Never underestimate the rejuvenating power of a great vacation. Sometimes you just need to let your hair down, enjoy a refreshing beverage, and escape from the stressors of everyday life. That’s why the Doggy Daddy and I are planning a trip to Florida next month.
I know that it’s not always possible to take your dog along with you when you travel, and that’s okay. As a dog mom, you shouldn’t feel guilty about needing some time away. You and your dog will both feel better when you return refreshed and recharged after your vacation.
But how can you possibly enjoy your time away when your dog is at home? Assuming you’re fortunate enough to hire a live-in dog sitter, I’ve got some tips to share that will ensure everything goes smoothly while you’re away.
Be sure to read all the way to the end of this post for a great printable freebie that is a must-have when you’ve got a pet sitter caring for your dog!
4 Essential Tips for the Dog Sitter
Keep The Dog on a Routine
Your dog will be understandably anxious while you’re away, and the dog sitter’s responsibility is to make her feel as comfortable as possible. The best way for the sitter to achieve this goal is to keep her on her usual routine, as much as possible.
The dog sitter must make sure that your dog wakes up and goes to bed at the usual times, and they should take her on walks as normally scheduled. The more routine the dog sitter keep things, the better it will be for you and your dog while you’re away and when you return.
Make Sure the House Stays Clean
It’s important that the dog sitter doesn’t let your pooch have free reign of the house while you’re gone. If they let the dog do whatever she wants, the house will become messy very quickly, and the last thing you want after a relaxing vacation is to come home to a dirty house.
If you don’t allow the dog on the furniture, make sure the sitter is aware of this.
The dog sitter should keep the dog from tracking mud in the house by wiping the pooch’s paws the minute she comes inside, especially during rainy or snowy weather.
She should also know where to find important cleaning items like the broom and vacuum cleaner, stain removers, and extra paper towels.
Play with The Dog Frequently
Every great dog sitter should play with their furry charges as much as possible. They should take their job seriously and engage with the pup by exercising her, taking her on frequent walks, and playing tug-of-war and fetch with her. Your dog won’t have time to miss you if the sitter keeps her busy.
Encourage your sitter to try new things with your dog during this time, as well. You might consider asking them to take your pooch to a dog park while you’re away so that she can interact with other dogs and release some energy.
Be Patient
The best dog sitting tip for anyone taking on the challenge is to be patient with the pup. A good dog sitter will understand that your dog is probably going to be anxious and miss you. There may be long nights filled with barking and howls. Ask the sitter to reassure the dog that everything’s okay and that you’ll return soon.
Of course, excessive belly rubs and tons of treats will go a long way. After a day or two, the dog sitter and your pup will both be more comfortable, and the bonding can begin.
What Tips Can You Share?
If you’ve ever left your beloved pooch in the care of a sitter while you were away, I’d love for you to share your tips and experience in comment below. Also, feel free to join in the conversation in my private Facebook group for dog moms!
How About a Freebie?
Make sure your pet sitter has all the information she needs when you’re away from home with this super fun Pet Care Notes printable. This one is EDITABLE, which means you can type directly onto it from your computer before printing it off, or of course you can just use an everyday pen or pencil to add your pet sitter notes.
You can find this printable in my FREE Resource Library for dog moms! Not only will you get this printable, but you’ll also have access to lots of checklists, planners, printable wall art, greeting cards and more! All you need is a password to access all the good stuff!
>>> GET YOUR PASSWORD HERE! <<<
Once you have your password, you can access the FREE Resource Library and download this goodie and a whole lot more!
Do you know someone who would love this Pet Sitter Notes printable? PLEASE SHARE this blog post with them!
The post 4 Essential Tips for the Dog Sitter + a FREEBIE appeared first on The Everyday Dog Mom.
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Mallory Knee, Khareem Sudlow
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