That is a bit excessive. Most should be able to handle three times with four being the ultimate.

Looking at what you wrote, it looks more like five.

But, the first walk can be coupled with the second. The dog goes out, you feed him and then take hime out again for an actual walk.

.

Is there a place on her property or are these going to be actual walks for each visit?

My dog's first time out is on my property. Then he has breakfast. If schedule allows, he gets a nice morning walk. If not, than the next outing will be in the mid afternoon. He can then go for a long stretch if need be. But, I usually try to break that time up, again by letting him on our yard.

His last time out is 10:00PM.

For my dog, the best case is two very long walks and then the 10:00PM.

I think you need to know exactly what she does and how she does it. For example, mine can pee and poop on command. So, we can get things out of the way very quickly in the early morning.

He is taught to only go in certain place in my yard.

I have a friend who was very OCD with her dog. She was lucky to have a couple next door to her that loved to walk the dog while she and her DH worked. When she asked me to fill in, she insisted I get there at 6:00 in the morning, in the dark! She claimed this couple had a chart that I would have to fill in after I was finished. I think it was more her! Anyway, I told her that other than passing on that the dog pooped, I would not fill out the chart. I understand the the couple was going to help out for the rest of the day so it is handy to know that the dog did his business. But, the rest of the chart was ridiculous.

My DH was upset that I had to go over there while it was still dark, so he insisted on driving me over and waiting for me.

Here's the thing: we can all be crazy about how we care for our pets. But.....I never had anyone do anything over the top if they were doing me a favor. There would have been nothing wrong with me going over an hour later to my friends house, but she insisted her dog would know!

Also, I hope this friend doesn't think that now you are the go-to person for pet care, unless of course you want to be.

Jasdip, you are such a wonderful person. But give this some second thoughts. If the dog pees in the apartment, the assumption might be made that it was not walked enough. And we have not even heard about feeding procedures, who pays for the vet if something happens, etc.

I get this feeling you are going to lose no matter what. If something happens it will be your fault. If nothing happens this friend is going to feel free to use you as a service in the future.

She forewarned you? That's nervey.

If so many outdoor visits is what the dog is used to, trying to reduce the number of outdoor visits may not have the successful outcome you'd hope to expect. Our dog goes out at least that many times. When need be, she can do 8 hours (during waking hours) but she's extremely obedient about everything and so too being housetrained. We limited the long absences when we can.

I agree, your friend probably should have a house sitter. Her expectations aren't unrealistic if that's what she wants for the dog but to expect you to live somewhere else and keep running over there is unrealistic. I'd decline the "favor" unless you want to spend the weekend there yourself. Either way, expect to be paid. This takes away the weekend from you to spend caring for her dog.

Looks like many dogs have their owners well trained.

All I'm going to say is "good luck with that". LOL My neighbors and I still aren't friends over dog sitting fiasco a couple years ago.

She is going to be gone for the weekend? A couple of days? I am thinking as long as it gets out to empty out at the appropriate times and fed its meals reasonably close to normal all the rest is frosting. Walkies if you have time, otherwise she needs to pay a sitter like a normal person.

I'm home with my dog most of the time. He goes out when he asks which is more than 3 or 4 times a day. I wouldn't want to be limited to potty times of only 3 or 4 times a day. I don't make him hold it either. I'll sometimes leave him home, but 4-5 hours is the longest I'm gone. I ask sitters to let him out every four hours or so. I also ask that they sit at their house unless I am only gone for the day.

Since this is the dog's normal it will be difficult for it to not leave a mess of some type. Either ask if you can stay at her house. Call it house sitting and just check on yours or bring the dog to your place if you can. If not tell her you can not do it but give the reasons why.

And, that's the other thing. Is this dog used to being alone over night. My previous dog and this dog would freak out if they were alone all night unattended.

Onestep, I think i remember your story from a few years ago.

