Tips for Dog Sitters before accepting a booking
Always use a leash when outdoors with the dog to ensure their safety.
Act responsibly and adhere to local regulations during walks, including cleaning up after the dog.
In case of an emergency, it's ideal to take the dog to their regular vet. Obtain the dog's health information and vet details from the owner beforehand. If unavailable, consult a local vet and notify the owner as soon as possible.
Honour the dog's routines and habits, such as feeding times and walk durations.
The owner should provide food and toys for the dog. Gently remind them if necessary.
Ensure a comfortable, nurturing, and engaging environment for the dogs, so they're excited to return to your care!
Upon Receiving a Booking Request
Verify if the dog's size, gender, and temperament suit your environment and compatibility with your own dog (if applicable). Ensure a positive experience for both you and the guest dog.
Respond promptly to the request, whether accepting or declining.
After Confirming a Booking
Remove and store valuable items that a visiting dog could potentially damage or consume, such as glassware, decorative pieces, or footwear.
Schedule a Meet & Greet with the dog owner, especially for first-time interactions. This helps establish trust between both parties.
During the Meet & Greet
Meet the guest dog in a neutral setting like a park before gradually introducing them to the caregiving location. This allows the dog to acclimate to you and your home.
The dog owner should be present but allow you to lead the process, reinforcing your role as the decision-maker.
Introduce the dog to your home while leashed, then let them explore independently.
Offer treats and toys to create a positive atmosphere.
Encourage the owner to depart swiftly and discreetly, allowing the dog to continue playing with minimal disruption.
While you are caring for a dog
Always keep the dogs on a leash when you are outside.
Always only feed one dog at a time. That way you avoid conflicts because if there is anything dogs fight over, it is food.
If you experience friction between the dogs you look after or with your own dog, separate them and show that you are in charge. After some time, you can leave them together again, while you monitor them and constantly see if they can get along. Repeat separating and bringing them together until you see that it works.
Send continuous messages and pictures to the dog owners so that they can see that their dog is doing well while you are looking after it.
Optimize Your Dog Sitter Profile: Boost Visibility and Attract More Dog Owners
Want to stand out as a dog sitter?
1
Regularly update your calendar to reflect your availability. Mark days as "not available" when you have other commitments like holidays, work, or events. This prevents dog owners from booking you and then having to cancel, saving time for both parties and Gudog.
2
Always reply to inquiries within 24 hours to maintain a high response rate. Dog owners can view your response rate on your profile, so timely communication is key. Neglecting messages and bookings may lead to exclusion from Gudog.
3
Create an engaging description highlighting your passion for dogs and relevant experience. Share your history with dog care, ownership, and any professional training knowledge. Update your description as you gain new skills or experiences.
4
Keep your photo gallery current by adding new images with dogs, especially selfies featuring your canine friends. More photos help dog owners get to know you and feel confident in their choice. Include pictures of the location where you'll be caring for or walking dogs if offering these services.