I'm comfortable around dogs, but it's been a while since I lived with one, so just want to make sure I don't have a blind spot about things to keep out of harm's way.
- what's the dog's daily routine?
- what commands does the dog understand?
- what will the dog do if the leash is dropped?
- how does the dog react to: cats, squirrels, small dogs, larger dogs, birds, loud noises, children, people approaching, etc?
- what foods are ok? What foods are not ok?
- is the dog allowed on furniture? If not, what's the command?
- what is the dog's tell to go outside?You really want to know their routine regarding that.
I also hope you're okay with seeing (and cleaning) an accident here and there because the dog will be in a totally new place and may get confused (or try to mark the territory).
- does it bark alot / how to avoid
- what breed … in case you get asked
- walk time per day
- plays with other dogs/not? temperament around dogs/people?
- ok to go off leash in off leash areas outdoors?
- how to tell if “on heat”, what to do?
- how much company does the dog need?Pet Insurance details?
Do they want to be notified in the event of x situation?
Probably just best to treat them like someone looking after someone else's kids.
So before I gave the dog a treat, I'd say hi to the dog, get the leash, tell the dog we're going for a walk, and then get back, and then play with the wrapper of the treat in my pocket, and say, "What's this? Is this for you? Is it a treat?"
And then I'd open the treat and she'd go run off and eat it and then return and we'd hang out for a bit and then I'd tell her I'd see her tomorrow.
The dog is a child. They look forward to you visiting because of the rewards.
Quite an easy thing to do. Just show confidence and do what they want to do. Pretty easy.
Some dogs are super sweet but they may otherwise maul you in very specific circumstances. Examples include handling them the wrong way (e.g. trying to pick them up), or guarding behavior (food, bones, toys). Tends to be more common in rescues/adoptions, since some dogs have had rougher lives than others—competing for food while on their own, for example. Advanced age with dementia can be another cause.
This isn't meant to scare you, and it's probably a non-issue, but it doesn't hurt to cover your bases. Bite incidents often end in tragedy.
They make airtag holders for collars, I don't think it's a recommended use but maybe some insurance for a week while they are out of town.
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I'll be taking care of a colleague's dog for a few days and am wondering if there are any particular questions to ask them or accommodations I should make beforehand.
I'm comfortable around dogs, but it's been a while since I lived with one, so just want to make sure I don't have a blind spot about things to keep out of harm's way.
ChatGPT:
Taking care of someone else's dog requires a lot of responsibility, and it's great that you're asking about what you need to know beforehand. Here are some questions to ask your colleague and accommodations you should make to ensure that the dog is comfortable and safe:
What is the dog's routine? Ask your colleague about the dog's feeding and walking schedule, as well as any other routines or habits the dog has.
Does the dog have any medical conditions or allergies? Find out if the dog needs any medication, special food, or has any allergies you need to be aware of.
How is the dog around people and other animals? Ask if the dog is social or if it needs space around other dogs or people.
Does the dog have any behavior issues or triggers? Ask if the dog has any triggers that may cause it to become aggressive or fearful.
What items or areas should the dog avoid? Ask if there are any areas of the house or specific items that the dog should avoid, such as furniture or specific rooms.
Are there any special toys or treats that the dog enjoys? Ask your colleague if there are any toys or treats that the dog likes and make sure you have them on hand.
Make sure the dog has a comfortable place to sleep. Set up a comfortable bed or crate for the dog to sleep in.
Keep harmful items out of reach. Make sure to keep all harmful items, such as cleaning supplies, medications, or small objects, out of the dog's reach.
Plan for walks and exercise. Make sure you have time in your schedule for regular walks and exercise to keep the dog healthy and happy.
Have emergency contact information. Make sure you have your colleague's contact information, as well as the phone number for the dog's veterinarian, in case of an emergency.
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Very thoughtful! I use it to get gift ideas as well, I feed it some info about the person and their interests and go out and purchase what it recommends. It hasn't missed once!