Hi all. Thanks for all the help so far with everything new in my puppy world! I'm at the point now, where I'd like Luna to either have someone take her for a few hours a day (she's too young for a walk that long) or for someone to sit in so I can do some work! There seems to be a few walkers and doggy daycare places around, but how do I know which ones to choose? I obviously want to ensure my puppy is well looked after! Nicky
Hi Nicky, It's all about asking the right questions to the walkers/dog sitters. I've only ever dog sat one dog whom I knew which wasn't a problem and I've never used doggy day care Being an assistant dog walker myself I'd ensure that the walker knows how to handle the puppy correctly i.e training to some degree. You wouldn't want someone who let's the puppy climb all over them and not say a word! It'd be them undoing all your training! Positive reinforcement is a must It's really how you want your dog to be looked after, they're quite flexible in either slow walks for a short time or a play in the garden. There are many out there and it's all about choosing one who met your demands Hope this somewhat answers your question Victoria
If I remember rightly, you are working at home and previously posted about your puppy not settling? I wouldn't be inclined to get someone in to sit with a puppy while I was at home - I'd be more inclined to stick it out (with a crate next to my desk if needs be) and get puppy used to snoozing while I work. Sure, you still have to do toilet trips, but that's a quick trip to the garden and no playing, and back to work. Puppies do need regular breaks and activity through the day, but they don't need a paid playmate all day - that would seem to be making a rod for your own back there. Puppy will get used to it and not learn to settle while you are working.
There are good dog walkers and there are poor ones and it is very different to know the difference between them by asking questions. The "poor" walker may provide very good answers but not practice them very well. You are most likely to find a good walker by recommendation but availability may be a problem. I would second Julie T's advice to stick it out and use a crate. A puppy/dog needs to learn to settle and it is easier taught when they are young.
Thanks all for your replies. I will try and stick it out a bit longer. I'm finding some times she's very good and will settle, but other times (like this afternoon!) I've struggled to get work done. She currently sleeps in her crate in a different room (the utility), so maybe I should look moving it into the living room during the day? I do need to head to London for full day every now and then, so I will still need help occasionally (or until she'll be happy to sit in an office with me ). Thanks again. Nicky
I work at home a lot, with a bit of time in the office. My dog is grown up now. The puppy days were difficult - I just found a mix and match of solutions to get through those. Now he is grown up, I have a dog walker. Even on the days when I'm home, I still have the dog walker come. The first reason I do this is because I book enough time in her schedule to allow me freedom to go into the office, or attend meetings etc. without worrying about my dog. It's best to be a regular with a consistent booking rather than trying to find a dog walker with a slot at short notice (just about impossible, the best ones are booked up). The second reason is because if I absolutely have to do a full day (I can usually manage half days but have a long commute) I can ask a dog walker that gets a fair bit of business from me to do a bit more and she'll squeeze me in, or take Charlie for the whole day if absolutely necessary. The third reason I do it is because I am working. I treat my working time as just that, and I don't spend all day walking my dog. It's a luxury to be able to take him out during my lunch break but equally as good that I don't have to break off at other times. I had him in a crate next to my desk when he was younger - kongs dished out when I was on the phone to buy silence! At one point, when he was injured and couldn't be left free in the house, I had him in a massive pen behind my desk! I just have a regular routine, he knows when it's "Charlie time" and when it's "work time".
I think I was lucky with my puppies, but it was still difficult at times. The first few weeks especially, I felt like I didn't get anything done. I fitted in a lot more work during the evenings, when Willow was asleep (and, later, both of them). It was hard, because I was tired those first weeks, too, with getting up during the night and generally not sleeping well, listening out for the slightest peep. But it didn't take long before they learnt that I am boring when I have the laptop on my lap. The key is to not give in when she is pestering you to play. Wait until she's settled and then engage her. My Shadow is worse than his sister for pestering when he thinks it's time for something (play, a walk, food) but that's entirely because I can't help but laugh at him. I try, because I really don't want to reward him with attention for pestering, but when he jumps up on the sofa, sits right against me, staring at me and then the tongue slowly and solemnly licks me from chin to forehead, it's impossible not to laugh
Hi Nicky, I was in exactly your position a couple of months ago. I work from home 4 days a week and in London one day. Trying to work AND do a half decent job of looking after your puppy (toilet training, supervising, feeding etc) and keeping them entertained (play, training, dishing out kongs) is so difficult at times. I felt I was always failing at one. I'm pretty sure I've written a fair few entries on here pleading for advice Here are a few things that may help: 1) routine is key. Once we settled into a routine of her sleeps, our play sessions etc she became much easier to deal with. 2) figure out her preferences. My pup likes to sleep in the mornings (after her walk) so I know she is most likely to be asleep between 8 and 11 (with a short wake up at 10 for a pee and a kong). I try to arrange as many of my important meetings or work I need to concentrate on for this time. 3) don't be too harsh on yourself. If you have to work an extra hour to make up for a few 15 minute trainjng/play sessions here and there, it's not so bad (although I don't know what you do). 4) when you start walking your pup, they will settle much better. Don't worry, as everyone has said, stick it out, with routine it will improve. Re daycare, we use somewhere one day a week and so far have had a really positive experience. We did do our research though. I suggest do your first bit of research online, make a shortlist to visit with your pup, ask them what a normal day would involve (ideally you want walks, rest, play and the ability for your pup to stay back from the big walks while thier still young). See how many other dogs are there, watch thier behaviour- it's not a good sign if there are lots of hyper dogs or if there are dogs hiding or looking distressed. I'm sure you know all this. Our pup is so happy when she is there, sometimes my husband will sit and watch her playing nicely with the other dogs before he takes her home. She's now 6 months and I am definitely able to get more work done now, we have a routine of two short walks (7am and 2pm) and she sleeps for decent chunks of time between them. So sorry for epic reply. I hope at least some of it is helpful
