Frequently Asked Questions!

 

Before booking, please take a few minutes to read through my FAQs. I want you to know exactly how things work at my house so you and your critter can feel comfortable!

 

1. WHERE WILL MY DOG SLEEP?

 

That’s completely up to your dog!

 

As long as your dog gets along with other dogs, they are welcome to roam around my house just as they would in yours. I have a dog door connected to my bedroom, so the dogs can go in and out as they please.

 

If your dog decides they want to party all night instead of going to bed, they may have to spend the night in a kennel. It doesn’t happen often, but it has happened!

 

If your dog is super tiny, they will sleep in a kennel for their own safety. I don’t want a little dog wandering outside in the middle of the night while I’m sleeping. I do not want them becoming coyote food.

 

If your dog doesn’t get along with other dogs, they will sleep in the living room and use a separate door to access their own yard.

 

My backyard has FOUR large yards that can be opened up into one giant play yard when everyone gets along. Everybody gets the space and freedom that works best for them!

 

2. HOW MANY DOGS DO YOU WATCH AT A TIME?

 

I always have somebody’s dog here!

 

I normally have between 2 and 5 overnight guests at any given time. When one goes home, another one usually arrives. It’s a constant rotation of furry visitors!

 

Sometimes, the dogs heading home even get to play with the new arrivals before they leave.

 

I also have daycare dogs Monday through Friday, which means my overnight guests often have extra friends to play with during the day.

 

Your dog won’t necessarily be the only guest, so please keep that in mind when booking.

 

3. DO YOU HAVE DOGS OF YOUR OWN?

 

Yes, I have a old Chihuahua.

 

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4. CAN YOU INTRODUCE MY DOG TO THE OTHER DOGS WHILE I’M THERE?

 

No, and there are several reasons why I don’t do this.

 

Some dogs behave differently when their owners are present. They may become jealous, protective, or anxious. Others are already nervous about being in a new environment, and having an unfamiliar dog shoved in their face isn’t going to help.

 

I don’t force interactions.

 

After you leave, I take your dog into the backyard and let them explore the play yard on their own. They get time to run around, investigate, and sniff all the new smells.

 

They can then meet the other dogs through the fence first. I watch their behavior and body language before deciding when, or if, it’s appropriate to allow them into the shared yard.

 

Introductions happen at the dogs’ pace, not because a human wants them to happen right now.

 

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5. CAN WE DO A MEET-AND-GREET BEFORE BOOKING?

 

I don’t do traditional meet-and-greets for the same reasons explained above. I don’t force dogs into interactions, and I don’t believe the best way to introduce a dog to a new environment is to overwhelm them with unfamiliar people and animals.

 

Pay attention when you arrive for drop-off. I don’t stick my hand in a new dog’s face, and I don’t force myself on them.

 

Sometimes, the best way to greet a new dog is by NOT greeting the new dog!

 

I let them decide when they’re ready to approach me.

 

Most dogs warm up almost immediately. Some wait until their owners leave, and others need a little more time. That’s perfectly fine!

 

It’s 100% up to the dog when we become friends.

 

I meet everyone at drop-off, including the humans. The dogs get to decide how quickly we become acquainted!

 

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6. WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING FOR MY DOG?

 

All I need is your dog’s food from home!

 

Please follow these guidelines:

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• Label your dog’s food container with their name.

• Food must be stored in a secure container or a bag that I can hang on the wall.

• Please don’t bring loose bags of food that can’t be safely stored.

 

Why? Because squirrels, prairie dogs, and occasionally even rats find their way into the garage where I keep the dog food. I don’t need the local wildlife helping themselves to your dog’s dinner!

 

You don’t need to bring bowls or leashes.

 

Older dogs may appreciate having their own bed or blanket from home, so feel free to bring one if it helps them feel more comfortable.

 

7. DO YOU WATCH DOGS THAT DON’T GET ALONG WITH OTHER DOGS?

 

Absolutely!

 

I watch plenty of dogs who aren’t fans of other dogs. My house and backyard are set up so I can keep dogs separated when necessary.

 

Not every dog wants to be everybody’s best friend, and that’s okay!

 

I can provide separate spaces and yards so dogs who prefer their own company can enjoy their stay safely.

 

Please be honest with me about your dog’s behavior, history, and needs so I can determine the best arrangements for their stay.

 

 

8.Do you watch dogs that don't like anyone but their owners? 

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Yes! I absolutely do! It normally tales 3-4 visits before I'm able to become friends with them, but I'm patient and let them warm up to me on their own terms. 

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I even watch a German Shepherd who wants me dead while Dad is here! So, I stand back and wait for Dad to put him in my holding pen. The moment Dad drives away, that same dog LOVES me! LOL!

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Every dog is different, and I understand that some dogs need a little extra time to decide I'm worthy of their friendship. I'm happy to put in the work to earn their trust!

 

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9. DOES MY DOG HAVE TO STAY OUTSIDE THE WHOLE TIME?

 

Absolutely not! I have TWO doggie doors, so dogs can come inside and go outside as they please, depending on which areas they’re allowed to access.

 

They can enjoy the house, relax, play, nap, and head outside when they need to.

 

Your dog is a guest in my home, not a yard ornament!