Pet Care Pointers For Your Furry Friends - 1

Whenever I am pet sitting a cat, dog or other animals, my goal is to feed and give water, as instructed and then, ensure that everything is cleaned up afterwards. Treats are given as a bonus gift and this makes for wonderful friendships and helps with bonding. I next tend to the attention part of our visits by walking the dog, giving TLC or playing on the ground or in the yard depending on the location. This is the fun part of the visit and is a kind of a meeting of the minds so you can get to know each other. For dogs, playing ball, Frisbee or a walk is a great time to release some pent up energy. For cats, playing, petting or sometimes combing is great bonding time.

Most pets at the very beginning are stressed from being without their owners and from having a new face arrive to feed and give them water. It usually doesn't take long for the bonding to begin once they realize you're there to feed them and give them treats. Depending on the pets sometimes one day is all you need for trust to evolve and for others 2-3 days. It all depends, for dogs on the breed and the personality and for cats just personality. I usually try and suggest that before a long vacation, a couple of day visits be scheduled in a row which starts the bonding process and reduces the stress when the owner's time away is longer. This time together ensures well being for all pets especially after they have your scent down. I have sat on many many couches just letting the pets smell and thereby getting to know me. They are just so curious about the new scents and usually come right to you to smell and sense who you are. Sometimes, it's just seconds before they jump up on your lap, lay down by your feet or back away to come back, again. I have seen so many different reactions. Animals can be so inquisitive and stand offish all at the same time. My approach with all animals is to arrive in any home and then just go and sit down in the kitchen, usually at the consultation without making any big deal towards the animals that are either around me or backed away. I make my presence known by my posture and demeanor. This I think, ensures confident control, especially with dogs and lets them know in a subtle but assertive manner that I am boss. From this assertive role I am able to take great care of all pets.

All in all the above approach has worked for me unless I have been remiss at the consultation and missed some classic signs of behavior issues. In these cases my approach is totally different in regards to entering their domain. I am still assertive but am more aware of all my surroundings. Even still I have been bitten and have had to resort to different tactics by applying some Essential Oils to myself and the home which completely changed the dynamics of the then, hostile environment making it more peaceful and calm for everyone involved. I have found using Essential Oils has dramatically changed many of these difficult situations of inappropriate behavior from dogs to one of being calm and submissive.

Mary Varricchio has been a professional pet sitter for over 8 years and an owner for over 30 years. I have taken care of animals that are furry, scaled and feathered and have loved every minute of my time with them. I am a member of Pet Sitters Association and to which I have insurance through. I have many Pescapades or pet stories to tell you which, some will inspire and some will make you sad and everything in between.

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