Any stay-at-home dog-lovers available during the day?

rubyslipper · September 2009

My cute dog is very lonely and barks alot while I'm at work Mon-Fri during the day. Neighbors have complained and I'm at the point where I might need to medicate her for separation anxiety. I'm currently doing some behavior training but it's a slow process. I'm wondering if there's anyone available to take her for about 6-8 hours each day for a reasonable amount $$. She just needs to be walked once about 12 or 1pm. Her favorite activity is sitting on your lap or fetching a ball. I'd send her to daycare but the rates are not within my budget. Feeling desperate.

independent mind · September 2009

what kind of dog is it?

opossumqueen · September 2009

If your dog gets along well with other dogs, it might do well just staying with another dog. If she has any doggie friends (neighbors or that you meet in the parks) you should talk to those owners. You might be able to take turns letting them romp around your homes during the day and it's a win for everyone.

garbanzoj · September 2009

Subject: available for dog-sitting

Hi, I'm a freelance writer and photographer. I work from home a lot during the day, so perhaps I could help dog-sit for you. We would have to see if your needs and our schedules work, but I thought I'd mention it.

If you want to discuss it, you can send me a private message via this site, or you can send me your e-mail address by private message and I can e-mail you.

Cheers,
j

marla_singer · September 2009

My friend, who was born in Crown Heights and lives in the neighborhood now, is getting a pet-sitting business going. And I can vouch for him -- he's watched my cat while I'm away and has done an awesome job. And he has tons of experience with dogs. He's been dog and cat-sitting professionally for a while, but never as his own business (he worked for someone else).

He's literally just getting started -- still working on his web site -- but told me I could pass on this info. He's an awesome guy -- been friends with him for 6 or 7 years -- it would be great if you'd call him to learn more.

Khalid A. Rahmaan,
Pets on the Move
Dog walking & cat sitting in Brooklyn and Manhattan
[email protected]
718-290-6227

Tell him Caryn referred you.

bkchickie · September 2009

I had neighbors with a nervous, nervous dog (who actually barked himself to death one day!). While they never found a really foolproof solution (which I think would have been something like what you're looking for) they did have a good deal of success with leaving a radio on tuned quietly to a talk station. Good luck! I know that something like this is frustrating for all involved.

rbg · September 2009

I suggest a tranquilizer...My dog was prescribed one at Animal Kind. It works like a charm...dog gets high as a kite....

rbg · September 2009

I suggest a tranquilizer...My dog was prescribed one at Animal Kind. It works like a charm...dog gets high as a kite....

hunter.gatherer · September 2009

I would avoid the tranquilizer if at all possible, actually. Regular use would be very taxing on her liver and kidneys. Stick with the behavior modification - if it's going slowly it's probably being done the right way. And the suggestions about socialization with other dogs and/or people are right on target. A big part of separation anxiety is the feeling that YOU are the only person who can help her.

Also, exercise may help - lots of it if possible - it could have the same effect as the tranquilizer without the toxic side effects. Most dogwalkers will only take your dog for up to an hour, but I have some dogs in my business I walk for hours, all over town. It makes them quite content!

old time brooklyn · September 2009

I was looking for a situation like this aways back, see Pets forum. So feel free to PM me.

rubyslipper · September 2009

thanks to everyone for your responses. I haven't barked at all today! Very helpful. A few folks have PM'd me offering to meet and see what might be arranged. I'll keep you posted if you're interested in an update.

rockhound · September 2009

Not for nothing, but if you don't have the time to give a dog proper exercise, attention, and training, why on earth would you get a dog?

My building is full of frustrated, seldom exercised, barking nuisance dogs.

/my dog is quiet

opossumqueen · September 2009

rockhound wrote: Not for nothing, but if you don't have the time to give a dog proper exercise, attention, and training, why on earth would you get a dog?

My building is full of frustrated, seldom exercised, barking nuisance dogs.

/my dog is quiet

I agree that lots of people don't adequately exercise their dogs, but some dogs with separation anxiety are anxious no matter how much you exercise them. My folks had one that was still a wreck (during the things that set her off) despite running at least 10 miles a day, everyday, with me on top of going for walks with my folks, all in the woods. Poor thing was just a wreck, but a loving wreck who was a wonderful companion to my mom. Luckily for them, they live in the country and her craziness only upset them.

Also, none of the sedatives worked for her. They just all just made her slower and drool more.

Ruby, keep us posted if you find something that helps you. It might be helpful to others in similar situations. I can't imagine trying to deal with this in a big city.

ncsuemme · September 2009

Just throwing it out there, but I'm unemployed right now and love dogs and cats. Let me know if you're still looking for someone to take care of the dog. I live in Clinton Hill, but it's so close to PH.

Any stay-at-home dog-lovers available during the day?

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