OT: How much should I pay a dog sitter?

[gobluem82]

We're going on vacation soon for 5 days, and we're having our neighbor's 12-year-old son take our puppy out a few times a day, feed him, clean up after the inevitable messes, etc. We're new to this--what would be a reasonable amount to pay him?

[MelissaAS]

My nephew walks a neighbor's dog in the afternoons sometimes and I'm pretty sure he's paid $5/visit. Maybe $50 for the week?

[Grace]

Are you going to leave the puppy alone for five days in the house with just the boy coming over a few times a day? I hope you won't think I'm rude, but as a dog owner myself, I would NEVER do this. Dogs are social animals, unlike cats, and especially puppies cannot be left alone like this for days on end. I would hope that maybe you could find someone who will take your puppy into their home, or even kennel him before leaving him like that. Please don't do that. You will have more behavior problems when you come back than you will believe if you leave him alone. Not to mention that it's cruel. Just my opinion.

[This message has been edited by Grace (edited 06-27-2001).]

[SandyM]

I agree with Grace. Especially if you have a new puppy. We have 2 adult labs, and I can't imagine having someone pop in periodically throughout the day. They'd probably be basket cases by the time we returned home.

We were fortunate enough to find a young girl (25 years old, single) who comes and stays at our house all night. The girls love her, and she spends a great deal of time with them when she's there.

She won't tell us what she charges, so we just pay her $20 a night. She rents movies off our dish, she's welcome to any food we have, she has friends over, and she seems very happy. And the house is in the exact same shape as we left it.

She won't tell me what others pay her, so I presume I'm at the high end!!!

If you aren't fortunate enough to find someone like this, I would seriously consider finding a reputable kennel. It may be more expensive than having someone stop in periodically, but I think the dog would be better off in the long run, and you would have less worries while you're away.



[This message has been edited by SandyM (edited 06-27-2001).]

[gertdog]

I have an arrangement similar to the one Sandy describes. A friend house- and dogsits. She stays overnight, does the morning dog routine (out, long walk, food), goes to work, comes home and does another walk, plays, more food etc. then settles in for the evening. Gertie (our dog) has been to two kennels and we were unhappy with those arrangements. The dog sitter has been the way to go for us. I can't imagine her (the dog, of course) being totally alone except for one or two short visits each day.

We pay our sitter $20/day. She also brings in the mail, takes out the trash, waters plants, and in general keeps the house in shape.

[This message has been edited by gertdog (edited 06-27-2001).]

[emilycat]

I suppose I'm just echoing the past comments, but when our golden retriever was a puppy, we always took her to a kennel or brought her along with us. As for our miniature long-haired dachsund, she's so temperamental; she always comes along for the trip. We'd never leave her alone by herself. We did have people routinely "sit" for our cats as you described, but they're outdoor animals, and an entirely different story. I think they'd be annoyed if someone were pestering them all the time. It might interrupt their napping. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/wink.gif

[This message has been edited by emilycat (edited 06-27-2001).]

[Jogren]

If you don't know someone who will babysit your puppy, look in the yellow pages for Dog/House Sitters. Look for one that comes with references and is insured. Better yet, some dogtrainers will take care of your puppy (sometimes at their own house) and you get the benefit that they will train the puppy while you are away. Once you come back, meet with the trainer to discuss what your puppy has learned and how you can continue the education. Good luck with whatever you decide!

[Ralph]

I'll agree also. Puppies need way too much attention to be left alone, even if it's for 6-7 hours. Kennels can provide that attention and often offer playtime with staff (and the other dogs, if approved) for only a couple dollars extra a day. I hate to say, we limited our vacations the first year we had our new dog.

[Jewel]

Another vote for a friend's house or a kennel. I used to think kennels were inhumane until I found one I liked, which just happened to be my vet's office! The dogs are played with, talked to, and routinely taken out to run and play. I have a little 20 pound mutt and a 45 lb Siberian Husky, and the two of them cost me $32 per night at a kennel, but it's worth it knowing they're in good hands. Our Husky is so vocal and so social that she would go stir-crazy in a house by herself, even with the other dog to keep her company!

Check with a few kennels in your area and if possible, don't just go with the best price. Go out and look at where your puppy will stay! I called one a few years back that had really great prices ($10 per night per dog, no matter what size) and when I went out and saw and SMELLED where my dogs would be staying, I piled 'em back into the car and drove off. Tiny little cages, filthy, and dogs sitting in their own poop.

There's no way I'll have a good time on vacation if I know that my 'kids' are miserable! Just my opinion...

[browneye]

I agree with Grace-
I waited many years to get my first Yellow Lab. I wanted to be sure it was the right time. You are committing yourself to a responsibility for that animal. This meant modifying my lifestyle for awhile. We only went on vacations where she could come along, when she was young, so I was creative in finding those kind of opportunities.
One of the most memorable was the time I rented a 19 foot motor home, and took 2 sons and the 9 month old pup on a road trip! It was the best trip! She seemed to understand that she was one of the family, and learned her manners, where to sleep, where to "duty" and her place in the pack in an accelerated way! What fun we had taking her swimming in the lakes and walks through the woods.
Dogs learn most when you bring them into the pack and teach them how to behave.
I hate leaving her even now that she's 5... but I have several reliable pet sitters if it must happen. Mostly it is my 17 year old son who sometimes stays behind when we go since he has a job!
Folks that get dogs need to understand those responsibilities. Not everyone is cut out for dog ownership! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif