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The doghouse

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

Original poster

Dog sitting trouble

34 replies

Tatiana007 · 16/10/2022 22:24

Hi,

my friend flew abroad 3 nights ago and we agreed to look after the dog (well trained, small one) for 2 weeks, partly as to let us decide if we should get one ourselves.
Dog is perfectly happy but we aren't.
We have 3 young kids and dog barked for the last three nights (everyone up). Last night I got zero sleep at all as the dog was tossing and turning (has to sleep in our bed).
During the day the dog follows me constantly. When I go to loo, it sits outside door barking. Delivery comes, yup barking.
in addition to this our child needs to have minor surgery tomorrow (unplanned) and instead of me spending time with him, I was downstairs with the dog all day as child is scared of dog barking now.
We can't keep carrying on, but equally don't want to bother friend. WWYD?
In addition, I spotted that there are fireworks this Fri literally next to my house. It will obviously spook the dog!

OP posts:
Original poster
Tatiana007 · 16/10/2022 22:48

Also forgot to say that 3 out of 5 of us are constantly sneezing, so I guess we are allergic

OP posts:
catchthedog · 16/10/2022 22:55

might not be the answer you want, but id take an antihistamine, see out the next 11 days and take it as a good lesson learned that dog ownership isn't for you and just be thankful you had the chance to try before buying.

the waking up in the night is annoying but it all sounds very normal part of settling a dog in to a new home really..

RunningFromInsanity · 16/10/2022 23:08

catchthedog · 16/10/2022 22:55

might not be the answer you want, but id take an antihistamine, see out the next 11 days and take it as a good lesson learned that dog ownership isn't for you and just be thankful you had the chance to try before buying.

the waking up in the night is annoying but it all sounds very normal part of settling a dog in to a new home really..

Literally this. Your friend has just saved you a ton of money, time and heartache now that you know you can’t have your own dog.

Why/when is he barking at night? When he’s on the bed?

In the meantime, get a large dog crate and put the dog in that in your bedroom overnight. The dog may whine to start with but will soon settle down.

Twinstudy · 16/10/2022 23:15

I don't think there's much you can do really but take some antihistamines, suck it up til they come back and learn the lesson that a dog isn't for you!

When is it barking at night? If it has to sleep with you would it sleep on a bed in your room instead? It's only been a couple of days so may settle soon.

Happenchance · 17/10/2022 00:29

I'd want to know if this was my dog, so that I could advise you about ways to help him/her settle and cope with the fireworks. Do you know if he/she has to be medicated on bonfire night? Could you spend Friday night at the owner's house, if necessary?

Original poster
Tatiana007 · 17/10/2022 03:50

Hi,

not possible to stay at owner house as have 3 young kids (one soecial needs and one will be post surgery). Plus owner lives a few hrs away and no keys.

OP posts:
Original poster
Tatiana007 · 17/10/2022 03:51

He sleeps in his bed in my room. Barks if hears sny sounds at night that kids make (one has special needs and has nightmares he shouts from)

OP posts:
FanTaill · 17/10/2022 04:16

I’d see out the rest of the time. But contact your friend about the fireworks and ask if they usually give their dog anything for it. Suggest something natural like the drops. Also get a calming spray just to have in general, it’s not settling and that might help (but check with your friend first).

thelobsterquadrille · 17/10/2022 06:16

Well, there's nothing you can do except see it out for the next 11 days like you agreed.

This all sounds very normal though. A dog who is presumably not used to you, your home or your kids is suddenly living with you full time. The poor thing will be confused, missing it's owned and wondering why it's not at home with all its stuff anymore.

Hoppinggreen · 17/10/2022 07:30

It was pretty daft not to do a trial before agreeing to 2 weeks from both your and the owners point of view but it’s too late to worry about that now.
You will just have to struggle through and never do it again, hopefully the dog will settle soon

MissyB1 · 17/10/2022 07:34

Why on earth didn’t you trial it for a night or two first? The poor thing is probably upset and anxious. How well did you know this dog? Give the dog lots of reassurance, and ask the owner about fireworks, that’s all you can do. Lesson learned.

Original poster
Tatiana007 · 17/10/2022 08:07

I met the dog a few times, took it to the park for walk, etc.
I think owner wasn't being entirely honest about the fact she never is out of her lap (another friend just told me).

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tabulahrasa · 17/10/2022 08:13

Btw, the dog isn’t perfectly happy - he’s following you about and barking at strange noises because he’s stressed at being left in a strange house. He doesn’t know his owners just on holiday.

