It is important that your dog gets along with other dogs and has been left alone before. It is always helpful to know as much as I can about your dog's routine, special needs and behavior/training, so that the stay with me goes smoothly. When we have our meet and greet please tell me as much you can. ROUTINES What is the dog’s usual routine for going potty? What special words do you use to ask your dog to go potty? How do they let you know when they need to go? What is the dog’s usual meal and treat schedule? Is the dog used to being left alone? For how long and at what times? What time does the dog usually go to bed and wake up? Where do they usually sleep? Where does your dog sleep at home? Is the dog allowed on the furniture at home? What is the dog’s usual routine for walks, exercise and outings? What kind of collar does the dog usually wear for walks? Do they have a harness and fixed-length leash? Does the dog have any favorite toys or games? SPECIAL NEEDS/CONCERNS Does the dog have any health issues (e.g., arthritis, allergies, etc.)? Does your dog have any allergies? Does the dog need special additives in their food? Does the dog take medication? How is it administered? Are there emergency contacts that know the dog’s normal behavior? BEHAVIOR/TRAINING Does the dog tend to “mark” the area, even indoors? Is the dog crate-trained? Why does the dog go/get put in the crate and for how long? What commands does the dog know? How do you get the dog to drop something? To come when called? Does the dog have any nicknames? What motivates the dog? Food? A toy? Does the dog have any quirks that are normal behavior for them (e.g., funny noises they make) or specific tendencies? Does the dog have food aggression? How does the dog do with other dogs? Any problems in the past? Does the dog have an aversion or preference for certain types of people (i.e. male/female, children/adults)? Is the dog accustomed to children? Cats? Other pets? Does the dog have any “naughty” behaviors, e.g., getting into the trash, chewing on shoes or other items, etc.? Does the dog have any special fears? What seems to help? Has the dog experienced separation anxiety in the past? Under what circumstances? What does the owner do to comfort the dog? Does the dog tend to run away or try and get out of the yard?

Here's where we'll take our walks: I will walk your dog on my road which is a dead-end with little traffic. Plus, we do a daily morning power walk about a mile in my neighborhood. And there's plenty of room in the fenced yard for playing fetch and running freely. Exercising my guests help keep them calm and relaxed when away from their families. Your dog's sleeping arrangement My own dog sleeps in her bed and she has several to share. Your dog can sleep with my dog or if she/he has her own bed you can bring it. I have extra dog beds out for anyone to use. I also have a crate in case your dog is crate trained. Time I'll spend with your dog My dog is on a routine, so figure 5 to 6 times outside per day including play time in the back yard or rec room on the first floor. Also, I work from home, so I will be around for the dogs to supervise. I have baby gates and crates in case they are needed.