The guest house is a concern but under the right circumstances I could overlook it, if I was convinced I would have privacy in my home away from home at the sit.
What would be an issue would be the interaction with others, the grey areas of responsibility when the dogs are together and/ or in the home of the child of the host etc. I would think the daughter/ spouse probably couldn’t help themselves checking me out and/ or keeping an eye on me (for SIL perhaps an occupational instinct ).
Since you ask.
I also wonder why the kid can’t look after the dog. I would have required it from my kids if I was housing them Yes, I’m a hard parent
Alicatorze (and Garfield) - Yikes! It’s unfortunate that that thought comes to mind at all, but I understand that some folks can be that way! In reality, there’s more risk of being invited to dinner.
In any case, it’s good to know and not surprising that the setup makes some people uncomfortable. You are definitely not alone.
I believe that it’d be important for me to say that the sitter has the option of keeping my daughter’s dog on her side of the fence and my dog only in the main house and other yard(s). Complete separation would always be an option for the duration of the sit should it come to that.
You can see my other responses to “why don’t they just take care of your dog” … They probably will. They will be working 12 hours days though, and everyone concerned might like to have someone around during the day like I usually am. There may be times when one or the other or both of them is traveling at the same time as me (and maybe with me) as well.
I’m just trying to get ahead (they’re not here full-time yet) and 1. decide if THS is even something I should continue with next time I’m up for renewal (will the “rules” allow this?), and 2. How sitters feel about the possible arrangement. (I’ve gotten great feedback for and against it, thank you) and 3. If and when I proceed with re-writing my profile, what is important for me to include in my effort to be both transparent and flexible regarding the possible degree of co-mingling of the dogs.
One thing I’ve learned in the sits I’ve had so far is that I must be careful about making assumptions. (doesn’t everyone keep their extra kitchen trash bags under the kitchen sink? ) From my point-of-view it’s a sit on a beautiful property near the ocean with a sparkling pool and a lush garden with an on-site emergency vet who, when home, is very private and quiet herself with a sweet dog who likes to play with my funny/sweet dog. Someone else’s view might be … well, quite different, I see. Thanks for the feedback!
It might work out wonderfully. As a sitter i take the responsibilies I commit to very seriously, and that is also why I think in the «worst case»-scenarios. Not because I necessarily think that that will happen, but to vet whether I will commit and if I do, be prepared for what might come up. Probably the same reasons you might have for asking for different views. And to help hosts understand the sitter perspectives for some, I think it is most helpful to be transparent.
Knowing these things a host could better make decisions and put together a good listing to attract their good match.
Well, I must admit I like to take my canine charges out exploring with me whenever possible. If you haven’t already I recommend you add the time you can leave him into the listing
@DogMomster I think you sound like a lovely, caring host who is genuinely wanting to do everything correctly so everyone has the best experience.
From what you’ve said so far I don’t believe you’d be breaking any THS rules.
I think, as long as you remain completely transparent, and flexible, about the set up and also have an honest & thoughtful video call with potential sitters to clarify all details, then you are sure to find a suitable match.
Since you’ve had lots of positive experiences with THS before I don’t think you should give up on your membership until you’ve done at least one ‘test run’ You won’t really know if this new set up could work until you try it!
@DogMomster, that’s very nice of you to ask these questions.
You’re not breaking any rules as long as everything is transparent and agreed on previously to confirming the sit.
For me, it would probably be a bonus. I have voluntarily taken care of HO’s neighbours’ dogs that were friends with the dog I was looking after.
).
Yes, I’m a hard parent 
) From my point-of-view it’s a sit on a beautiful property near the ocean with a sparkling pool and a lush garden with an on-site emergency vet who, when home, is very private and quiet herself with a sweet dog who likes to play with my funny/sweet dog. Someone else’s view might be … well, quite different, I see. Thanks for the feedback!
. I think I’d be happy to work this out.