What to look for in a dog sitter/dog walker

The first challenge for anyone looking after a dog with separation-related issues is 'management'.

This means putting measures in place to ensure our dogs don't suffer further episodes of fear. By doing this, they won't continue the behaviours we associate with separation distress—things like shaking, pacing, panting, drooling, urinating, destroying things, or trying to escape and hurting themselves.

These behaviours are the dog's attempt to find some relief from fear. It's not only unfair to leave a dog in distress, but it's also completely counterproductive to any training efforts. In practice, this means creating a support network of people the dog feels safe with while you're away, until they learn to cope with being home alone and one option is to find trusted dog sitters.

We might leave our instructions on a chalkboard or on a really long list, but the reason behind them is the same. Our dogs are individuals with their own needs, likes, dislikes, vulnerabilities, routines, and special rituals. Add in intolerances, medication, and safety protocols, and it's no wonder we worry about whether they'll be alright without us.

If you search online for 'instructions for dog sitter,' you'll find hundreds of templates. I'm not kidding—this really is a thing! It's a huge deal to entrust our dog to someone else.

My instructions for the dog sitter aren't the work of a genius scientist; they're simply what works for my dog. If I could use a magic wand to find the perfect dog sitter, these are the qualities I'd look for.

(Some fantastic professionals might not tick every single box, but you can decide which are priorities for you and your dog.)

Qualities of a Great Dog Sitter

• They genuinely like dogs. You'd think this was a given, wouldn't you? But you'd be surprised! Several of my clients have told me they've interviewed people who don't seem comfortable with dogs at all. One client said a potential sitter flinched when her dog sniffed her leg, and later admitted she didn't really like being touched by dogs. That's a huge red flag.

  Some people hold unreasonable ideas about dogs, such as believing they aren't allowed to do certain things. It's an absolute no-go if they promote outdated dominance theories or claim they have to be the 'alpha.' This will inevitably lead to power demonstrations that your dog won't understand and may even find threatening.

  A good sitter is happy to accept and like the dog just as they are. They are patient, completely reliable, and care about the dog's needs. They also need to understand that dogs with separation issues cannot be left alone.

  
  

• They can read canine body language. It's always important for a dog's communication to be understood, especially in multi-dog households or if they'll be meeting other dogs on walks. A great sitter will be able to tell what your dog is trying to communicate and react appropriately.

  
  

• They have good handling skills. This includes good lead handling and an awareness of how dogs use their environment to communicate and orient themselves. They should know how to help dogs interact successfully with each other. If your dog has particular issues on the lead—such as being fearful of strangers or reacting to other dogs or cars—the sitter should be willing to walk them on their own.

  
  

• They have a canine first aid qualification. This is a massive plus. Someone trained in first aid can handle small injuries like cuts and scrapes. They're also trained to recognise symptoms that require a vet visit. In an emergency, knowing how to dislodge something stuck in a dog's throat or perform CPR could be life-saving.

  A quick tip: Discuss with your vet about signing paperwork that allows them to administer care in your absence. If you're at work or on holiday and can't be reached, it could save valuable time in an emergency.

Professional Essentials

• Background and Insurance: Your sitter will have access to your home and keys, so a background check is essential. They should also have professional insurance and be familiar with local laws regarding dogs in your area.

  
  

• Transport: Ideally, they'll have a car and a driving licence. This allows them to vary walk locations if needed and is crucial if your dog needs to be taken to the vet.

My free ebook, 'Light at the End of the Tunnel,' is available to download. It contains important information about separation-related disorders to help you get started with your dog.

All the best,

Victoria