How to Pet Sit a Dog
When a friend or family member needs someone to pet sit her dog, she has the choice of bringing him to a kennel--which can get expensive--or she can turn to you. It's not enough to just look after someone's dog, however. You'll want to know when to take him for a walk, when to feed him, what his temperament is and what kind of stimuli trigger problem behavior.
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Instructions
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Talk to the owners to find out how long you're going to need to pet sit. It's important to ensure your schedule fits that time frame so they aren't left with a few days to cover with someone else. Their dog will be happier with a consistent caregiver.
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Introduce the dog to your house while he's still on the leash. This way you can control him as he sniffs and explores. It's also important that you enter the house first, to show your dominance and the fact that the dog is entering your territory. Don't leave the dog in your yard unattended. Some dogs panic without their masters and may try to dig their way out of your yard.
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Set a schedule for feeding and walking that reflects the schedule used by the owners. This helps to maintain the dog's rhythm and can prevent "accidents" on your rug. If you can't come close to replicating the feeding and walking schedule, you might not be the one to care for this pet.
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Keep emergency contact information on hand. You should have the telephone number of wherever the owners are staying, their cell phone numbers, the number of the dog's veterinarian and the number of an emergency animal hospital. Get a list and schedule for any medications if the dog is taking any.
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If you have dogs or other pets of your own, minimize the chances for a fight. This means socializing the animals in a controlled environment prior to letting them have more independence in the house.
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Discipline the dog as the owners would. Ask whether there are particular behaviors they discourage so that you can be on the lookout for them. This way the dog won't digress and forget some of his training.
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Tips & Warnings
Keep a stock of treats and food at your home if you end up having to sit for a dog regularly.
