Re: Shift Work

In Reply to: Shift Work
Category:   General Training
Posted by:  Danielle
Posted on:  December 21, 2002 at 19:50:30

: I have recently taken on a new job that will require me to work 12 hour shifts a few times a week. My Terrier has never been alone that long before... Do you have any suggestions on how I can make this easier for her. I have never had to crate her, she is very mellow. I've been thinking of putting in a dog door so that she could go in and out of the house during the day. We have a completely secure large yard. I don't really like the idea of a pet sitter comming to the house, in case something happens. What do you think?

Response:

Dear Danielle,

I understand your dilemma and appreciate that you are trying to find a way to make things easier on your girl; she is lucky to have such a thoughtful and caring owner. :-)

Twelve hours is a long time for any dog to have to "hold it" and a dog door will certainly provide your terrier with the means to be able to eliminate outside. However, 12 hours is also too long for your terrier to be alone, inside or out, without human interaction or supervision. For this reason, I suggest that a pet sitter is a better choice then installing a dog door.

Talk to your vet, your neighbors, your breeder, etc for help in locating a reputable pet-sitting service. You should expect the company to give you current references as well as information for each sitter (medical/behavioral training as well as knowledge of the breed.) You (and your terrier!) should also expect to be able to meet the sitter(s) several times before you hire him/her.

Please don't feel uncomfortable about asking the service to comply with your requests, Danielle; your concerns/questions are neither unreasonable nor unexpected. A friend of mine is a pet-sitter and she told me that the service she works for considers it unusual if a pet owner DOESN'T ask a lot of questions... :-)