Dog Tunes: “And While You’re Away…”

The Beatles song, “And while I’m away I’ll write home every day” as a dog tune could become “And while you’re away I’ll find some way to play.” For others it might be “…I’ll just sleep here all day.”

If your canine best friend is full of energy when his morning walk is over and you have played a few rounds of retrieve his favorite ball, he may be the dog who will “find some way to play” while you are at work. Your canine buddy’s creativity could not only destroy your property but he could get into something that would pose a serious danger to his safety.

This very active dog may be an excellent candidate for doggie daycare or for a dog walker to come to your house regularly. There are excellent doggie daycares and dog walkers for well-socialized active dogs to safely get the exercise they need.

To find a daycare or a dog walker for your dog, gather a list of service providers from your veterinarian, pet store or dog trainer.

Call the daycare facilities and the dog walkers to ask questions about the services they offer, hours, fees and their procedures. Also ask for the names and phone numbers of a few clients you can call for a reference.

After you have the basic information, if you decide doggie daycare is best for your dog, make an appointment to visit the daycare. Ask if your dog should attend the first visit or if she will be given a special appointment later. During the visit ask how many dogs they can handle each day, observe the cleanliness, ask how many staff are on duty at all times, ask about the daily routine and about special services. Find out what they do in case of an emergency.

If you decide to have a professional dog walker come to your home, make an appointment to have the handler who will be walking your dog come to your home for an interview. During the interview, ask how many dogs she walks at one time? Find out if your dog will get individual attention. Ask where she likes to walk the dogs. Be sure to check references carefully. Not only will the care and safety of your canine best friend be entrusted to this person, but she will also be entering your home.

After you select a dog walker, schedule your dog’s first few walks while you are at home so you can see your dog’s reaction to the walker. If your dog likes the dog walker, the next step is to let the walker go into your home without you there. Stay nearby so you can discuss how your dog reacted with the walker.

Whether having fun with other dogs at doggie daycare, or going on walking adventures with a professional dog walker, these are two great options that ensure your dog’s safety while you are at work. So, if your dog’s tune is “While you’re away I’ll find some way to play,” a doggie daycare or a professional dog walker may be the ticket you need to keep your best friend safe and happy “While you’re away.”

 
Founded in 1965, Pets In Need receives no federal, state or local government support.

Published in the San Mateo County Times, May 11, 2002