I always say, if a dog can go through the night, he/she can go through the day, too. When I'm home, Georgie can decide to go out every hour and I put her out whenever she wants to go out. She is not an outside dog. doesn't stay out very long. Occasionally she'll lie on the deck for a little while but mostly wants to come in within 5 minutes. However, if I'm gone for the day, she's kept in the laundry room for 4, 5, 6 hours and she's just fine. Dogs are amazing that way. I've watched a friends dog a number of occasions and her dog was the same way. In the morning, in the afternoon and in the evening. Worked out fine. In fact, when her dog got older, he got a little nasty and aggressive. She had a dog sitter but I was the back-up. He got overly aggressive with the sitter, so I had to take over. When I arrived at 8:00 in the morning he growled at me and wouldn't let me near him and he knew me for years. So, I began coming over at 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. By that time he was very happy to see me, let me leash him and we went for a walk. Came back over in the evening to feed him and let him out. All was well I say morning, afternoon and evening will be just fine..

"I always say, if a dog can go through the night, he/she can go through the day, too. "

Is that true for you?

Golly, at most my dog asks to go out 4 times a day....usually only three. And I have to kick him out of his bed to go out in the morning!!

(I wish I had his bladder!!)

I'm wondering is the dog a senior? That would account for so many breaks.

I can't imagine leaving a dog by itself over a weekend. Either she needs to get someone to house sit or she needs to board the dog. A dog is not a gerbil or a fish or even a cat. They are pack animals.

My dog goes in out all the time. It's her nature to spend time outdoors for whatever reason. She uses her pet door. We are leaving for a day trip next month. My dog sitter will come and stay with her from the time we leave to the time we come back. Leaving a dog alone for more than a day is cruel, even with drop in visits.

If the dog has to go out that many times, it may be an undiagnosed diabetic.

Is 5 or 6 times a day that excessive? It surely is if you have to drive and park and come in to let the dog out, but some dogs go more frequently than others. It seems to me that my chihuahua goes outside frequently both because we enjoy the short walk, and maybe because her bladder is probably the size of a walnut. I'd say we go outside 5 times a day.

Some dogs, I had one, need to go poop after eating. The rest after waking up is normal for most animals and people. In afternoon which would be the time the owner if working would normally come home. Before going to bed is also a wise precaution. While there may be medical problems I just see the potty and walks as normal for many dog owners.

Wow. If you stayed at her place or brought the dog to yours for the weekend might be easier but you have your cats, so likely not doable. To me, a dog is much different than a cat, and leaving it for several days as mentioned seems like a bad idea.

Hi all,

He's a smaller dog, so his bladder is tiny, I guess. When he eats he immediately needs to be let out and he poops. It's instantaneous. We're going to try bringing him here and see how my cats feel. They've never met a dog. He'll need his doggie bed too, I don't want him sleeping on my bed, even though the cats do.

We're in the same neighbourhood which certainly makes it easier.

And it's not like I have a life.......I don't.

"The rest after waking up is normal for most animals and people."

Really, this is what is normal for people? I've asked two docs (out of curiosity, not problem solving) over the years and was told there really is no "normal" but rather a range that (as I recall) can run from a few times a day to only a few times a week. This is for someone who's otherwise healthy and experiencing no other symptoms.

Maybe there's a physician reading this who can clarify?

jasdip, you're saintly. I love dogs, have almost always had one and have one now, but I wouldn't do this for anyone.

lucille, I don't think the frequency you mention is a problem but I'm not certain. One thing I have heard of is that when dogs have to go for long stretches of time without a bathroom break, they can associate drinking with peeing and may limit their water consumption. That can cause major health problems. A dog who can go out regularly is more likely to be a good drinker.

Elmer, I think we are talking about dogs. I've had 2 Irish Setters that lived to be 14 which is a ripe old age for a large dog and a cat that lived to be 21 1/2. I don't think I've ever been accused of mistreating my animals. Anyone that knows me knows I love, love,love them. I was simply saying that dogs are more amazing then people give them credit for. If I am gone longer than planned and my dog had an "accident" that would be on me and I would give them loving and clean it up but my experience has been that no matter how long I've been gone on any given occasion, there has never been an accident. I have friends that won't leave their dogs while they play golf. They either bring them to doggy day care or hire someone to come walk them. That's their choice. I've never worried about it and in 50 years there never has been a problem. Not to say there has never been a time through the night that the dog didn't have a problem but that was because she was sick. Georgy is 9 and that's happened maybe twice.

After thinking about your question "Does that go for you, too. Actually, in my younger days it did. :-)))))

I "love" the responses your getting. lol Making me smile.

In the end...your a temporary "dog" parent. Lucky you! Enjoy!

