Doggone Etiquette —

Sit Or Stay

By Bardi McLennan

A Word to the Dog:

It’s good to be into the routine of your family, but sometimes it’s hard because not all dogs have the same lifestyle day after day. Some family members have to go to work, some go to school, and — if you’re a lucky dog — at least one of your VIPeople will be home most of the time. Those home-buddies are the ones we talked about last week, the ones who may leave you with a treat for an hour or two while they go shopping. What happens when no one is going to be home for a whole day, or maybe a whole weekend? No need to panic! There are super-nice people who will come and “Sit” or “Stay” with you. What’s more, you will have their full-time undivided attention!

A Word to the Dog’s Owner:

There are lots of times when you have to be away from home for longer than Rufus can, or should be, left on his own. There are various planned times, for example when you are going on a weekend vacation, or to cousin Molly’s wedding, and then there are always the emergency trips to care for a sick friend or relative. At the last minute, you don’t want to be trying to figure out what to do with your faithful friend, Rufus.                       

Fortunately, there are quite a few pet-sitters in our area, but not every one is right for your dog, your home and your particular needs — or for that matter — right for you on a person-to-person level. If you don’t hit it off with the person who might be looking after your dog in your home, you could have a very uncomfortable time away. Let’s look at some of the good, sensible precautions you can take to keep everyone happy, primarily that dear Rufus.      

You should be looking for an experienced (and insured) person who can walk the dog, feed him correctly if you’ll be away at mealtimes, be sure he has fresh clean water, and even know how and when to give Rufus any medication if that’s needed. Also, a person who understands and can follow your instructions. Above all, you want a pet-sitter who has a natural rapport with dogs, especially with yours. That is why you need to look into doggy home care now. Don’t wait until you are desperately trying to get out the door for whatever reason your need may be!

Friends who are concerned caretakers of their own dogs may be able to refer you to the person they rely on, which is one way to begin. A recommendation from your veterinarian, or the trainer you have worked with, or ads in the paper may be other starting points.  The first step is to have the pet-sitter come to your home to meet you and your dog and to discuss the care that is covered, and the cost. From his or her point of view, beyond meeting you and the dog, it is also to get an idea of what you expect, and to note the lay of the land, indoors and out. If all appears to be going well, it’s a good idea to ask for a brief second meeting just to go over a few more things.                                   

Observe carefully your dog’s reaction to this stranger, and vice versa. You know your dog’s normal behavior on greeting someone new in their home — boisterous, mellow, calm or shy — so a lot will also depend on the sitter’s reactions. If you are really fortunate, you’ll latch onto that perfect pet-person who will also take care of the cat, water your plants, bring in the mail, lock doors, and on and on. You’ll wonder how you ever managed without such service!

Until next time – BE GOOD!

- Bardi

Bardi McLennan bred, trained and showed Welsh Terriers for 30 years, during which time she wrote a monthly column on canine behavior in Dog Fancy Magazine. In addition to contributing to numerous dog publications, she has written 15 books on dogs, the latest being Rescue Me!, which received the ASPCA Humane Issues Award in 2008.