Being asked to look after someone’s dog is a huge honor, and it’s also a huge responsibility. Consider these four factors before agreeing to do it.
1. Experience
If you already have a dog, this whole process can be easier; you can feed, walk, and play at the same time.
Still, all dogs are unique, and you never really know what to expect when caring for an unfamiliar dog. If you’ve only really known one or two dogs, you may not have enough experience to look after someone else’s properly.
2. Routine
Is your everyday routine predictable? Or do you often have to run off with no notice? Most dogs are very used to a particular routine and may need your extra care as they demand to do things by the schedule they are familiar with.
3. Timeframe
Most people can take care of a dog for a few hours, or even overnight. But what if you’ll need to look after a dog for a week or more? You will effectively become a pet owner for a while. Take time to think about whether you can handle that.
4. Behavior and Age
Older dogs tend to be calmer and more laid back, while younger dogs tend to be more playful and energetic. What can you handle? You should also consider any behavioral issues that this dog may have before agreeing to look after them.
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