Finding a reputable dog sitter?

[Steph&Dex]

Does anybody know how/where to find one?

I'm so concious of all the people out there who don't actually understand dogs or want to get involved so they can nab dogs...

I've found a few insured, professional looking dog sitters in our area (Calderdale) but they only seem to do overnights and longer hours and walks.

I only need an hour or so maybe 2 times a week.. our dog walking friends usually aren't available when I need to be out or Dex would stay with them

Obviously I'd meet whoever was going to do it before I left them with Dex.

Any thoughts would be appreciated
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And yes, Dex and I got through the rough patch intact, landlord has backed off, the rumors have stopped, life is better! Sorry to have worried so many of you x

[DelsMum]

All you can do really is ask around. I met my walker/sitter through a doggy friend and attended some of her training classes and got to know her really well before she walked or sat for me. My vet also knows her and thinks very highly of her- have you asked your vet for a recommendation?

I know what you mean about dodgy. One week when my lady was on hols and needed cover I called a few advertising in my local paper and was NOT impressed with what I found. One guy was advertising himself as a walker and behaviourist so I called him and quizzed him (really drilled him to be honest!) and it turned out he had only read a dog behaviour book. yes, that was his sole experience and qualification as a dog behaviourist. No thanks!

[wildmoor]

Glad everything went well for you and Dex
sorry cant help with the sitter I could do with one next year for 6 nights/days

[LindaM]

I have an 'intermittent' walker for Lukey to fill in.

I found her through vets/advertising. Got a couple of people to come round and meet him and me to meet them. Both were CRB checked and belonged to National Association of Registered Pet Sitters. Both had references. I went with the person who felt most capable. Had been around dogs all her life (smaller breeds) but although not formally a dog trainer through talking to her got to realise she could read a dog's body language intuitively and felt she had 'prescence' around dogs and was kind but wouldn't take any fooling around. Mind you he gets lots of cuddles and she is kind to him of course

Both had cars with logos, uniforms, business cards.

The one I chose never lead walks more than one dog at a time so I felt she would be totally focussed on my dog.

Hope this is of some help.

[Jon]

My one is amazing!! Jane and her husband Tom run the business from their home.. they have two boston terriers of their own and various dogs of all shapes and sizes... They have "Boy-key" (not sure how its spelt) the Ridgeback (a south african import), a couple of poodles, a crossbreed labradoodle thing (sorry if anyone has one, betty is a nice dog TBH but i've met others that just aren't sane)... Milo the choc lab... and a Dane lurking about...

Jackson couldn't be better socialised there or be in better hands... infact with them he has gained confidence loads where he was a bit nervy....

In your case make sure you quiz them loads and that your pupster likes them not the other way around....

[LOVEGSD]

Sorry I can't help with a sitter but I just wanted to say how pleased I am that things have settled down for you and Dex....xxx