Jasdip - that is our dog's schedule as well - and we are always on the other end of the leash so it is not a matter of just letting him out. He weighs 25 lbs. but his bladder is not the biggest. Just in case someone suggests diabetes he doesn't have it. He is deaf, is hypothyroid, and has arthritis. He has also been seeing a board certified eye specialist for 8 years. He gets meds twice a day for the hypothyroid and shots for his arthritis. Plus he takes prescription eye drops twice a day for his eyes.

Another poster referenced leaving the dog at home alone overnight and I agree - not a good idea. Dogs need someone overnight. Actually we had a cat once who was more of a dog than our dog at a time and was the first "person" at the door when she saw a suitcase.

I expect that the pup will be the first "person" on your bed!! Hopefully he will like the cats or they will like him and he will bow to their will.

I suggest that you have your friend give you an itinerary of her trip, together with a letter advising that you will be taking care of her dog during her absence and provide copies of each to her vet - along with a credit card number. She doesn't have to give the credit card number to you, but just to the vet. Things can turn on a dime. Several things come to mind but since you have cats you will understand what I mean. We do this with our dog.

How old is the dog and has he had all of his shots? Make certain that he is licenced and wears he tags at all times on his walks. Like you since we live in Ontario the issue could well come up. One of your neighbours could even report you as getting a dog. If there is anything in your lease preventing you from having a dog (in addition to your cats) perhaps get the permission of your landlords saying it will be a one time thing. I am just trying to cover all of the basics here.

You will want to watch out for becoming the go-to person for everyone needing a pet babysitter. Once in a while is fine, but if done on a regular basis your insurance company will most likely take issue.

We still have the same dog (he is now 15 and will be our last dog).

Oh, and don't forget those poop bags (and a spare in case the dog goes twice) or the first bag is defective or blows away - obviously we always carry 2 because this has happened to us.

I hope that you are coping as well as can be expected under the awful circumstances.

It seems that it's over 4 days. I'll have to figure out what I'm doing on the evenings that I'm working.

I mentioned my babysitting to a family member and the response was 'at least it'll get me out walking.' Hahhaha. Nothing like the response and support here! I do walk, just not with an animal at the end of my arm.

A dog is not a cat. No dog will be happy being left alone (no matter how many times you take him out to potty). That is just not right. I hope you can bring him home with you. Unless he is a problem with the cats, it beats staying home alone for 4 days. I would never do that to a dog. I wouldn't even leave him overnight alone for one night. A dog needs his people.

Or your arm at end of the the dog's leash, maybe ... or of the instigator's?

Thank you for your willingness to help her, prior to hearing the whole list of requirements.

Good ideas here about getting various possibilities clarified and arranged, I think.

Good wishes for a problem-free time, whichever course you choose, jasdip.

ole joyful

It is much easier to bring your dog you're sitting home or to stay with the dog at their place in general. Not sure if either of those scenarios work for you.

I look after dogs quite frequently in my own home but there have been times when I have gone to the people's places and not stayed overnight. The dogs seemed fine and the neighbors didn't complain. I was there very early however and had a 8 p.m. 20 minute walk with them before I went home. These dogs are locked in a room all day though when not being walked by their people or me are used to it. It seems like four times a day for a dog to get out is enough. That being said the idea of taking them out before and after meals is a sound one.

Omg I would never leave Mia alone for even one night much less 4! That's when you either board them at a good reputable pet or vet facility or you hire a pet sitter to remain at your home the entire time you are gone. I have had friends that volunteered to stay at my various homes, which was awesome, but I paid them very well and had a fully stocked fridge. Mia goes with us she travels very well, loves her crate and she is accustomed to using pads indoors if she is not able to go out. When we had the Great Danes they did not travel with us.

I think a couple of people have referred to how upset the dog might be if left alone overnight. If he has a crate taking him home with you might be relatively easy. If there is no crate, the dog may take his frustrations and fears out on the furnishings. In the morning that dog might still be fearful and alone, but there may not be much of a living room left. Because of various dangers including fire I would never leave a dog crated, alone, all night in a house.

A person who would leave a dog alone for 4 days should not own a dog. There. I am willing to say what I hope others are thinking.

There are very few boarding places that have a person there during the night. Some vets office if they have severely sick patients might have someone there after a certain time but the only companionship they receive is from other animals that are boarded at the same time. A few do have fosters that will care for pets that need medication during the evening. If you board check to see when the last person checks on your pet. It may not do what you think they are doing. My last dog was a favorite so he got to go home with someone but most do not.

