Labrador Dog Sitters

A Labrador dog is a big responsibility. It is an ongoing responsibility, too, and one that cannot be forgotten at vacation time or during holidays. If you are going away on holiday, and your Labrador dog will not be welcome, you will need to get a sitter for it.

Some people have a sitter that regularly walks the Labrador dog while they are at work. Others leave home on a regular basis, and use a regular sitter’s services each time they go away.

If you are hiring a first Labrador dog sitter, there are things you will want that sitter to know. It is important to write them out so that both you and the sitter know what has been said.

1. Feeding: Write clearly what food your Labrador dog is to have and the amount it is to receive. Write down the times of day when the dog is accustomed to being fed. Be sure to include foods the dog must not have, such as chocolate. Write where the food is kept, how you expect the dog’s bowls to be cleaned, and whether the dog drinks tap water. Be sure you buy all necessary food and supplements before leaving.

2. Exercise: How often should your Labrador dog be taken out? What kind of exercise does it regularly receive? How long is each exercise period? Where do you go? What will the dog expect? The more your dog’s regular routine is maintained, the happier he will be. Write down where his toys are kept, and which are his favorite toys. If there are areas of the neighborhood where aggressive dogs have bothered your Labrador dog, note them clearly, and ask the sitter to avoid them. It is one thing for him to go there with you; another to go with a sitter.

3. Habits: Every Labrador dog has its individual habits. Some are permissible, while others are not. If you are training your dog not to drink at the bathtub faucet, be sure the sitter knows that. If your dog has developed a habit of waiting to eat its food until you tell him, “It’s paid for,” make a note of it for the sitter. If he habitually lets you know he needs to go out by pawing at your foot, tell the sitter.

4. Temperament: Before you hire a Labrador dog sitter, arrange a visit or two where you can observe the sitter with your dog. Labrador dogs are normally very even tempered, but there are times when a sitter and the dog will not get along well. You will want a sitter who likes your dog and interacts well with it.

5. Veterinarian: You hope no health concern will come up while you are away, but it is wise to prepare for the unexpected. Write the name, phone number, and address of your Labrador dog’s vet. Also write the number and address of an emergency animal hospital. If your Labrador dog is on any medication (heartworm, fleas, etc.), be sure the sitter knows where the medication is and how to administer it.

Finally, be sure your Labrador dog sitter has a phone number or numbers at which you can be reached if necessary.