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The doghouse

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Puppy sitter bringing her own little dog - what to expect and how to prepare

15 replies

Guineapigbridge · 10/01/2021 23:58

We are going away for a week long Summer break (not in the UK) and have invited my friend to puppy-sit our 4 month old miniature schnauzer. He's a wonderful boy, already well-trained, and he has experienced lots of people coming and going from our home (we have a lot of guests and kids coming to play).
Friend is bringing her 1.5 year old little dog.
Would you expect that our pup will be territorial? jealous? Would it be necessary for the two little dogs meet and 'make friends' beforehand?

OP posts:
AlCalavicci · 11/01/2021 00:08

I would strong recommend that you meet up a couple of times in a neutral place like the local park. Buy a new toy that they can both play with , something like a tug rope
Once (if) they are ok with each other, then take them both back to your house together.
Feed them in separate rooms and if your dog has a favourite you put it away so they dont fight over it, and let them play with the joint owned new toy.
No matter how well they seem to get on your friend should not leave them alone together.

PoleToPole · 11/01/2021 00:35

Personally I wouldnt be happy with that one bit, thats a heck of a lot to throw a your puppy in one go, and whilst he`s still so young. Is there nobody else without a dog who could puppy sit?
Could you cancel and either go somewhere pup could go too, or have a staycation (hate that word) instead?

We don`t leave our dogs to go on holiday, they come with us, so I am probably not best qualified to comment really. Sorry! Confused

Guineapigbridge · 11/01/2021 02:00

I thought it would be fun for my dog to have a doggy friend? Is that not how you see it? Would it be more stressful for my dog than a kennel?

OP posts:
vanillandhoney · 11/01/2021 08:40

No way would I be happy with this.

The dogs could fight. Your puppy could become territorial and start resource guarding. The other dog could resource guarding. The stress of a new dog could cause all kinds of problems.

If she comes, she comes along. Or hire a professional to come and dog sit for you.

2021willbetheyear · 11/01/2021 13:31

Surely if the dog was going to kennels that would be more stressful? Lots of dogs plus unfamiliar environment?

Floomobal · 11/01/2021 13:44

I think it should be fine. As long as you’re sensible about letting the dogs meet a few times on neutral ground etc, I don’t see why everyone is being so negative

Dontfuckingsaycheese · 11/01/2021 13:46

When is your holiday (Envy) I'd work up to it. Like others say meet outside first. Maybe in other dog's house too. Then start introducing at yours. Maybe start in garden
Take it slowly. You never know how they might react when another dog enters 'their' house. Our ddog was fine with one doggie pal (except for food time) but refused to have another one in the house.

vanillandhoney · 11/01/2021 13:50

@Floomobal

I think it should be fine. As long as you’re sensible about letting the dogs meet a few times on neutral ground etc, I don’t see why everyone is being so negative
Because this isn't a professional - it's just a friend offering a favour. If something goes wrong, who is responsible? The friend won't have any kind insurance to cover her if there's a fight or an injury.

My other concern would be what happens if it goes wrong halfway through and the friend doesn't want to do it anymore?

Floomobal · 11/01/2021 14:15

So people should never let their friends dog sit unless they’re professionals? Confused

vanillandhoney · 11/01/2021 14:41

@Floomobal

So people should never let their friends dog sit unless they’re professionals? Confused
Well in my opinion, not if they're going to bring their own dog as well, no.

I am a professional dog sitter and I happily leave my own dog with my in-laws while I work or go out for the day, but they don't have a dog of their own and they're not bringing a strange dog into my dogs' home and expecting them to get on for a week straight.

Dogs may get on outside, but that doesn't translate to them sharing their space and living together happily inside. To me, it's not a risk I would take with my dog.

PoleToPole · 11/01/2021 15:40

I agree entirely with @vanillandhoney, I also dont think you should go on holiday and leave your puppy when they are so young, or at all really if Im honest.

Far too many people think only what a dog has to offer them and not what is in the best interests of the dog. I have seen it time and time again with my fosters, people are happy to accept the dog`s love, loyalty and devotion, but do not offer the same in return.

I am not saying this is the case with you @Guineapigbridge, but it is not in your puppy`s best interests for your to go on holiday without him.

There are very few dogs who actually want a doggie friend for a sleepover, is would be highly unusual to find one who liked it, even if some tolerate it.
Playing with other dogs is different, but to have another dog and person staying in his house when youve gone and he doesnt know where you are or if you`ve abandoned him?

It would be slightly better if the dog sitter didn`t have a dog, or better yet was an insured professional. I would not put my dogs in kennels either.

As Vanilla says, whos going to pay if theres an accident? What if this causes behavioural issues in either dog? Who`s going to pay for a behaviourist?
Do you want to take the chance of your puppy, who it sounds like you are doing a great job with so far, developing serious and potentially lifelong issues? Reactivity to other dogs? Resource guarding? Anxiety? Separation anxiety?

As I said before, I am not the best person to comment, our dogs always come on holiday with us, and I cannot imagine leaving them behind, it would upset me too much.

donewithitalltodayandxmas · 11/01/2021 15:43

My dog goes to my mil with her dog when we go away or has been to a friends with their dogs , they had met first and were fine.
Puppies that young are normally more accepting of the other dog , normally older ones that can be fussier or get annoyed by puppy.
But 4 months means you have only had him a couple of months so going away so soon for him will be quite a big thing .

Hoppinggreen · 11/01/2021 15:46

I don’t think leaving a 4 month old puppy is a good idea, you will just be getting used to eachother but if you do you need to make sure the dogs get on well before hand. They need to meet somewhere neutral at first and then at your house.
Lots of practice needed before you go

MabelMoo23 · 11/01/2021 21:59

I’m sorry I think it’s crazy for your dog sitter to bring a dog with them to house sit.

And your new puppy will only be 4 months???? So basically still a baby, will wonder where you’ve gone and why there is now a strange dog in their safe place,???

Also, as someone else pointed out, not using a professional - therefore has no insurance. What if, strange dog corners your puppy, it all kicks off and bites your puppy.

Who will pay the vets bill for your pup? I nothing wrong with a friend dog sitting, but not with their dog!!

PugInTheHouse · 13/01/2021 12:20

I don't think I could leave a 4 month old puppy, how well trained can a 4 month old pup actually be when it is not with its main carer (not the right word but not sure what to say)

We will definitely go on holiday and leave him when he's older but probably with my parents or have a live in house sitter. I wouldn't want him with another dog unless he was really used to it. We will start with a weekend and build up.

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