Random Tips from a Very Seasoned Pet sitter (...mostly applies to dogs!)

• Upon entering a home of pet who is not crated, I usually say the dog's name through the door then open it while putting my hand down at their nose level.  This helps alleviate jumping and stress (freaking out) by the dog.

• On the first evening the sitter arrives, he/she should stick to the pet's routine as closely as possible.  i.e. probably not a good idea to take Max for a car ride or take Duchess to the dog park.  In my experience, this can make the dog especially nervous.

• At the dog park or open field, I like to have the dog sit and I give him a treat before I let him off the leash. This usually insures an easy return of the dog when his name is called.

• Obviously, food is the way to a dog's heart.  Usually after feeding a dog for the first time, he or she will be your best bud the rest of the stay.  After letting a dog out to do his business, this is usually the 2nd thing I would recommend the sitter do when first arriving.

• From experience and unpredictable behavior by some dogs, I always put the leash on prior to opening the door outside...until we get to know each other a little better.  Nothing worse than having to chase after a dog that barely knows you!

Behavior Issue Insights and Things to Think About Before You Leave Your Pup or Kitty   

Sometimes the best dog in the world can get upset when you leave them.  Here are some common behavior/training issues I've experienced as a pet sitter:

• One commonly misunderstood behavior that dogs engage in is jumping, usually on people. Dogs jump on people for two reasons. First, they want to greet you at face level. Second they are testing the water to discover if their position in the group is dominant or subordinate to yours. Which one is the cause for your pup’s actions depends on the dog.  

* Let your sitter know how you deal with your dog's jumping, whether it's sternly saying "no", putting a knee up, or restraining dog by it's collar.*

 

• Another misconstrued common behavior of dogs is leash pulling. This is more of a training problem than a behavioral problem. When a dog feels a restraint, she will naturally pull harder, trying to break free. This is similar to the manner in which draft animals behave. It is necessary to teach your dog to walk at you heel, keeping pace with you and to sit when you stop. A qualified trainer can teach you how to teach your dog to heel, in addition to other useful information.

*Some people choose to use a choke collar or leads.  Let sitter know how you deal with pulling.*

 

• Owner absent barking, another common canine behavior, can be disruptive to others, and leave the owner confused and helpless. This behavior is most commonly caused by separation anxiety from the owner. Dogs are social creatures, as are people. This is, of course, what makes people and dogs such comfortable companions. It also accounts for a dog’s sadness and anxiety when their owner leaves.
  
  *As with any behavior issue, let sitter know how you prefer to deal with barking -- whether it's a stern "NO", Bitter Apple Spray, or possibly spraying with water.*

 

• A canine behavior all furniture owners dread and hate is chewing. There is nothing worse than splurging on an expensive pair of shoes, and returning home to find them in pieces and your dog sheepishly hiding in the corner. Dogs start chewing as puppies. Just as babies teeth and chew on toys to relieve the pain, puppies do the same thing for the same reasons. Chewing becomes a problem when a dog does not grow out of it and becomes destructive. We all know someone who is a persistent nail biter, constantly nibbling at his or her fingers. In a similar fashion, dogs sometimes chew because they are bored, lonely, anxious, or stressed.
   

*I've found distraction is best.  Leave toys or rawhides for sitters to distract dogs.  Kongs are great for this (see above)

• The biggest issue I've ever had with cats... is the leaving of presents or skid marks on carpet.  99% of the time it's litter box issue.  Have the sitter scoop it out or change the box and the problem disappears.

Resource:  Buzzle.com