In all of my sits, yesterday was the first time I’ve ever let a dog off leash! And that was only because I had spent a few hours with HOs before they left and saw that what they told me was true. Even then I made sure there was no one else around and I felt in control of her coming back to me. It’s not going to be a regular thing, that’s for sure. I am so scared of losing a dog in my care that I would rather be safe than sorry. If that means s/he doesn’t get to run loose like they normally do then I’ll step up how far we walk daily or throw the ball more in the yard if available, etc.
IMO, it’s a fact of housesitting that your relationship with your animals is very different than the HOs. You can try to do everything exactly as they say but you are still not the homeowner.
I have to admit I find this thread a little bit offensive (and I am a sitter, not a home owner). I’m curious how sitters would feel if there was a similar thread called “what sitters pretend and the reality”?
Yeah, maybe. But I mostly feel like it could potentially make new forum visitors hesitant to join in on the forum, and or even to join THS itself. In my opinion, it can give people the sense that things like this happen all the time. In the 15 sits we’ve had, I don’t think we’ve ever had a pet that was more difficult than expected. All the home owners we’ve sat for have been very up front about their pets.
Yeah, I agree. While there are statistically bound to be a few bad players around, I think a lot of surprises come from a lack of communication, and that comes from both sitter and homeowner. I’ve only had one sit where I felt that the dogs’ behaviour was downplayed by the homeowner, and it was a short sit so not too much of a problem. I could also have asked more questions so chalked it up as a learning experience.
am sure there are plenty of similar threads
Yes, and they all make me feel uncomfortable and a bit sad.
Yes similar threads from owners or sitters point of view
Yes it is sad and uncomfortable
but if no one says anything, how will it be better? Some people even don’t even realise.
I"m not against the topic (or others) being brought up in a helpful, supportive, and informative way. I’m just not a fan of it being done I this format, in a critical or rude way. A simple - “Hey owners, please make sure you’re super clear on any challenges your pet have” would suffice. (But then again, this is something we always ask home owners during the interview process.)
I’m also uncomfortable with the thread about secret words to use in reviews. It just gives the wrong impression. I would hate for someone I sat for to see that thread and then look at the feedback I’ve provided, thinking I might have been saying something else between the lines.
Thank you everyone for contributing on this post and the point has been clearly made about how important honesty is among members. Whilst the forum is more representative of sitter feedback, it’s important to note that this honesty is important from both sides, not just owners, not just sitters, but from everyone who is part of the value exchange that takes place.
As @Kelownagurl very wisely says, any topic that provides helpful, supportive and informative feedback is beneficial and we welcome and encourage this in the forum. Anything else deters new members to the forum from participating and feeling welcome.
There are so many wonderful sits that take place, where owners and sitters have nothing to complain about… you only have to look at Trust Pilot to see confirmation of that. There are also sits that go wrong… no-one is denying that, and then there are those that aren’t quite perfect for so many reasons and these are a learning experience for all concerned, where improvements get made and we all move on having learned how to help each other. We’ve all I’m sure learned how important communication is, talking to each other and being honest about expectations.
So with that in mind we are going to close this thread now, and hope that everyone use it as a reminder to use the time before a sit begins to talk to each other, ask the pertinent questions… the difficult questions and communicate as much as is necessary.
Thank you again for everyone’s participation.
Vanessa and the forum team
To add to what @Vanessa_A has said it is worth reminding everyone that objections are not taken at the subject matter as we have said open and honest communication is essential between members both in private and here on the forum, what matters is the way thoughts and opinions are expressed and the intention behind what is said.
This applies here and to every topic and conversation, every member deserves to be shown respect, kindness and consideration at all times.
The purpose of the forum is that we are a welcoming place for each and every member who chooses to join and that conversations are balanced and of positive value to all community members.
Thank you.
Angela