All: should all sits be manageable by a single sitter.
Should there be sits which likely demand 2 sitters?
I’ve created 2 thread about the same exhausting sit, and am getting ready to leave a review and I can see the HO reply now, almost criticizing me now:
We have lovely dogs but should have chosen a couple.
As though 2 hands are a sign of incompetence. The cockapoo was sickly obsessed with licking and touching me. It was seriously gross – male dog, I’m a female sitter.
Thanks everyone
Yes some sits should clearly state that they need a couple. Some do, some don’t. We’re on one now with three energetic rescue dogs that all pull on the lead and there are a lot of large Kangol strays in Turkish villages which are also a challenge when we run into them. I couldn’t do this sit on my own and am used to big dogs. It’s not your fault they didn’t specify a couple or explain more about the velcro cockapoo though so don’t beat yourself up. Write a factual, honest review to help future sitters and move on. Best of luck. #onwardsandupwards
Hi @GentleSitter
Some HO’s do state in their listing that they want a couple. As to what a single sitter can handle is really down to your judgement.
It is the home hosts that decides if they want a couple or a solo sitter for the needs of their particular listing.
Sometimes they may not get the most suitable applicants.
As a sitter, I make my own selection when applying: not more than two dogs, not more than four cats, no limits on fish, birds, etc.
@GentleSitter
Your posts have lots of negative comments about the dogs. Are you actually a dog lover? Would other animals suit you better?
Did you communicate beforehand that the dogs needed to be impeccably behaved before you took the sit?
I dont understand the point of this thread - your question about the number of sitters doesnt fit with the issues youve experienced.
Yes, some sits do need more than one sitter (eg, multiple pets especially if several species) but I think the home-owner should have a sensible idea of the work/time required by their pets and sitters must also exercise their own judgement about whether a sit is right for them.
Clearly this sit hasnt been right for you. I understand it’s not been pleasant but I wonder if dogs are right for you? Take time to reflect on any lessons learned and take that forward into future sits.
@Ketch
Yes, my thoughts exactly.
The issues described are not about how many sitters are there, but what kind of sitter(s).
Felt like I was babysitting a toddler.
I love dogs and had them all of my life growing up.
That said I went as a sitter not a trainer –
the dog would cry when I went in the shower, etc. Not healthy after more than a few days of that. Felt like the dog had a problem that went beyond me.
Sits under the HO feet all day expectnkn walks. Constant need for touch
I have sat for:
8 chickens
4 boxers
5 horses simultaneously
1 Cockapoo + 1 boxer that are strictly house dogs = not for me
I have 3 posts, they are all about the same bad past sit. I finally left a review and have put ibe behind me THS opted to remove the HO next listing. HO wanted to turn cameras on during my sit …
I am on a dog sit now & LOVE it.
the point of the post is that it wasn’t my fault that their dog had anxiety issues coming from a two person home.
The dog had never been with a single person before. Husband and wife each have their own dogs, of their opposite set.
Obviously the male cockapoo could’ve handle me walking away
Thank you for writing an accurate Review.
Hopefully the Owner will adjust their listing, if they remain on the platform. At least future Sitters will be aware of the issues, based on your Review.
Onward to enjoy lots of pets!!
The review is really to let other sitters know what the sit was like. Just write what the sit was like. If you think it would work better for two people say so. If you think there is something else that was an issue, say so.
I doubt that has anything to do with the number of people…sounds more like either a lack of training or a poorly-bred dog with anxiety or some combo of the two. Either way, good to hear you’ve sorted it mentally and that your next sit is going well! X
Done we both gave each other 3 stars.
High maintenance people that obviously didn’t want to be bothered on the beach with my question about if there dogs we’re known to fight viciously over bones.
Blockquote
I think you should avoid sitting dogs, for both your sake and a dogs. A lot of dogs lick, it’s their way of connecting with you and letting them know they are happy, and a lot of dogs like a paw or part of their bodies touching yours when you are around. The dog obviously like you, but if you don’t like dogs licking, personally I would just rule out ALL dog sits if I were you. That way they can enjoy a sitter who loves that, and you can relax more.
I have not had that with any of the dogs that I have sat.
When there was any licking, it would be a cat. Just a little bit now and then, not that it was obsessive or bothersome.
Some dogs do it to show affection, others don’t. I agree with what was said before. If you don’t like dogs who lick, jump or snuggle, perhaps dog sits are not for you. I feel sorry for dogs who want to bond and get an annoyed reaction instead.