Which dog sitter should I choose?

November 29, 2015 8:35 AM

Ugh. I don't know why I'm having such a hard time making this decision. I'm being an over-protective dog mom and need some advice.

I'm leaving my dog with a dog sitter and I've narrowed it down to two options -- for reasons of price and convenience and because I don't have time to meet a million potential dog sitters. The first option is with a couple who live in a tiny apartment (I mean TINY). It's a studio dominated by their queen size bed. I know I wouldn't want to spend ten days in that apartment, but maybe this is not so important to my pooch. In addition, the couple seemed a bit rigid and tense. But so what, right? The other couple lives closer, they seemed great and nice all around BUT they have a dog, who while friendly, barked a lot at my dog and my dog seemed a bit put off by this. The other thing is that this couple will not be home much, while the first couple will (the wife works from home). I worry that the place with the dog will be stressful for my pup, with no human around to oversee them, but maybe he'll enjoy the canine company? I wish I could just ask my dog where he'd rather stay, but he's mute on the subject. Any dog whispers here who can give me advice?

posted by gigondas to Pets & Animals (10 answers total)

For my dog, I would choose the couple with the studio who work from home. The dog will be kept company and not have the stress of another dog to cope with. The tiny size of the apartment wouldn't bother me at all--it's an unknown place, so it's going to be full of interesting new smells to keep your pup occupied. And presumably he'll get plenty of walks (and attention from the human who works from home).

For me this would be a no brainer.
posted by phunniemee at 8:38 AM on November 29, 2015 [14 favorites]

I'd think that as long as your dog get plenty of exercise outside the apartment, the studio shouldn't be an issue. I'd go for the spot without a potentially unfriendly second dog, especially if the dogs will be left alone together.
posted by bluloo at 8:39 AM on November 29, 2015 [3 favorites]

I kept 2 terriers in a one bedroom apartment. Regular walks & lots of dog toys made it work. When you take your dog around take a selection of it's fav. toys & some kongs & kong filling. A nice frozen kong to worry for an hour or 2 & then a walk then another toy & a walk, a person around to talk to & no strange dog getting up in your grill. Your dog will be fine.
posted by wwax at 8:58 AM on November 29, 2015 [1 favorite]

Small apartments don't seem to bother my pooch. Agree with the others.
posted by swheatie at 9:32 AM on November 29, 2015 [1 favorite]

While either dogsitter could be fine, I agree that the couple in a small apartment sounds like the best match. Plus, since they sound very pet-friendly, I think they'd let you know if it wasn't working out and look for a better temporary home for them.
posted by smorgasbord at 9:42 AM on November 29, 2015

Yep, agreeing with everyone else here. Much better to have someone at home with him, without the other dog. As an alternative, depending on when you're traveling, I might be willing to dogsit for you free in your own place (it looks like you're in NYC, right?). I've done this before several times, and also work from home. Feel free to memail me if you'd like to discuss.
posted by three_red_balloons at 9:53 AM on November 29, 2015

I think either is fine, but the couple in the studio sounds like a better choice. But, you could also ask that couple if they would be willing to stay in your place for the 10 days. Assuming your place is more spacious (which I assume is the case since you mentioned you/your dog might not be happier in a small studio), they might be happy to "trade up" for a while.
posted by rainbowbrite at 10:06 AM on November 29, 2015

You could ask to take your dog for a walk with the barky dog couple, to see if they warm to each other - and default to the other option if they don't.
posted by dvrmmr at 10:31 AM on November 29, 2015 [2 favorites]

Studio. Person at home makes 100% difference for easing transition stress, all the way.
posted by DarlingBri at 1:42 PM on November 29, 2015

Response by poster: Thanks everyone for helping clarify for me. I went ahead and booked with the couple with the small apartment and no dog, so my little guy will get undivided attention and no big labradoodle barking in his face. Feel very happy about this decision. Whew. Thanks, folks!
posted by gigondas at 5:00 PM on November 29, 2015