How did you prepare for your first dog boarding gig?

Dog-sitting should be rewarding and fun for the sitter, an adventure for the dog and a welcome break for the pet’s owners, however sometimes it's not! If you carefully prepare and protect your home, your efforts will result in happy dog owners, happy dogs, a happy sitter, and a safely intact home.

Preparing your house is essential. Dogs can do a lot of damage even when they are not stressed, but separation anxiety and the excitement of a new environment can trigger negative behaviors that put your home and its contents at risk. Fortunately, there are many things you can do to prevent potential problems. How to Prepare Your Home • Use baby gates to limit access to areas that are off-limits. • Cover upholstered furniture with sheets, slipcovers or plastic wrap. • Remove or hide items that could be easily broken, chewed or soiled. • Relocate houseplants. Poisonous plants are not the only problem; any plant may become a victim of an enthusiastic digger. • Remove all loose items from the floor. • Roll up and store any expensive rugs. • Hide electrical cords or protect them with plastic tubing. • Secure any items that hang such as tablecloths, runners, and curtains. • Vinyl blinds are particularly vulnerable to damage, raise them whenever it is practical to do so. • Be sure that any long, hanging strings or cords are out of reach. • Never leave a clients dog unattended!!! Keeping the Dog and Your Home Safe • Use crates My recommendation is to place the dogs in crates at night or when you need to leave your home. Many dogs enjoy the sense of den-like security that a crate can provide. Many will disagree on this one, but the safety of your home should be your #1 concern. o The crates should be just large enough for the dog to stand up, sit, lie down, and turn around in. o It is best to stock a crate for each size of dog from a Chihuahua to a Great Dane. o Each crate should contain bedding. You can use anything from a few clean towels to a duvet to a dog bed. • Dog Owners don’t lie, their dogs ARE house trained in their home, but not necessarily in yours. Be sure to have non-toxic cleaning supplies and enzyme-based odor remover on hand for accidents, and they will happen! Place all chemicals, cleaners, toiletries, and medicines out of reach. Don’t forget to check the garage or outdoor storage shed if the dog can access them. If you have a fenced yard, inspect the fence for possible escape routes.
• Belly bands can be a godsend, keep some on hand • Keep a first aid kit on hand. You can either purchase one or assemble one yourself. Either way, it should include basic supplies like a pet first-aid book, self-cling bandages, gauze pads, an antibacterial ointment or antiseptic wipes, disposable gloves, scissors, and tweezers. o It’s also a good idea to keep the numbers for the nearest emergency veterinary clinic ... (more)