Danes and Pet sitters...

[pmontgomery]

I am interested in adopting a Dane sometime within the next year or two. I want to do all of my homework on the breed first. We have a lab and 2 cats. When we go away for any extended amount of time we hire a pet sitter. She is wonderful with our animals and is also an ER vet tech. I read comments on the one discussion about whether danes were protective or not and saw varying responses. Does anyone use pet sitters? Should I be concerned for this person if we are away and they come in to care for our animals? She always comes over a few days before we leave to get our key and to re-socialize with our pets. We usually only go away 2 weeks out of the year and I am a stay-at-home mom, so any other time the dane would have me there always. I would hate to have my sitter be stuck outside and not be able to take care of my animals and have to cut our vacation short. Any advise would be greatly appreciated.

[Carol]

My daughter uses a pet sitter for a dane I gave her and there are no problems. Usually danes aren't that protective tho I have had one or two that were. I far prefer the pet sitter to putting the dog in a kennel. It's so much better for the dog to be home. I wouldn't worry about it.

[bethcasey]

We travel about the same amount you do and use a pet sitter while we're gone. It's always worked fine for us. Our sitter likes our dogs so much she even comes by from time to time just to take them for a walk.

[sasman]

We have a pet sitter come by every week day at noon to let our girl out while we are at work. She plays with her for about 15 minutes, and lets her go to the bathroom. She actually brings her two kids with her, and we believe it has helped a great deal with our girls socialization. We have been doing this since we brought our girl home at nine weeks, so it's routine for Abby. Our sitter says that Abby is thrilled to see her each day, and we feel so much better letting her get some exercise during the day.

[pmontgomery]

You sound like you have a really nice set-up. I am a work-at-home mom so our dogs have me there with them pretty much all the time. We only use our sitter twice a year. Thats were my concern comes in. Our lab loves her coming by and lets her in the house. Would the dane, generally take its cue from her or would it want to protect its home. Since we use her so infequently there really wouldn't be the opportunity for our future dane to become used to her everyday.

I did have one thought, though. Having the sitter come over two or three times right before we leave. The third having us leave the house and go to our neighbors and have her enter our home as if we were on vacation. That way if we have problems, we know before hand rather than when we're in a different State.

Thanks for your advise. I know I have to wait to get my puppy, but I can't wait! I'm excited already and I still have to wait a year or two for my youngest daughter to be big enough to deal with a large puppy. ugh!

[Susan]

We use a petsitter only 2 or 3 times a year. The Dane has never given her a problem. She is so happy to have company and someone new to play with. We have a lab and a golden also. I suppose it's possible that she takes her cue from them since she is the youngest. The first time, we did leave to run an errand and have the petsitter try it then just to be safe. I wouldn't worry about it.

[pmontgomery]

I want to thank everyone for their wonderful advise. This has got to be one of the best information sites I have ever visited. Everyone is sooo helpful. I can tell that when I finally do get my dane I will be instantly smitten! Thanks again.:D

[lauram]

Hi, I used to be a pet-sitter in my former life and once had a bad experience with a very unwelcoming rottie who I had met in his house with his owner only the day before. After that, I came over to the house I was going to take care of at least twice before the owners left and take the dogs for a quick walk so they would remember me. Then, when I had to come alone I would ALWAYS bring treats. The treats/walk combo approach worked very well even with the most protective dogs. Maybe you could suggest this to your sitter? Good luck, Laura

[saharadane]

I have always used a pet sitter when I leave home. I have a
Great Dane, Irish Wolfhound and smaller mixed breed. I usually only need to have a pet sitter about twice a year. The dogs always remember the woman that comes. They do very well while I am away. I am very happy with the services I recieve. My GD is quite protective of the house, but loves people she knows and that includes the pet sitter.

[andipanda]

I rescued Ari in December, we took a four day weekend last month. I had my wonderful pet sitter come and meet Ari ahead of time. she spent about an hour here, playing with him, and of course with our 8 year old Dalmatian, and the parrot. No problem, right? wrong. When she came over in the afternoon the next day, Ari wouldn't let her in the house. Poor Amy spent the next 20 mins. sitting outside the front door on her knees, door open, cooing to Ari, offering him treats, with the Dal crying..... Finally something clicked, and Ari let her in. She said that it was hysterical, the dane barking and growling, the Dal crying, and the parrot singing happy birdday to you. Good thing no one called the police. However, when whe came back later on, he was ok. I'd suggest at least 2 trial visits. andi

[Heather and Bishop]

I have actually run a pet sitting business for the last 2 years...and it's funny you mention a Rott. giving you trouble. My neighbor who I chatted and hung out with for the last 4 yrs several times a week went away for a couple days...well the 3rd night after taking her Rott for a walk he started staring me down and growling! Luckily there was a second door so I didn't have to walk past him...she came home the next am and when I told her what had happened she THEN told me the dog gets angry/aggressive when left alone, gee...thanks a lot!!x(