Do you have a furry client who simply refuses to sleep at night? Sydney-based Pet Sitter and writer Odette McCarthy has the solution for you! Should you require Dog Minders in Bendigo, Cairns, or elsewhere in Oz, why not search for a Pet Sitter near you?
As with humans, doggo sleep is a necessity in order to function. Of course, if you’re Minding a dog, your chances of shaping their sleep will differ from those of their Owner. They have built a rapport around stability, security, and reassurance, which grants their pooches sweet dreams. As with human children, our doggos form attachments to their primary caregivers and tend to rely on them for emotional support and protection. To give a pup the comfort they need to sleep, a Sitter must create their own bond of trust.
Don’t Let Sleeping Dogs Lie
So let’s understand something about the subject of stable sleep. When away from their Owners, some pups can settle soundly into slumber at their standard snooze time. Some other pups that I have tended to depend wholly on their Owner’s presence to drift off. Sadly, the absence of their Owner may make for an anxious, ambivalent, unsettled dog. Distressed without their human, these dogs may require a plethora of pacification to sail into snooze-town.
Create that Connection and Get That Canine Cozy for Sleep Time
To foster a good night’s sleep, a connection with your concerned canine is key. For this, the Meet & Greet is the first step towards their tail-some trust. At a Meet & Greet, a pup can perceive you part of their world without per diem pal present. By giving your furry client a chance to meet you first, they’ll be more likely to trust you come nap time. Besides beef, doggo needs to feed on reassurance, attentiveness, emotional support, loyalty, and comfort. In other words, give a li’l lovin’ to the li’l snuggle muffin! You also need here to learn if pup is acting his average self when with only you.
Keep Active and Busy During Dogtime Daylight
Beyond forming a rapport, playing games can further fatigue Fido. Playing catch, or hiding their favourite toy, lets your furry friend view you as an accomplice in their hijinks. The canine learns to connect, trust, and relate to you as their makeshift momentary Mumma.
Always be Attentive to the Pooch
More than all else, pay attention to pooch’s reactions! Are they showing uncharacteristic conduct, a dissonant demeanour, or anxiety? If so, they may be trying to non-vocally express something. In moments like these, ask yourself:
- Is it time for a Dog Walk?
- Do they yearn to solve, explore, or experience something new?
- Do they need food or water?
- Have they relieved themselves in the last few hours?
- Are they lusting for comfort, cuddles, strokes, or scratches as they settle in with you?
In the evening, all your hound may hunger for is a heartfelt huggle from his minder-muggle. If you can recognise this, you can render the relevant resolution.
Stick to Their Schedule for Sound Sleep
Learn Fido’s daily routine and stick to it! After all, we want life to continue virtually unaffectedly in the absence of Fido’s favourite human. If Fides frequently plays Frisbee or fetch in the park, schedule sufficient time devoted to this. And once back at home, have some quality down time together. Remember, a little tummy scratching and a cuddle on the couch will go a long way.
Be Beddy Ready Before Sleep
Ahead of bedtime, lower noise, eliminate distractions, and speak softly and soothingly. Ensure pupper’s bedding environment is comfortable and homely. I suggest a bed or blanket from home to soothe their nerves. If they’re still a little active at bedtime, I recommend a chew toy. Like with a baby, a chew toy can appease a pup and tire them out. For instance, one Chihuahua I minded loved nibbling on his fluffy ducky until he drifted off to sleep, head resting on his ducky’s birdy body.
HUGE SIDE NOTE: never forget toilet time just before bed!
Allow Doggo to Acknowledge Your Presence
Many humans struggle to wind down before bed, and dogs are no different – especially when they’re away from their Owners. To prevent this, reassure the affable animal you are here for them and are not leaving. Woofer needs to acknowledge your nightly presence, so create comfort as the canine conks out. The above mentioned Chihuahua had trouble sleeping the entire first night I Pet Sat him. I placed him out of his basket and moved him my cozy cushiony doona, wrapping my arms around his tiny body all night as a sense of security. After that night, we spent five nights snoozling happily together, him in his ‘lil basket by my bed. If you’re not inclined to a bristly embrace, place your hand on pup’s back as they slip into slumber. Alternatively, you can gently stroke/scratch them in a repetitious, hypnotic manner. Hopefully they shall relax, dozing off contentedly.
If you have an antsy animal insomniac on your hands, imagine what it’s like for them. In the end, all Monsieur Mutt needs to hit the hay is connection and somebody to suit the Owner role. An amiable animal needs to feel a safe attachment, for you to be there to meet their every demand or desire. Pup won’t forget their Owner, so ensure their mind and body are active! As aforementioned, I advise you calm the chaos before bedtime and let the licky lad know you are always there.
