Borrow My Doggy

[NoProblem123]

Any experience or opinions on this ? Good or bad ?!

I’m desperately missing my own dog so this was recommended to me to walk local pooches.

I’ve done a profile, have maximum availability as I wfh, and paid for the premium subscription (about £13 a year to allow for a 24/7 vet line just in case).
I’ve messaged a few local owners but no one has ever responded

I used to have a little Bichon on the weekends some times. My only experience was with that owner and dog but it was really, really positive!

Hopefully you’ll hear from someone soon.

Apart from Covid/everyone being at home more the only thing I can think of that might stall you is that there’s been a huge amount of dog theft and dog theft attempts recently. It might make people more cautious about allowing someone else to walk their dog at the moment.

Terrible, unfortunately.

Had a fairly regular borrow set up with what I thought was a lovely dog/ owner. Had seen the dog maybe 6 times.

Took dog out with myself and friend one afternoon (after checking with owner it was ok to take him to social settings). Had a lovely leisurely afternoon in the pub beer garden and he was getting plenty attention.

I decided to walk him to pet store to get him a treat (again, after checking with owner this was ok). Duly got him a treat and he turned into a different animal; snarling, angry and he went for my friend when she went to get her back. Drew blood, the works.

Resulted in a a tetanus for her and me having a word with owner. Turns out the dog had previous for being territorial post treats etc but she hadn't thought to let me know?!

Contacted Borrow my Doggy as we were so shaken up by this and they essentially washed their hands of it. With hindsight I wish I'd pushed them further to take more responsibility and my poor friend has a scar on her hand as a 'memory' of that fateful day.

I get that things happen, that's life. However, it's how it was managed that really upset me. So no, I wouldn't recommend.

Hi,
I am a borrowmy doggy borrower.
We have never had a dog before and this is our first time.
We have been looking after a dog for the past few months a few days a week as the owner's circumstances changed and the dog developed separation anxiety left alone.
For us it has been a positive worthwhile experience. I messaged several and only a few got back as well.
Keep trying and maybe expand your search area though it will always be easier if you get someone close to where you live

Good luck

There was a previous thread on here about borrowmydoggy which is worth checking out!
That thread was from the perspective of dog owner.
I do say our experience has been positive so far. However the dog we look after isn't trained very well. He is reactive to some things, doesn't walk well on lead and I won't even want to think about letting him off-lead.
For a first time dog person, these things have been challenging but we do the best we can for him. We have understood his boundaries/limitations from watching/interacting him as his owner doesn't share much.
I dont think she means to be secretive she just doesn't know it impacts him and others looking after him.
So you can get all sorts of dogs and owners from BMD is my experience (just as you can get all sorts of borrowers)

I have also learnt a lot from this board!

Highly recommend with caveats above ie that it is relatively unregulated so up to you to build great relationships with dog owners... two good friends have used -

1. Dog owner - found 6+ different people over few years - for her 1 in 3 tended to work ie be committed, do what they said they wanted to, be responsible ... others dropped out, unreliable etc

1. Dog borrower - found great local dogs who even looked after when owner on hols!

From previous threads, this is a fairly divided topic

As a dog owner, there is no way I would use a website like to find care for my dog. I have no doubt that the vast majority of people have good intentions but it just doesn't sit right with me.

That being said, there are owners out there who would be happy with the arrangement so you may get some luck. Have you considered volunteering with the Cinnamon trust or a local shelter as well?