What You Need to Know When Caring For Someone Else’s Dog

You may have very little experience of dogs or you could have grown up with them – either way, all dogs are different and therefore you need to understand each one and its needs.  

So, if you are planning to look after someone else’s dog for the first time, whether it’s for a day or a week, there are a few things you need to know: 

Before

You need to get to know the dog. While some dogs won’t give their owners a second glance when they leave, many can panic at least momentarily while others will become distressed and may seem inconsolable. This won’t be enjoyable for either of you. 

So, firstly, this means meeting the dog before you are due to look after them. Spend some time with them in the home, go out for a walk with their owner and then perhaps on your own. It may even be beneficial to have a sleepover. This way not only will you not be a stranger to the dog, but you’ll be someone that they feel comfortable and relaxed around. 

Secondly, all of the above will enable you to see for yourself how the dog behaves and what their routine involves, but you should also speak to the owner and ask questions, such as: 

• What is their daily routine – what time do they go on a walk and when do they eat? 
• Do they have treats and if so, when? 
• Do they get anxious/are they scared of anything – what comforts them? 
• What are they like with other dogs? 
• What commands does your dog know and respond to? 
• Are they using any training devices and if so, how and when should you use them? 

Write all this information down so you have it to refer to while looking after the dog and make sure this includes key contact details including their vet – just in case you need it. 

During 

• Follow the guidance the owner has given you – if they’ve asked you not to walk their dog off the lead, then don’t. Even if it feels safe to do so, the last thing you want is for that dog to run off or get injured. Likewise, if they don’t allow them upstairs or they don’t give them certain food, you shouldn’t either.  
• Dogs are creatures of habit – so make sure you stick to their routine as closely as possible. 
• Clear your schedule – dogs need someone around for them which is why you’ve been asked to look after them. This isn’t just so they can go to the toilet and be fed, it’s also for company. Make sure if you do need to leave the house that it is only for a short amount of time – or, if you can, take them with you. If they have separation anxiety when their owner isn’t around, you’ll only make this worse if you leave them too. 

Looking after someone else’s dog – especially if you are desperate for one of your own but are unable to have one at the moment – can be a wonderful and rewarding experience. Just follow the above to ensure you are prepared for it.