[lgnutah]

For the first time in Brooks' 4 years with us, we are going to be gone this weekend for 10 hours straight so decided to get a high school student who lives in the neighborhood to come by twice.

Brooks met the student for the first time yesterday. She came with her dad and petted and fed Brooks. He was very friendly to her.

Is this preparation enough? Other than our immediate family, no one has ever walked into our house while we are gone and Brooks is here alone.

Oh, and how much should we pay her?

 

[LibertyME]

I would pay her the same rate if not a few dollars more, then what you would pay to board at a kennel.
If she is going to walk Brooks. Be sure his collar fits correctly...if using a flat or a martingale....make sure that if Brooks panics while out walking, he can not slip his collar...
If using a gentle leader....be sure she knows how to use it.

 

[cubbysan]

Be sure to tell her she can stay and play as long as possible as she wants.

When I was that age, I remember taking care of a puppy for a neighbor. I think back now, I should have stayed longer to play with him, but I felt weird about being in their house without them home - when in reality, they probably would have loved if I stayed the whole day! I just did not know better.

 

[Willow52]

Maybe suggest she call Brooke's name as she's coming in the door. Then offer him a treat with lots of "remember me boy? I'm here to play a little while." in a happy voice. Of course he won't understand her words but he understand her tone.

My niece used to stay with Maggie when we went on vacation. She really didn't see Maggie much other than that. My niece worked so she would come and go during the day. I think dogs know friend vs foe.

 

[New Golden Mom]

We recently had a lady in to take care of Rufus for the day for us. She charged us $10 an hour but she stayed all day long. The same lady takes care of my aunt's dog but doesn't stay all day and she charges $30 for the day. For that she drops in twice to take the dog out, give him a cookie, take him for a short walk and keep him company for about 20-30 minutes.

 

[Jackson'sMom]

I pay a licensed dogsitter $26 for each visit to walk the dogs in the park, let them out, feed them, etc.

 

[buckeyegoldenmom]

I pay a licensed dog sitter $17 per visit. This is for 30 to 40 minute walk and playtime.

Definitely make sure she knows how to put on the gentle leader, harness, or collar and leash you use for walking.

I also like the idea of her coming in calling out his name in a happy voice and offering a small treat to start with.