I need some advices.
This is my first sitting, 2nd day, dog owners going to their trip today. Yesterday we were talking about a lot of things.
Earlier I asked for them a to do list, but they didn’t give me yet.
Yesterday we took the dog for a walk, border collie. His owner tells me to release him in the park. Toss him the frisbee. Should I really do this? I don’t think he’ll listen to me. I’m going to take him out for a run of course, but I won’t let go of his long leash. approx. 5 meters.
The dog does not have a pronounced daily routine. But they told me to go sightseeing. Isn’t that normal if I leave it at home during the day? I asked him personally twice, they said no problem.
I’m a little scared now about this thing. I’m in panic a litte, what am I doing here? Can I do this?
It is normal to have a Welcome Guide, and you should have gotten in well in advance to prepare and to possibly ask follow up questions. Here it should be described clearly the expecations regarding the sit and the needs of the pets, for instance.
It is normal to state how long a pet can be left alone. Many avoid sits where it is less than 4-5 hours for a dog. Some dogs can be left a working day of 7-8 hours as they are used to that with owner. Partly also local regulation can matter as some countries has legislation that regulate this.
You can amend it somewhat by writing down what they have said, send it to them in writing and say that this is what we talked about during handover, please let me know if it is not correct.
Personally I would never have a pet I was responsible for off leash unless in a fenced area. My choice.
It is important for you to know that responsibilities that are not clearly disclosed in listing is something you are in your right to decline. Just in case they spring something on you.
Border collies are very smart (we have one) and they need a lot of stimulation and exercise. Ask the owners what commands he understands. (Our smart border collie has learned commands in English and French.) You can leave him alone during the day but start slowly. Leave him for an hour. Next day two hours. He’ll see that you do come back. Did the owners say that they’ve had sitters before? If so, he’ll understand why you’re there when they leave. Run with him on the leash at first. Then when you take him to the park, let him go and throw the frisbee. He’s obviously used to that. Ask the owners if he always brings the frisbee back or does he want to make you chase him. If he wants you to chase, play that game for a while. Then sit down and he’ll come back to you. Don’t panic! I’m sure you will be very fond of this dog by the end of the sit.
When you walk him in the street on the leash, he will learn that he belongs to you. You will see how well-trained he is. And in the park, he will come back to you with the frisbee.
The only problem that I had was telling the border collie that I cared for to let go of the frisbee. (Or of someone else’s frisbee. Putting the leash on helped with that. Then he was “off duty”.)
You’ll do fine. It sounds like you didn’t get a lot of written instructions. You should have. Communication is the key and it doesn’t sound like and the homeowner really talked. Let the host know that you have some questions and you need a 10-15 minute phone call. Of course you should write down your questions in advance, and write down or record your answers.
For starters:
HOW long can the dog be left alone? (There are two parts to this. Some dogs will get destructive and anxious if left alone for long. Some can be left alone until the have to pee.)
What does the dog’s normal day look like? (This includes a lot of whens. When does the dog eat breakfast? When is the first walk or pee break? How long are the different walks etc.)
What are the alternatives to off-leash? If you don’t feel safe letting the dog off-leash, what are alternatives? (There might be fenced in dog run or other area you can go. A long walk might be a good alternative.)
Do NOT agree to do anything you don’t feel is safe for you or you don’t feel is safe for the dog.
For a dog like a border collie - a dog will also tire out if you do mental training. Tasks and play where the dog needs to think and figure things out. That could be learning the dog a trick, hiding food for search (of treats. I usually take just a little of the dogs usual kibble if they are on dry food. Best time would be before a meal, as they are more food driven and more eager to get to treats). For my own dog in summer I also sometimes took the dog out in the garden and tossed out some kibble in the grass for the dog to find. But not all dogs would “get” what it is about. My dogs have been highly food driven and started searching immediately and they were busy for quite some time. If you want to try it out, you could start with just a few kibbles. Wouldn’t recommend in communal areas where other dogs might come and be territorial.
It was just my first panic, but I think everything gonna be right. We talking a lot today, before the family gone to their journey.
I gone with the dog for a walk, and it was good. We played a lot, and he is sleeping now…
Maybe I will try the frizbi play maybe tomorrow or after 2 days…because this park is not bordered around and sometimes a lot of people, kids and other dogs there I saw it today, I don’t know…
yeah he is very smart, he understand what I say…
But he don’t have strict daily routine…eats when he hungry…go out to litte garden when he want but needs help for open the door…
That’s my first experience so…I’m excited, but thank you everybody!
So lovely to hear! Keep a few kibbles or treats in your pocket when your out, call him and give him a treat. It could be helpful if he learns you will give him a treat when you call.
It’s good to know that you are feeling more relaxed.
You are lucky your first dog sit is with a border collie they are supposed to be the most intelligent breed. They are able to learn lots of words and even short phrases.