Dog sitting for a week-

[Aroundtheworldin80moves]

We are dogsitting for a week from tomorrow. It's DHs office dog, so will continue to go to work with him Monday- Friday.

• what do you do with your dog at mealtimes?
• the dog shouldn't be at home unattended at anytime, (except sleeping at night)- but what sort of dog proofing needs doing?
• I know chocolate and raisens aren't safe, anything else?
• what ground rules do you have for your children? Dog isn't overly used to children, and our DDs aren't used to dogs

Quite looking forward to the experience, but fitting in the morning walk could be fun...

[Girlintheframe]

Our DDog usually lies under the table whilst we ear or in his basket.
Anything containing xylitol is poisonous . I'm always watching out for Ddog picking up chewing gum. Onions are also dangerous for dogs as are grapes.

[Xxxwhattodonextxxx]

Sounds fun, what a great idea to have an office dog. Who normally looks after the dog? It would all depend on the routine and the dogs nature and breed. Can you post more details as I am sure you will get lots of great advice. Having a dog in the house which is not used to children and the kids not been used to dogs needs careful planning. Sorry I can’t be more help but we need more details. xx

[Aroundtheworldin80moves]

He's usually with his owner, bit because the job requires a lot of traveling, he often stays with the other three men in the office.
The dog is a young, recently neutered male spaniel of some sort. Children will definitely not be left alone with him (they are 6&8, so old enough to listen to reason but young enough to do silly things).

Thank you for telling me about onions, I had no idea on that one!

[Veterinari]

Grapes, raisins, chocolate and xylitol are toxic
Please read up on safe fog- child interactions - dogs can find children very stressful.
Dogs should never be disturbed when eating or sleeping, and should be allowed to retreat away from children.
This is a great article
imnotamonster.org/any-dog-can-bite/

[tabulahrasa]

The really important rules for children are leave the dog alone when it’s sleeping, if it’s taken itesekf off to lie down and when it’s eating. (If he’s used to being on furniture that includes on there too)

No hugging - dogs generally don’t like it.

I’d suggest they really only interact with him if he approaches them tbh.

If they usually do anything like running about squealing - I mean they’re a bit old to do that randomly, but hey, they’re kids, lol - not when the dog is present.

Not eating round the dog - you want to avoid situations where the dog is tempted to try and grab food because it’s at their height or the children accidentally teasing him.

Mealtimes I’ve never done anything in particular, I wouldn’t have a dog mooching about under a table but other than that... they tend to just hang out really, lol.

You might want to have a think about whether throwing things for the dog is allowed inside or not, I’d suggest not btw,

[CallMeRachel]

If you have any baby gates it would be a good idea to put one across the kitchen and keep him in there.

If he's been walked and got toys to settle with he'll be happier than if he's not getting what he needs. Ask the owner for a note of his routine.

Spaniels are my favourite breed, some can be highly strung but it sounds like this one will be used to different people and places.

[CallMeRachel]

Oh and with regards to kids and the dog, teach the kids no running, squealing or flapping around the dog. No touching the dog while it's lying down or eating.

Patting the dogs head is a myth, dogs hate that. They love a nice chest rub best.