I would want to know if your dog has a food aggression issues? How are they in a car? How are they being left alone? Their feeding schedule? If they have any leash aggressions? Are they responsive to a certain call or whistle? Are they trustworthy off a leash? If your dog has breed restrictions (some dogs discriminate- I've seen it). Your dog's quirks and idiosyncrasies. I can deal with anything and expect to see it, so I would want an honest rundown of their tendencies.

Routine for housesitting clients: I will include your dog in the normal daily routine. In the morning 30-45mins return home for some breakfast. Midday walk and an evening walk usually a little longer and then we're home for dinner. And, a last out before bed. On the weekends, we like to go for long easy hikes so I'm sure your dog would enjoy the car ride and the open space. Your dog's sleeping arrangement: That depends. If your dog was cleaned in my care or before I got them I would consider them sleeping in the bed. Ideally, if your dog sleeps on its own bed, then I would encourage that. The time I'll spend with your dog: I work from home and with a new dog, I usually will not leave them unattended the first 24hrs until I learn their routine and help them adjust. How I will communicate with you: Usually, those first 24hrs are the toughest as your dog is transitioning from expecting you and accepting me. Chances are there are unique habits about your dog(s) that you mentioned and I will send you an update on how we are adjusting and mentioning that I saw it or did not see it. I'll more than likely tell you about the quality of your animal's elimination because that is a tale tell sign on how well they are adjusting. It's common for your fur friend to not poop in the first 24hrs if they do then that's great. If not, they should in the next 24hrs. But the point is you will be aware so by day 3 you aren't surprised, as an example. In general, most dogs are fine and have some degree of separation anxiety but that typically passes in the first 24hrs. There has only been one dog who became violently ill within an hour of being dropped off. I spent the entire stay nursing him back to health on the bland diet and had back to normal before his pet parent arrived. While inconvenient, it was the only thing I could do to support the animal in their owner's absence. And, that level of care should be expected from an experienced sitter.