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The doghouse

If you're worried about your pet's health, please speak to a vet or qualified professional.

Border Terrier coming to stay with us for the summer!

5 replies

Magicmutt · 17/07/2012 10:43

We have been asked to look after a neighbour's terrier for the summer holidays. We have been looking for a dog for ourselves, so this will be a good 'trial run'. The owner says the dog will settle in fine as she's very easy going. He says she'll be fine off the lead, though she might catch a few squirrels Shock, and she'll be fine travelling in the car with us to visit my mum later in the holidays (a three-hour journey). But I keep thinking of the dog's perspective. She will think she's been abandoned, won't she, poor thing? How do we reassure her and make her feel at home? What sort of behaviour might we expect from her as she settles in? And is it really wise to let her off the lead? What if she runs off in search of her family?

Any tips on Border Terriers also much appreciated Smile.

We have met the dog and she's a sweet, friendly little thing. My oldest son, who is mad about dogs, is very excited that we will have our 'own' dog for a few weeks and it will be good experience for him. We are going to walk her tomorrow so that she starts to get to know us before the handover.

OP posts:
Scuttlebutter · 17/07/2012 12:10

Sounds like you will be having a lovely summer Smile

Just to be very practical, some things to think about before the holiday:-

Get plenty of poo bags!!

If she's a typical terrier, she may well like digging and exploring, so make sure your garden is secure and keep an eye on her digging a little tunnel (she may not need to drop sand down her trouser legs though! Wink )
Find out from her owner who her vet is, and make sure their emergency number is in your mobile phone. It's also sensible to have her owner's details, and the dog warden programmed in.

Sort out with your neighbour what happens if woof needs vet care or any ongoing medication while with you - is she insured? Do you need the insurance details? Who will pay upfront? In an emergency, who could authorise PTS?

Find out when she was last wormed, and if she is likely to need any worming/flea preventive treatments while with you.

Get a little tag made for her collar with your contact details on. You can get these at Pets at Home or many hardware stores.

Some microchip companies allow you to put in your address while she is away on holiday - check with owner if this is possible. Again this will speed things up if she should ever become lost or stray.

Ask owner to bring one of her blankets, and some toys to help her settle in, and stick to the same type of food/time of feeding to help her settle. It's great that you are going to be walking her before she comes to stay, so she can get to know you, and vice versa.

I wouldn't recommend going offlead for at least ten days until you feel very much more confident about her bond with you. If you can find somewhere safe and secure, you can start by gently testing her recall - if good, then gradually go from there. If in any doubt, don't let her off, she can still have lots and lots of fun on walks, and you can get very long leads too, that will allow her to have lots of fun while out.

HINT - During the holidays, the charity dog show season is in full swing. Why not take her along, with DS, and do a few classes? Usually only cost £1 per class, so it's a very cheap afternoon out, and particularly for children they are practically guaranteed a rosette. Charity dog shows are great fun, raise funds for local rescues, and have classes like Sausage eating competitions, waggiest tail, best oldie, best child handler etc. Just do a quick google and I guarantee (weather permitting!!) you'll have a terrific afternoon out. Smile

And don't forget to take lots and lots of lovely pics!!

Magicmutt · 17/07/2012 13:22

Wow, so much good advice! That's brilliant, scuttle.

We have lots of poo bags already! The owner has told us who the vet is, but that's a good idea to put the number into my phone. I hadn't thought of insurance details, but will ask the owner. Also, worming - I would never have thought of that. I'll ask again.

The owner is getting the dog a tag with my mobile number on, so she'll have my details on her. She'll be bringing her own bed and I'll ask about favourite toys and food.

I'm really relieved you say I should keep her on the lead for at least ten days. I was quite worried when the owner said she'd be fine off the lead, as I don't want to lose her.

Finally, that is a brainwave about the charity dog shows! My DS is desperate to have a go at dog training and agility, so this would be great fun for him. I will start googling local shows asap!

Thank you!

Smile Smile Smile

OP posts:
Scuttlebutter · 17/07/2012 13:36

Lots of dog shows also run "have a go" sessions for agility, or even doing things like Bronze Canine Good Citizen awards too. These days, there's actually lots and lots!! Smile

ToffeeWhirl · 02/08/2012 22:45

The holiday dog is settling in nicely. She's a very easy-going, gentle, affectionate dog and has even helped my youngest son overcome his fear of dogs. We are thoroughly enjoying taking her on long walks and have found a fun charity dog show nearby in August.

I will miss her when she goes home, but we have another four weeks to go.

Thanks again for all your good advice, Scuttle.

Smile
ToffeeWhirl · 02/08/2012 22:46

Oops, sorry, used a different user name then, but it is still me - Magicmutt.

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