Your Minder Has A Dog As Well

If the minder also owns a dog, it is important to make sure that both dogs have been introduced correctly. How do dogs introduce themselves you ask? They will smell each others but – it’s just what they do….

It is important to be relaxed when introducing your leashed dog to another leashed dog and to have a loose lead. Dogs can sense when their owners are tense, and this can also make them nervous and reactive to other dogs. Another recommendation is that you and the minder both go for a small walk together to introduce the dogs. This makes them feel part of a pack, which will relax them and make the experience a positive one for both your dog and the minder’s dog. Stay with the minder for 10 minutes or so to make sure the dogs are settled, and again wait 15 minutes before leaving the area.

Not all dogs will get on, but mostly they will if their anxiety is managed at the introduction. There are a number of ways to reduce anxiety in dogs, but the most important is to manage your anxiety. If your dog is overly anxious when going to a minder you may need to talk to your vet about a plan to manage anxiety on the road. Or look to a number of alternative therapies, like CBD oil, bach flower remedies, calming treats and gentle pats.

If the dogs still do not hit it off, it’s ok, as long as they can be separated throughout the time that your dog is being minded. The last thing we want is for a fight to happen and you or one of the dogs is injured, so ultimately it’s up to you and the dog minder to manage the arrangement in a way that everyone is comfortable with, which could include cancelling the dog minding, or trying again another time.