploring with me if possible and will pick sits where a dog can be left for 4 hours or more, although don’t tend to leave the. 4+ hours every day. Obviously dogs have different temperaments and some can be reactive to other dogs which needs careful handling.

I recommend you start off sitting for one dog at a time, as you will see that a lot of owners have 2 or more. Once you’re used to sitting for one dog you can try two at a time. What’s nice about that is that they can keep each other company while you’re out exploring. But beware, as sometimes the dogs require different walks and I’ve had at least two sits where I had to take the dogs out separately - kept me fitter though!

Go for it! Although I love cats, and have owned them in the past, dogs give you something more.

3

Hi @Romy :slightly_smiling_face:

I think you’ve already identified some of the key differences. :blush:

We’ve looked after both dogs and cats, and I’d say the biggest difference is that with dogs you’re generally much more involved in their day-to-day routine. It’s not simply about taking them for a walk. You need to understand their individual exercise needs, temperament, recall, behaviour around other dogs and how long they’re comfortable being left alone.

That said, I don’t think having owned a dog is essential. What matters most is being honest with the owner and choosing your first dog sits carefully. I’d probably start with one easy-going dog whose routine matches your lifestyle, rather than taking on a complicated or high-energy dog straight away.

A good owner should also be happy to explain the dog’s quirks and routine before you commit. Every dog is different, just as every cat is different.

So yes, absolutely give it a try, but choose your first canine companion wisely!

:paw_prints::heart:

4

I bet there’s plenty of sitters on THS that haven’t had any pets at all, especially those in apartments, and now they get to enjoy them, which I personally think is a beautiful thing.

You’ll have an amazing time if you decide to sit dogs too. Sticking to one small dog may be best for you until you’ve done a few, because even a well behaved dog takes a certain level of handling that you may not be used to, it’s the same for little dogs, but because they are lightweight they are much easier to handle.

Even if the dog you sit is well behaved, you can’t predict how other dogs will be with them, so you need to get used to passing signals down the lead/leash to reassure them everything is fine if they’re timid and that you are in control and there’s nothing to worry about.

Likewise if another dog has done something that has caused yours to react, you need to signal to them that they need to walk on and ignore the other dog. It’s in the way you hold the leader depending on the scenario, and dogs are more in-tune with your body language because to them, YOU are their world, whereas with cats, you are in their world.

Almost every dog you sit will form a firm bond with you as soon as you’ve walked or fed them. So what we do is, as soon as the owner has left, we don’t unpack our cases, instead we stick the kettle on and watch TV for 10-20 minutes so the dog has a normal calm activity going on so they’ll feel relaxed (and they’ll probably come and sit next to you), then we pop their leader/leash on and take them for a walk, you’ll be able to see how excited they get at the thought of you doing their favourite thing in the world with them. That seals the deal, they’ll love you from there onwards. They’ll show you where they prefer to walk.

Also, for us, we ALWAYS choose places that have grass, off-road walks, or very quiet country lanes that no one drives down within a few minutes walk of their home. You can sometimes tell from the owners profile images and description if their place is like that.

You’ll have a brilliant time if you try it.

5

It’s well worth getting experience by joining Borrowmydoggy dot com if you’re in the UK. We’ve been members for 8 years and walk neighbour’s dogs (for free).
This is Zorro who I’ve walked every Friday for 8 years. I’ve walked other dogs too but he is my :heart: doggy.

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IMG_16523264×2448 1.12 MB

6

Hi @Romy When we started housesitting I had absolutely no experience at all with either cats OR dogs! (My husband did own one dog as a younger man) but in my family we only had hamsters and gerbils as kids and I went horseriding as a young Teen. That was it! Until we started housesitting in our 50s! 140+ sits later and I’d consider myself pretty experienced, and not just with cats & dogs, of all breeds, many other animals too, but I learned it all ‘on the job’ so to speak!

As others have suggested started with one, easy to handle, dog, preferably with walks from the door and take it from there. The fact you’ve owned cats and love them means you’re already halfway there! You are already clearly a proven animal lover.

Regarding the differences- yes there are a few- main two being the daily walks and not being able to leave a dog as long as a cat. But other than that they are all adorable creatures that need love and attention. Go for it- I’m sure you’ll love dog sitting as much as cat sitting! We often alternate between cats & dogs but I actually also love mixed furry families- our most recent sit was for 2 dogs and 3 cats- the best of both worlds!

