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The doghouse

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

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Original poster

Nervous dog not getting on at dog sitters.

59 replies

Ithinktomyself · 27/08/2022 15:17

Currently on holiday. Dog sitter has told me that dog is getting increasingly aggressive and unpredictable. It's definitely nerves; he is highly strung which is why I did practice runs beforehand and told her he was nervous. Clearly it wasn't enough. I can't get back early (no flights), there's no-one available to take him. What do I do? Dogsitter wants rid, dog is clearly utterly traumatised. Are there emergency kennels? Do such things exist? How can I get him there if he's in such a state of anxiety already? Do I have any options?

NB: clearly I have cocked up, I thought he was prepared and relaxed. I was wrong. Hindsight is massively unhelpful now. Any practical ideas will be taken gratefully. x

OP posts:

mountainsunsets · 29/08/2022 16:27

INeedPants · 29/08/2022 15:00

This is what emergency contacts are for. The boarder should have clarified that someone must be able to take the dog in an emergency

This is the bit that has always concerned me, if we knew someone who was available to look after a dog we wouldn't be using a boarder...

The law states that the boarders must have an emergency contact. It's part of their licensing agreement.

It's not just for if the dog doesn't settle - what if the boarder gets sick, or ends up in hospital, or breaks a leg and can no longer work? Someone needs to be available to take the dog.

Having someone who can help in the (unlikely) event of an emergency is different to having someone who can commit to having the dog for a whole holiday, surely?

mountainsunsets · 29/08/2022 16:36

By law, the boarder must have:

(e) the name, postal address, telephone number and email address of the owner of each dog and emergency contact details

(f) in relation to each dog, the name, postal address, telephone number and email address of a local contact in an emergency

www.gov.uk/government/publications/animal-activities-licensing-guidance-for-local-authorities/home-boarding-for-dogs-licensing-statutory-guidance-for-local-authorities

sunshinesupermum · 29/08/2022 17:11

FWIW OP and I do hope your poor dog is more settled today, I use www.trustedhousesitters.com where pet lovers housesit and petsit your pet in your own home. Otherwise you will be choosing a holiday where your dog can come with you x

INeedPants · 29/08/2022 17:32

Having someone who can help in the (unlikely) event of an emergency is different to having someone who can commit to having the dog for a whole holiday, surely?

Maybe for some people, but I don't know anyone locally who could take a dog in an emergency.

mountainsunsets · 29/08/2022 17:34

INeedPants · 29/08/2022 17:32

Having someone who can help in the (unlikely) event of an emergency is different to having someone who can commit to having the dog for a whole holiday, surely?

Maybe for some people, but I don't know anyone locally who could take a dog in an emergency.

You could come to an arrangement with the local kennels, another dog boarder, a dog sitter etc. It doesn't need to be a friend or family member - just someone who can help out if needed.

freckles20 · 29/08/2022 19:35

INeedPants · 29/08/2022 17:32

Having someone who can help in the (unlikely) event of an emergency is different to having someone who can commit to having the dog for a whole holiday, surely?

Maybe for some people, but I don't know anyone locally who could take a dog in an emergency.

I do understand why this is difficult, or impossible, for some people. However, it is part and parcel the huge responsibility of being a dog owner that if you want to go away and leave your dog you need to find a solution that works.

mountainsunsets · 29/08/2022 20:25

freckles20 · 29/08/2022 19:35

Show quote history

Absolutely @freckles20 .

Dog boarders should always have the ability to say "this situation is no longer safe" and to pass the dog over to someone else. A dog who begins to aggress is not safe to be around and the boarder shouldn't have to risk their own safety just because they're being paid to provide care.

A kennel owner was killed by a dog not long ago. A walker in America had her face ripped off by dogs she was caring for. This is a dangerous job when it goes wrong. You never know what might happen and you must always have back-ups in place. Always.

freckles20 · 29/08/2022 22:01

@mountainsunsets I agree with you. I would be wary of any boarder, sitter or kennel owner who wasn't able to readily admit that some situations might be more than they could or should handle and ask for help.

No one gets involved in these situations knowingly, but things can go wrong or take an unexpected turn. IMO response and experienced people know this. Less responsible or Iess experienced people might think they can handle anything or not have the confidence to admit they need help.

mountainsunsets · 29/08/2022 23:24

@freckles20 exactly.

I was once doing drop-ins for a dog who became territorial and wouldn't let me in the property. I had to ring the emergency contact (her daughter) who had to travel a couple of hours to come and complete the visits for me.

Luckily I had the sense to have emergency contact details. If I had been stupid enough to try to continue that job, the dog would have attacked me, there's no doubt about it.

The owner was very understanding (and apologetic!) and grateful that I'd taken the time to put emergency procedures in place and as a result, nobody got hurt and the dog remained safe and happy (once I'd left).

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