Oh dear, this has evolved into something that's a PITA, seems to me. From my aspect, it seems like this person isn't thinking about the happiness of her pup OR the inconvenience to you.

I know that you won't let yourself be taken advantage of. Right? ;-)

watchmeloi - Jeez 4 days! I am definitely thinking what you posted. I have obviously looked into this. If I did it, it would be a very rare occurrence and only for someone I really like (hopefully I would not have met the pup or else I would be toast). I failed at fostering - oh, well, what is one more? Once you are in, you are in.

The dog licence police have been around here a lot lately. They look for nose prints on screen doors, speak to the neighbours etc. - and ask to see the dog's licence on his harness and that you have poop bags. Of course, the people that do not obey the rules always seem to come out ahead!

I invited her over yesterday with the dog to see how my cats would react. They've never seen a dog before.

They were fine, surprisingly and he was adorable. He wanted to play, but they just looked at him from a distance. He already knows that Bud is the alpha! He went up to Bud and Bud arched his back just a bit and the dog backed away and laid down. Hahaha. But he really wanted to play. No barking, growling (of any of them) nor hissing. The cats mainly stayed away, but at the same time curious. They were watching him investigating all the rooms, and he came running down the hall instantly when called.

I'm not keen in having him stay overnight though, but that might change.

Oh Jasdip, that is a great first reaction for all the animals!! I hope you can have the dog at your house while they are away. It would be so much better for the pup than being left alone for hours and hours. I'm so glad your kitties are so confident in their positions in the family!! Fantastic!!

Jasdip, if by now you have not brought up the subject of payment, perhaps you intent is to do this as a favor.

And of course it is your choice whether to be paid or not. However, if not, I think it is worth giving just a little thought now to the future: whether you will continue to do this when asked, and what you will say to others in your social group who would love to have free personalized vacation dog sitting in a home environment.

Lucille, payment wasn't mentioned on either side. I'm the only one she trusts with both a key to her house, and her dog. It's a real bonus that he *should* be okay here at my place.

I've always loved dogs, but other people's dogs. This will certainly be a test for me, I'd either really really want one of my own, or never want one, LOL.

I do think Greyhounds are cool........45mph couch potatoes!! This little guy is a shih-tzu.

Shih tzus are adorable dogs.

You're a kind soul Jasdip. I love dogs. I enjoy helping out my neighbors when they need someone to walk their dogs. However this is normally only a one day thing - meaning they're going somewhere where they can't come home for 12-18 hours or something like that.

My dogs go out on a schedule exactly like the one which has been "mandated" to you but I would never in a million years expect someone else to put that kind of effort into it unless I was compensating them well. You're basically giving up your entire weekend for this.

Lucille, I so agree. Once you are labeled a dog lover, everyone then thinks there nothing more you would rather do than watch their dogs.

It is important to do favors for our friends and neighbors. And, no one should be counting. However, the one favor I feel has to be reciprocal is dog watching during a vacation.. I watch yours, you watch mine.

When our dog died, I still had one neighbor still asking. I did help her once or twice, but finally had to tell her that I didn't want to do this now that I no longer had a dog.

"I'm the only one she trusts with both a key to her house, and her dog. "

Not to be too cynical, jasdip, but I have a friend who frequently compliments me on my creative endeavors and skills (this is true). She often says my taste closely aligns with hers and she appreciates my advice.

If she asked me to choose room colors and paint her house, or rearrange the furniture in it, the answer would be No. She can compliment me or say as many nice things as she wants - I appreciate it - but doing so doesn't make her responsibilities my responsibilities. I do her small favors, as she does for me. Nothing too involved that would be an imposition in either direction. Something you may or may not want to think about.

I live in a suburban area north of Atlanta I strongly believe we all need support systems for our pets if we need or choose to leave them. I have a person who stays at my house for a fee of $60 per night She also brings in mail, waters outdoor plants when necessary, etc. People such as her are in such high demand that I have made reservations one year in advance. I now have a second house sitter, recommended by my first person. I haven't used a kennel in years, even the best are not perfect. I also think this can be a lucrative job for a flexible person.

I might add that I cannot give out either of the young ladies names because the original person who recommended them would do bodily harm to me.

deeebert - Count on it!