Dog Sitting
Stop Your Dog From Chewing Everything
By Russel Button
One thing I could never stop dogs from doing was chewing on everything they found! As a pet sitter I would come across so many dogs that would do this, so the best method I found was to remain calm and try and swap whatever they were chewing with a chew toy.
I would also always have to watch the dogs to make sure they wouldn’t sneak off and start chewing on something they shouldn't be.
It was a bit of a challenge to always keep an eye on them but in the long run it saved the clients some money on shoes!
No more chasing bikes for you!
By Mel Frasier
As a dog walker getting free accommodation in Australia it was important for me to stay in control. I had this one dog who loved to chase bikes and it was embarrassing sometimes to see!
I would have to start tying the dog up when it was at home so it wouldn't jump the fence. When out walking with it I would always keep a firm grip on the leash so it didn't have a chance to run after bikes.
I always made sure to reward the dog whenever it did the right thing.
Stop Barking you loud dog!
By Gary Ioliarst
A lot of people get fed up with loud and barking dogs and I have to say I'm one of them! Even as somebody who goes around the world and stays for free by dog sitting jobs, it's not easy!
My tips for you are to ignore the dog as best as you can and always reward it when it doesn't bark. You can also take it for walks and play with it in case it is acting out because it is bored.
Always take it to the vet to make sure nothing is wrong with it medically.
That Old Dog Learnt New Tricks
By Harrison Forwiller
I was staying for a pet sitting job one time and there was an old dog that had to be taught how to walk on a leash.
This dog had never been walked before so it was a challenge. I would take it on a leash and try and keep him calm, and then reward him constantly with doggy treats when we remained that way.
It took a few goes to really get him into the walking spirit but it paid off eventually. I really enjoyed the time I had and the free room I got to stay in was just a bonus!
Leading the dog when walking it
By Piere Fantastia
Free accommodation and food was a great incentive to travel to Australia to do a pet sitting job!
When I was there I would have to walk the dogs when I would stay with them. I was great in taking control and making sure that I was always in charge.
I would always stay in front of the dog and show I was the pack leader, and always remain calm and confident when doing so, making sure the dog knew who was boss.
I would never pull too hard either and always reward the dog when they did well! It worked out very well for everyone!
No barking at fences please!
By Quentin Wertylin
Do walking was a passion, so doing it in Australia for a free room was a dream! I had a troubled dog that would be aggressive towards people and bark at fences.
To stop this I would make sure I stayed in constant control and was always firm and on top of things. I showed the dog who was boss and didn't let him ever take control of the situation.
I took a large stick with me in case of any dire situations. As with any training situation, rewarding the dog for good behaviour is important also.
