Using Puppy Sitters
Puppy sitters are a fun undertaking, not to be limited to those who are employed and have no choice. There is so much sadness in knowing that you must divide your attention amongst so many needy little balls of fun. So why be selfish with all of the puppy fun? My friends have helped me raise my puppies, by taking anywhere from 1-12 dogs/puppies for a few hours. This not only gives me time to focus all of my attention on a reduced number of individuals, but gives the other ones an outing where they can experience different things, and gain a feeling of independence by carrying on without my presence.
What to Pack:
No matter how familiar the pup is with the sitter, the pup will do better with items from home. When going out for any amount of time, send the puppy with a back pack containing food, a blanket from home, treats, chew toys, busy toys, a leash, and even bags for waist pick-up should they take the pup for a walk.
When to Use a Sitter:
Although sitters can be great for times when you many reasons, you should have set days that each sitter WANTS to watch the puppies every week. This is the sitter's time to take the puppy for many fun activities, so try not to be too controlling over what they do while they have the pup. As long as the puppies are vaccinated, it is just fine to take them to other friends or relatives houses.
When Not to Use a Sitter:
Do not use sitters for when you work everyday, as puppies should be taught to respect a crate and be able to spend time in a crate quietly and without stress. If live alone, work long hours, and can not make it home for lunch, have a friend come half way through your shift to let the pups out, snack them, play with them, let them potty, put them back up, and then leave. This lets the pack out to stretch their legs, but teaches them patients.
Puppy Sitter Contract:
No matter how long you have known your puppy sitters, always have a contract for each puppy, with a picture of the whole litter they are helping with. I know everyone thinks they can trust their friends, however it is easy to get over-attached to a sweet puppy, and make irrational decisions. Therefore, a contract should always be on play that establishes the sitter understands that they have no ownership into any dog they are caring for temporarily, to protect you and your pups.