As much as your dog may love their Sitter, it’s still sad for them to say goodbye to you when you leave. Because sure, your Sitter will do their absolute best to keep your pup happy and healthy – plenty of walks, a regular schedule, all the cuddles they could ask for. However, they’ll still be with an unfamiliar person. Luckily, there are a couple of things you can do to make the transition quicker and easier for your dog, like leaving these five key items with the Pet Sitter:
1st of the Items: their favourite blanket or dog bed
Having the scent of home is an absolute must to help your dog feel more grounded around a new person. It will give them a sense of familiarity that will boost their confidence and lessen their confusion and anxiety. This is doubly valid if your dog is staying in their Pet Sitter’s home.
2nd of the Items: their kennel
It’s not only important to bring your dog’s bedding, but also to ensure they have a safe, secluded “home base” within the Sitter’s home. This is especially important in households with other pets. After all, it doesn’t make much sense to give your pup their family home scent if the Sitter’s cat immediately marks its territory all over that beloved blanket.
Even if your pup isn’t kennel trained, it can be helpful to set up the kennel and fill it with your pup’s bedding. This will give them a den-like place to retreat to when things get stressful.
If your Pet Sitter is caring for your pooch in your home, this issue will be easier to address. Simply choose an area of the home that your dog favours, then instruct the Sitter to avoid it. That way, your pup will have a haven that they view as all theirs.
3rd of the Items: a full bag of food and plenty of treats
Anxiety in dogs often manifests in digestion issues. As such, it’s important that your dog is able to eat the food that they’re used to.
The Sitter will know that they should only feed your doggo the food they have at home. Even so, make sure that you bring enough to cover the entirety of their stay. If your pooch is used to a unique, hard-to-find brand of dog food, you don’t want a situation where the Sitter has to drive all over town looking for your pup’s preference or has to resort to feeding your pup a different brand because that one pet store is closed.
The same goes for dog treats. You may be tempted to buy your furry friend new dog treats for their stay with the Sitter – new is more appetising and exciting, right? however, it’s actually in your pup’s best interest to have the tried and true treats that they love.
4th of the Items: your pup’s grooming supplies
When it comes to regular grooming, dogs can be picky about the combs they like. To this end, make sure you bring the one with which they’re most comfortable. This will allow the Sitter to make grooming a calming experience instead of a stressful one.
Even under the caring supervision of a Pet Sitter, it’s possible that your doggo will get into some stinky business. Bathing can be stressful for dogs, so make sure the Sitter has the grooming supplies that you use at home. This is especially crucial when it comes to shampoo; an unfamiliar brand can leave your dog’s skin feeling itchy.
5th of the Items: Toys
Toys can be a wonderful way to make your dog feel happy and confident in the Sitter’s home.
However, it’s important to be mindful about the use of toys with dogs that are a bit protective. If your dog is possessive, things may become more anxiety-inducing for both your pup and the Sitter.
If you do have a doggo that is highly possessive, make sure to tell the Pet Sitter. After all, they may have experience with these behaviours, and be able to help your pup feel comfortable. Otherwise, you may decide to leave the toys at home.
Time To Get Packing!
With these five items, you pup will be ready to make the transition from your care to the Sitter’s! Get all the last-minute cuddles in before you go, and watch your doggo strut into their holiday with confidence!
Are you pining for someone who will soothe your pooch while you’re away? Leave your furry friend at the home of a Mad Paws Sitter! Whether you’re based in Wollongong, Geelong, or any other Aussie locale, we have Pet Sitters waiting to welcome your pup. Book now!
