Puppy Sitting Tips for House Sitters: How to Ensure a Fun and Safe Experience

Puppy sitting can be an incredibly fun and rewarding experience, but it can be quite a handful, especially for pet and house sitters who may not have prior experience with puppies.

If you’re planning a stint as a puppy sitter and want to make the most of your time, consider some of these helpful tips we’ve put together on how to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for both you and the puppy!

Meet the Puppy and the Owners Beforehand

Before you start puppy sitting, it’s essential to meet the puppy and its owners beforehand. This will allow you to get to know the puppy’s personality, routine, and any special needs or quirks they may have. It’s also an opportunity to ask questions and get instructions on how to care for the puppy properly. Being honest and upfront with the owners can also help to alleviate any concerns that you or they may have.

Learn the Puppy’s Routine

Just like humans, puppies thrive on routine, and they’re more likely to feel relaxed and comfortable when their daily routine is maintained. Ask the owners about the puppy’s feeding, sleeping, and exercise schedule and try to stick to it as closely as possible. This will help to reduce any stress or anxiety the puppy may feel and make the transition easier for everyone.

Keep a Watchful Eye over the Puppy

Like children, puppies are naturally curious and love to explore their surroundings and test the boundaries, which can often lead to trouble if left unsupervised. Make sure to keep a watchful eye on the puppy at all times, especially when they’re outside or in unfamiliar surroundings. Most homeowners will have already puppy-proofed the house, but if you have any further ideas or suggestions, be sure to cross-check with the owners first before making any changes. Also make sure not to leave lying around hazardous items that could potentially harm the puppy, such as cleaning products.

Engage the Puppy in Playtime

Like kids, puppies have a whole heap of energy and love to play, so it’s essential to engage them in playtime regularly. This not only helps to burn off excess energy but also helps to strengthen the bond between the puppy and yourself. Playing fetch, tug of war, and other interactive games can be a fun way to keep the puppy entertained and happy, plus you’ll have a lot of fun too!

Reward Good Behaviour

Puppies respond well to positive reinforcement, so it’s important to reward them for good behaviour. Praise and treats can be used to reinforce desirable behaviours, such as sitting, staying, and coming when called. This helps to build trust and confidence in the puppy and encourages them to repeat the behaviour in the future. Maybe you can surprise the owners by teaching the puppy some new tricks and commands which they will surely appreciate!

Puppy Sitting in Australia

With these tips in mind, puppy sitting can be a positive experience for both you and the puppy. Join Oz House Sitters today and start searching for your next house and pet sitting job.