7

You’ve received good advice. Plus, remember that plenty of people have kids without previous experience, which is a much greater responsibility, and they learn as they go.

8

They say dogs are for extroverts and cats are for introverts. That’s because cats are independent. They use their own toilet and not dependent on you taking them for a walk or outside to relieve themselves. They like attention like all living creatures but at times like to be by themselves like an introvert. Dogs like constant attention and will follow you everywhere. Even into the bathroom, be prepared. Ha. They do not know personal space. Why not do volunteer work at a shelter. They have programs where you can walk dogs. One shelter has a program that you spend the night with the dog in their cage so they are not alone. Dogs want your food when you eat and cats don’t. Dogs may stare you down for it and cats smell it in the air and walk away snobbily with their nose in the air, ha. Dogs will come when you call. When you call a cat, they ignore you and continue looking out the window in the nest room over. I personally love the independence of a cat. They live life on their own terms.

9

As a HO it would not bother me at all if you had never owned a dog, as long as you took some time to learn! There are tons of YouTube videos about adopting, raising, training, and living with dogs - you can start there. As others have said, getting some experience walking dogs is helpful and ask friends if you can look after their dogs - this will get you references and experience. Lastly, many shelters welcome volunteers to walk their more adoptable dogs. Some even let volunteers take them out for a day, so that’s a great way to gain experience as well.

10

How do you feel about picking up big squishy stinky poos :poop: and carrying it in a bag until you can dispose of it?
How do you feel about a dog being aware of you at all times, even when asleep?
The biggest difference is that of one or two walks a day and how long the dog can be left on its own.

11

I have spent my life with multiple dogs, and I agree with what others have said. I would choose the dog sit very carefully and avoid reactive dogs. Probably best to choose a middle aged and older dog too. After having my dog and a pet sit dog attacked by the dogs of stupid and irresponsible owners, to me a walk with someone else’s dog is an activity requiring high vigilance and an ability to read dog body language. This of course depends on the location and neighborhood. Having a fenced yard is a big plus for me, makes life so much easier. If a purebred or known mix, read up on the characteristics of those breeds. Good luck!

12

When I was considering getting a dog after having only had cats, I did as others here have suggested - I walked friends’ dogs, and even borrowed my boss’ amazing dog for the weekend to get used to walking a dog and picking up poop on the regular. It really helped me understand what having a dog as an adult was like. The biggest difference between dogs and cats for me was that you really do need to be paying attention to a dog at all times when out with them, even if they seem chill. Things can change suddenly, either in your dog, or because of someone else’s, as relayed above. So no scrolling on walks. Dog walking can feel boring, but that’s a good thing!

I would also suggest being upfront with HOs about your experience or lack thereof - if an HO does not choose you due to this, it is likely because their dog needs someone with a bit more experience and they are doing you a favor until you get a bit more dog time under your belt. There are sits with easy dogs out there!

@BonnyinBrighton a friend in Wales who lost both of her dogs in the past year has been using borrowmydoggy as a way to get through her grief, as she is not ready to get another. She is really enjoying it!

13

As the old joke goes -

Dogs:

Humans feed me, walk me, pick up my poop… they must be gods

Cats:

Humans feed me, walk me, pick up my poop… I must be a god

So, remember, other than being warm-blooded, have fur, and needing our opposable thumbs, they are very different. Just don’t treat the dogs like they’ll listen to you as if you were their humans.

Enjoy!

14

Dogs can shed and track in considerable amounts of muck, so may require more cleaning. When reviewing listings, think about matching your comfort level with families who may allow dogs on the furniture or let them sleep in the bed.

15

@Romy, welcome to THS Forum. Fabulous question.

We’re the opposite. At heart then we’re dog people. But, through housesitting, we’ve come to appreciate cats. As others have noted, it’s a different experience. We’d take a step further and suggest that it’s a different human to animal relationship.

Absolutely. But there are easy dogs and there are difficult dogs. Suggest take it easy and start with dogs that are relatively small, well-trained and easy. At least initially (and maybe thereafter) then forget puppies, large breeds, high energy dogs, badly trained dogs (all are present on THS). Over time, you’ll gain experience. Our dream housesit is a well-trained dog that walks off-leash on country trails - but that’d probably be terrifying for someone inexperience with dogs! No right answers, but start easy.

As [currently] full-time housesitters, we try to experiences over time - dog(s), cat(s), no pets.

16

I’m truly appreciate to everyone who took the time to leave such thoughtful comments on my post :heart: