We live in Colorado and like to do local sits to get us into the Mountains for hiking. I keep finding postings that say, close to hiking trails, close to ski resorts, lots of outdoor activities. Then the listing says that the dogs need to have a walk in the morning, a pill and walk at noon then a walk in the afternoon…. or they need let out at least 4 x a day with supervision. I feel like writing and asking when would I have time to enjoy all those local hikes and activities! Mostly I just get excited about these sits until I read the responsibilities! Anyone else finding the expectations have gotten more the past few years?
17 Likes
It might be that this is a useful RED FLAG for spotting HOs with zero empathy or imagination, always great indicators. AVOID AVOID.
9 Likes
I figure if no one finds a listing to be a fair trade, it’s self-correcting, because no one will apply.
Depends on how you sit, which varies with folks. Like I telecommute and enjoy being a couch potato, so I spend more time at sit homes than most folks. Plus, I often piggyback hotel stays with sightseeing before or after or in between sits, without home or pet care responsibilities.
21 Likes
I have seen a lot of those posts, or the ones that say the dog is great in restaurants and breweries and can go everywhere with you, with no reason to leave him home. The number of folks working from home has increased over recent years, so many of their pets have not acclimated to being left alone
12 Likes
Why not take the dog hiking with you?
18 Likes
Walk fast? 
6 Likes
And skiing 
3 Likes
I won’t take a dog off leash walking or such unless I really know them, I never want to loose a dog and 4 hours of on leash mountain hiking is not any fun with a dog that pulls or darts after things . I will totally walk a dog around the house. I think my point is I think the expectations are greater since COVID, my dogs always had a dog door and yard and I was gone at work but that doesn’t seem to be the case so much any more.
7 Likes
In my experience dogs which live near good hiking are used to long walks/hikes on trails. Like you I usually target these areas. At the video call stage I normally ask about their recall, coming back to a whistle etc. I always travel with an extendable lead and the first few days use it. I also have a pouch of kibble and make sure the dog knows he will be rewarded for good behaviour. Depending on his behaviour for the first few days I can say if my hikes are going to be successful or not.
And yes I agree. Pet behaviour has changed since the “great lock down”. More people are still working from home and pets are used to extended human company. In the UK taking a dog for a walk was one of the reasons a person could go out. Hence the explosion of dog owners!
5 Likes
I’ve had great luck using a hands-free leash, my experience has been that dogs stop pulling and focus on matching my pace when the leash is not in my hand.
4 Likes
Are you able to share a link or photo of your hands-free leash? I use one with my dog, but don’t carry one for sits, because the style I have is relatively heavy for a leash.
1 Like
I have a couple from Ruffwear and Ollydog that I’ve had for years, but I recently ordered one from Amazon to keep with me for dog sits, and I prefer it over the others. The waistband is light, so if it bounces while I’m running, it’s not a big deal. I needed to tighten the waistband on the other models because they are heavier and stiffer. This one also allows me to slide the leash from left to right easily, and the handles are well placed if I need to bring the dog closer. My other leashes are fine and our dogs do well with them, but I’ve appreciated the flexibility the new leash provides when I’m running with the variety of dogs I’m with on sits: Since I can’t include the link, the Amazon ASIN # is B08CNLNM5C Amazon.com : Exquisite Hands-Free Leash: Perfect for Active Pet Owners Comfortable, Durable & Ideal for Running, Walking, Hiking. Premium Large Dog Waist Leash with Bungee. Must-Have Dog Gear : Pet Supplies
4 Likes
Yes, that is a great idea and when I will have to try, thank you
4 Likes
That’s a great approach and I should try it. My last dog was a runner so I think I’m overly sensitive about this!
3 Likes
Thanks, @mdarden1x.
2 Likes
Yes. I often wonder if such HO’s with big asks take advantage of the temp sitters and add walk requirements (number/day, duration, etc.) they wouldn’t undertake themselves (or pay a sitter to do).
5 Likes
Definitely! And the dogs who can’t be left for more than 2 hours seem to be in abundance, nowadays (I wonder how their owners manage this?).
1 Like
Just a bit of a warning - bungee leashes really encourage dogs to pull.
There is a dog sport called cani-cross where dogs specifically where bungee leashes and run/pull their humans uphill on cross country trails.
If the dog is already a puller it may not be great. Just a regular 10 ft hands free biothane line is great for hiking with dogs with varying leash skills. Many you can sling cross body to give you leverage if the dog goes to the end of the leash.
And smaller dogs do fine on a flexi line for hiking, just make sure to carry a small leash in case the line snaps.
1 Like
Thanks for the feedback, I can only speak to my experience which has been the opposite of your input. The flex in the bungee is much less and more consistent than the movement from arm swing associated with running
2 Likes
I’ve seen plenty of these as well, and honestly, rarely look at listings with dogs anymore, since the hosts are simply too unrealistic and demanding, especially new ones.
Surprisingly, the high-maintenance listings that involve more responsibility and “scedules” often come across as the least understanding or appreciative of the concept. So, as much as I love dogs, it’s easier to avoid potential bad matches by just filtering that option out. No more “helicopter mom’s” for me, thank you 
4 Likes