Ripped off my dog walker? Advice please...

Mojisola

chucknorris wrote: »

But when we did have a dog sitter they were only asking for £10 a day, although I told them it was worth £15 a day and insisted they take that, so it doesn't cost a lot to get your dog looked after. I sought out elderly couples/singles that used to have a dog but could no longer either afford or have enough time to own one full time (there are such people around if you look for them). The advantage of this sort of person is that they really appreciate being with your dog and therefore it is a more pleasurable experience for my dog too.

When my uncle retired, he did this - but for free, for friends. They dropped the dog off with him on their way to work. He walked the dog a couple of times during the day and they had each other for company. Other people would talk to him when he was walking the dog while they rarely did when he went out on his own. He enjoyed having the dog but didn't have the responsibility of vet's bills. It worked really well for everyone.

WolfSong2000

chucknorris wrote: »

But when we did have a dog sitter they were only asking for £10 a day, although I told them it was worth £15 a day and insisted they take that, so it doesn't cost a lot to get your dog looked after. I sought out elderly couples/singles that used to have a dog but could no longer either afford or have enough time to own one full time (there are such people around if you look for them). The advantage of this sort of person is that they really appreciate being with your dog and therefore it is a more pleasurable experience for my dog too.

This! my mother used to work as a dogsitter - she'd either take in dogs just for the day,. or for a few days/weeks whilst the owners were away/on holiday/whatever. The dogs were happy as they got lots of walks, attention and were able to socialise with a lot of other dogs. The "regulars" began to see our place as a second home and would always dash right in to see who was staying/who was new/if there were any new toys to play with, etc. If I am ever lucky enough to be in the position to get a dog, this is what I will be looking for.

viktory

KS2008 wrote: »

I have to say I do feel like a terrible owner after the comments, they have upset me a bit considering we are really trying our best to make life good for her.

I understand what you are saying about the 4hrs, and now that you mentioned it I have seen that episode - with the 2 labradors?! So I understand what you are saying about the time spent alone. Her crate is positioned to look out of the juliet balcony/patio doors which overlook a field which she enjoys watching the comings and goings on (lots of dogs get walked there!)

I know we will never know whats going on in her mind but she quite happily puts herself into her crate on a morning - when we are in we leave the door open and she will go in herself for a little snooze....

Anyway, I will take on board the comments made and look at increasing her mid day walk to 1hr, and obviously continue with the out of crate training so that she can be left with the run of the flat

Raksha - sorry, I dont think I explained that properly. We leave her with a full kong and goodies in the morning, then when the dog walker leaves her he fills her kong again and rotates her toys with new ones! Yeah, she doesnt really seem bothered about us leaving is too busy with her Kong and treat ball!

Please don't let some of the comments on here upset you - there are no people more militant than the people that post on this board! I have had loads of flak as my b1tch was a 'home alone' dog in a crate, all day with only an hour's break at lunchtime. She survived and is the happiest, most secure dog you could meet.

Your best guide to whether your dog is happy or not is your dog. If she is generally happy, goes in her crate willingly, is active and loving, doesn't howl or bark or demonstrate 'odd' behaviour then chances are she is OK. You and she will both settle down and will work out what is best for you both.

Raksha wrote: »

Thanks for clearing that up OP, I am lucky, I am at home with my dogs all day, and believe me, they hate it when I get up and move around, as they would rather spend all day on their beds snoozing than having to follow me around.

A dog that follows you around constantly has issues and this can lead to separation anxiety.

Raksha

viktory wrote: »

A dog that follows you around constantly has issues and this can lead to separation anxiety.

thank you, but believe me, I'm aware of any issues my dogs have, and what I can do to solve the ones I'm not happy with. They do not show any signs of SA.

Lifeisbutadream

Cyril wrote: »

I haven't read other people's posts but from my own experience I would change walkers. I had the same thing happen to me but in my case the dog didn't get walked at all, she just ate her sandwiches in my lounge watching my tv.

OMG! :eek:

how did you find out???

Cyril

Lifeisbutadream wrote: »

OMG! :eek:

how did you find out???

I had builders in and one day they were in the garden ( doing an extention ) when they heard her come in and assumed that she had collected the dog but when one of them went to the loo he saw her in the lounge eating and watching telly. She didn't see him and didn't know she'd been clocked and carried on . She didn't even let dooglie out for a wee or she would have clocked the builders in the garden :mad:

She didn't leave until her full time was done though. Needless to say I didn't book her again.

Lifeisbutadream

Cyril wrote: »

I had builders in and one day they were in the garden ( doing an extention ) when they heard her come in and assumed that she had collected the dog but when one of them went to the loo he saw her in the lounge eating and watching telly. She didn't see him and didn't know she'd been clocked and carried on . She didn't even let dooglie out for a wee or she would have clocked the builders in the garden :mad:

She didn't leave until her full time was done though. Needless to say I didn't book her again.

Thats awful! I bet you were really upset

My pooch needs lots of walks and I only use a dog walker once a week when I am out doing appointments - if I thought for one minute she was doing that I would be furious!

Kimberley

arbroath_lass wrote: »

Sorry, I just don't agree with locking dogs in crates...

Fair enough give them one as a bed/indoor kennel or for travelling but don't lock them in it in the house. If it were an animal in a zoo in such a small enclosure there would be a massive outcry.

That's my issue though, not the ops.

I agree it's not ideal but to be honest don't you think it's best that the dog is crated during the day and has a loving home with lots of attention in the evening and weekends then spending it's life locked in a Kennel/Pound with no attention? At least this dog has a loving home and is well looked after and treated. There are plenty of dogs out there who live a lonely life.

Lifeisbutadream

I crated my dog for a few months when we first got him - I believe that it helped him settle in - he knew what was what and he is absolutely fine. I dont think I was cruel.

I am at home most of the time, but I am working, he doesnt particularly get attention from me!

catkins

viktory wrote: »

Please don't let some of the comments on here upset you - there are no people more militant than the people that post on this board! I have had loads of flak as my b1tch was a 'home alone' dog in a crate, all day with only an hour's break at lunchtime. She survived and is the happiest, most secure dog you could meet.

Your best guide to whether your dog is happy or not is your dog. If she is generally happy, goes in her crate willingly, is active and loving, doesn't howl or bark or demonstrate 'odd' behaviour then chances are she is OK. You and she will both settle down and will work out what is best for you both.

A dog that follows you around constantly has issues and this can lead to separation anxiety.

When I am at home my dog often follows me around and he definitely does not have separation anxiety.

I am another who does not like crates, in fact I hate them and see no reason for them. Never used one and never will.