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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

AIBU to think a cleaner could befriend my dog?

48 replies

SweetFannyMadams · 02/07/2015 11:04

Ddog currently has a fantastic dogwalker who takes him out every weekday in a pack of 5 other doggy mates for 2 hours off the lead walk in the countryside

In the new year, we are moving 2.5 hours away and so will lose her

Also in the new year, I will be starting a new role at work and will have to work overtime from home - we struggle as it is to keep on top of housework, as we hate having to spend our weekends cleaning - we prefer taking Ddog hiking/on minibreaks etc...

In the new (much larger) house, Ddog will have free access to the garden via a dogflap from the kitchen all day.

I am debating getting a cleaner to do the housework we don't have time for, but also to be a bit of company for Ddog for a few hours a day

Is it hugely U to ask the cleaner to water plants, clean obviously, and give the dog his dinner?

Totally prepared to be told I'm taking a bloody liberty - never had a cleaner before (though have been one myself) and wouldn't bat an eyelid to someone asking me to feed with/chat to their dog, anymore than I would to them asking me to iron their clothes.

But then I am a doglover!

thanks all!

OP posts:
MatildaTheCat · 02/07/2015 11:57

IME dog walkers are more flexible than cleaners. I use my dogwalker completely ad hoc and let her know at the weekend what I need for the following week.mshe will also take him home to hang out with them if I'm out all day. Cleaners will be wanted regular hours and days so as to fit in with their other commitments.mwere you planning to have the cleaner every day? That sounds expensive. I think it's perfectly reasonable to ask her to feed the dog ( I've only ever had female cleaners) but think you might find it more economical to find a cleaner for one or two days a week plus a flexible dog walker. (I know you say you walk morning and evening but surely that's very difficult sometimes, especially in winter?)

Original poster
SweetFannyMadams · 02/07/2015 12:09

matilda - that's what I was thinking. I could hire a cleaner on Monday and Wednesday mornings and then a flexible dog walker in between.

Ddog is used to our lack of routine now, bless him. Sometimes I work from home and he has 7 mini-walks between calls, sometimes it's a big walk at lunchtime etc...

OP posts:
BloodyDogHairs · 02/07/2015 12:54

My friend uses a company that offers cleaner/dog walker so once the house has been cleaned she takes the dog out for a walk. Have a google and see if anyone else offers that service.

tabulahrasa · 02/07/2015 13:10

I've seen adverts for a cleaner and dog walker...so I don't think it can be that rare.

Sychnant · 02/07/2015 13:40

I'm a cleaner and I would definitely do this. All the houses I clean for have dogs, and I'd love to have a short break to feed/walk the dog. Perfect job from my point of view!

Hullygully · 02/07/2015 13:43

perfectly normal.

TooExtraImmatureCheddar · 02/07/2015 13:56

You aren't even asking the cleaner to walk the dog, just feed him, so I think it would be fine. It takes less than 5 minutes to stick some dog food in a bowl and put it down. Dog can go out into the garden while she's cleaning if he'd get in the way, but honestly, mine would come to say hello and then go back to snoozing on the sofa!

I suppose it depends on how many days a week you get the cleaner for and if the dog can cope with the odd day where no one comes in.

CptJack · 02/07/2015 14:01

Yanbu

When I was a kid my mother employed a cleaner/baby sitter/ collect kids from school person. If the arrangement can work well with small children it can probably work for pets too.

Original poster
SweetFannyMadams · 02/07/2015 14:36

Thanks all!

I think, because my working from home will be very erratic, that Ddog will be fine re. boredom

He doesn't get separation anxiety at all at the moment, though is never left for more than 4.5 hours as he doesn't have access to outdoors, so we make sure he's never left too long without a wee/poo break

I have no doubt that he'd be absolutely fine if, for whatever reason, he was left on his own for a day, but wouldn't want it to become the norm as, despite his laziness, he is a pack animal and I want him to have a nice life with lots of attention

OP posts:
Gottagetmoving · 02/07/2015 15:00

Its ok to ask but not ok to expect.
Cleaners do cleaning, not dog minding, however, often you will find someone who doesn't mind being exploited helpful.

rumbleinthrjungle · 02/07/2015 17:05

Sounds great if you advertise or look for someone to do this! I have a fab cleaning firm who visit weekly, one of them would far rather play with the dog than do the cleaning. Grin The dog is in favour of this.

She'd be thrilled with a job like that.

SurlyCue · 02/07/2015 17:09

I am a cleaner and one of my favourite clients was a couple with two dogs who they often asked me to take out for half an hour, play with, fill water dishes etc. i would do your job no problem.

MsMcWoodle · 02/07/2015 17:25

It's fine. I do this but I made it clear that the job included doggie sitting.

WizzardHat · 02/07/2015 18:52

I'm pretty sure mine would if I asked her and paid for her time. She's my backup catsitter anyway. I'm not sure why taking the dog for a walk or playing with him would be exploitation if you were paying the going rate or her usual wage? I have no idea how much dog walkers make per hour vs cleaners though.

Original poster
SweetFannyMadams · 03/07/2015 12:21

Wizzard I was confused about the exploitation comment too - she/he will be paid the going rate to do a service agreed beforehand...

OP posts:
Gottagetmoving · 05/07/2015 14:16

Because,...a cleaner is not a dog walker or carer. Some will accept because they need a job not because they want to look after your dog.
If my boss asked me to do some cleaning for him whilst I was doing the job I am paid for,...my answer would be no,...or words to that effect.

tabulahrasa · 05/07/2015 14:20

But it is if that's what the job is advertised as, the basis they apply and accept the job on and what they're then paid for.

WorldsBiggestGrotbag · 05/07/2015 14:31

But the OP isn't suggesting hiring a cleaner than springing dog caring duties onto him/her after they've started the job is she?

saintlyjimjams · 05/07/2015 14:37

Have it as part of the advert. When I employ people to help me out with my disabled son I always say they must like dogs (a large part of the job is walking the dog with me & ds1 so not much use if they don't like them). It's never been a problem as I make it clear beforehand

RitaCrudgington · 05/07/2015 14:39

Gotta, I'm pretty sure most cleaners clean houses because they need a job, not because they deserately want to hoover other people's carpets (or worse). If you advertise and hire a cleaner/dog feeder (and pay for the hours required to do both chunks of the job) then that's no more exploitative than just hiring a floor mopper.

saintlyjimjams · 05/07/2015 14:40

As for exploitive. Ffs - it's looking after a dog, not going down salt mines.

Personally I'd rather be paid to walk a dog for half an hour than wash the floors so would be delighted by the request if I cleaned for a living.

Gottagetmoving · 05/07/2015 19:54

That's fine so long as the cleaner accepts it and is not expected to get all her cleaning done in less time to fit in the dog walking/caring.
It's best to keep different jobs separate to save problems.

wigglesrock · 05/07/2015 20:04

No, I don't think it's a huge thing as long as you're upfront in the ad and interview. I'm a cleaner and it wouldn't appeal to me, I like dogs, I had one for 12 years but I wouldn't want to go to work with one if you know what I mean, so I wouldn't apply for the job.

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