Disturbed sleep is horrendous and obviously it’s not great that it seems some of you have allergies, it’s going to be a rough couple of weeks, but, you’ve not really any option other than to just wait it out.

Clymene · 17/10/2022 08:21

Well there's nothing you can do realistically. You said you'd look after the dog for 2 weeks so you're just going to have to grit your teeth

cravattwat · 17/10/2022 08:21

@Tatiana007 believe me, that dog is not happy. He is stressed and worried which is why he is restless and barking.

It's horrible for all of you but you are going to need to grit your teeth and get through it.

Try and look at ways of calming him like filled kongs and other toys.

You could try him sleeping elsewhere but you'll likely get less sleep as he'll be distressed.

Original poster
Tatiana007 · 17/10/2022 08:22

I think he is happy - he will easily settle as long as I don't move. I think it's just used to be in lap a lot, which I can't do.
Barking I'm not sure about, possibly. Neighbours were just over asking about barking at night as well 🙈.
Have emailed friend to see if someone who previously dog sat her (mum/sister) can have her in her house

OP posts:
Original poster
Tatiana007 · 17/10/2022 08:26

Could dog be barking at night bc we live next to fairly noisy busy road? It doesn't bother us as we are used to it. Dog wouldn't hear it much during the day as mostly downstairs (where noise is minimal)

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MimiArm · 17/10/2022 08:31

Despite all pp saying pretty much the same thing (and I agree with them), you seem determined to ignore the advice and want to blame someone (the dog, the owner, the owners lap). You're just looking for one person to say "oh that's terrible, dump the dog" so you can free your conscience.

The dog is stressed because it's in a strange environment with strange people and strange smells. ALL dogs would feel the same but some may be quieter than others. It's also common for dogs to follow you around the house. Nothing strange here.

The only person to blame is you for not trialling it out for a night of two beforehand. Now you want to dump the dog onto someone else and further stress the dog out.

Thank goodness you didn't get a dog. This is exactly the reason rehoming centres are full to the brim.

Original poster
Tatiana007 · 17/10/2022 08:34

Good grief, thanks.
i don't want to dump the dog and Imm not ignoring the advice. If I wanted to dump them, I would have done it after the first night.
I have already tried all the advice given here, so I'm not dismissive.
I'm a but worried/upset bc my child is in hospital, having unplanned operation in an hour and I can't be there with him bc the dog.
it's not the same as dumping him.

OP posts:
MimiArm · 17/10/2022 08:47

I'm sorry your child is having surgery and hope he will recover well.

This is the reality of a dog in a new home and it's also the reality of having a dog with a busy family life and unforeseen events.

The dog doesn't feel secure hence the noise and shifting about so much. He most likely also misses his owner and feels abandoned. Moving the dog to another home is likely to stress him out further so I think you're best to see out your obligation rather than ask someone else to take him. There's every chance the dog will settle in the coming few days. In the meantime, what about some chew toys to distract him and he can chew to relieve some stress. Are you walking him or exercising him? That will reduce some anxiety and tire him out.

Fireworks - not much you can do but make sure he can't escape as it's common for dogs to try to escape when frightened and the last thing you need is a missing dog. I would say tire him out as much as you can on Friday and give him a distraction and plenty of comfort.

Original poster
Tatiana007 · 17/10/2022 08:53

Thanks. Dog is taken on two long walks a day plus has chew toys. Got him bone with meat on. Play games of fetch etc in garden.

OP posts:
FanTaill · 17/10/2022 08:54

Have emailed friend to see if someone who previously dog sat her (mum/sister) can have her in her house
That’s going to be fun for her to organise while she’s abroad.

Honestly I agree that you were both a bit naive not to do a short trial first. But now that this is the situation you’re in you just need to make the best of it. Take the advice that’s being offered.

femfemlicious · 17/10/2022 08:55

For me i think you are doing the right thing trying to get the dog to someone else. Circumstances have changed as you have a child in hospital about to have surgery!. I dont know why people on here are brushing that off!. I cant imagine how you must feel not being able to be there with your child!. The dog may be stressed but so are you and your children!.

femfemlicious · 17/10/2022 08:58

Apparently a dog being stressed is more important than the well being of OP and her family😥. @Tatiana007 do what you have to do.

RedHelenB · 17/10/2022 09:17

Tatiana007 · 17/10/2022 03:51

He sleeps in his bed in my room. Barks if hears sny sounds at night that kids make (one has special needs and has nightmares he shouts from)

Try having him sleep somewhere else downstairs?

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