Whether you’re watching pets to make some extra money or a friend asks you for a favor while they’re out of town, dogsitting in your first apartment can be a lot of fun. There are some important precautions you’ll want to take beforehand, though, so read on below for five tips for dogsitting in your first apartment.
Check your supplies
Especially if you’re dogsitting for an extended period of time, it’s important to make sure you have all the supplies you’ll need. Check with the dog’s owners to get the right kind of food to feed the dog, as well as treats and any medicine if needed. You’ll also want to be sure you have proper food and water bowls.
In addition to supplies, you’ll need to make sure you’re well equipped to keep your apartment clean in case of any messes. Invest in a good cleaning spray to clean pet odor out of any carpets if need be, and be sure you have a good way to clean up dog hair. If you’re dogsitting for a dog that sheds a lot, buy a lint roller to keep hair off your clothes.
Have the owner bring some familiar toys
Some dogs can get anxious when away from home for a while, so it can help to have the owner bring some of the dog’s familiar toys so it can feel at home in your apartment. This will help the dog transition to your space more easily and give you a way to play with it.
Give the dog time
Not all dogs will acclimate to new people easily, so give the dog time to get comfortable with you on its own terms. Ask the owner how the dog responds to new people so that you know whether to approach it immediately or let it have its space for a while. Once the dog has spent some time around you, if it’s still feeling somewhat hesitant, you can often win its affection with treats!
Visit your apartment complex dog park
Unlike some other pets, most dogs thrive when being active and need time outside to run and play. Luckily, many apartment complexes have a dedicated dog park that’ll be a perfect place to let the dog get some energy out.
Be sure to keep the dog on a leash when taking it out of the apartment, even if it’s not a rule at your apartment complex. A dog you’re dogsitting likely won’t have the loyalty to come back to you if it gets away, and you surely don’t want to have to tell your friend that you lost their dog.
Go for a walk!
If you live in a smaller apartment building or your apartment complex doesn’t have a dog park, you can always take the dog for a walk. Again, be sure to keep it on a leash, and make sure you bring a bag to clean up if need be. Ask the owner beforehand how the dog reacts to other dogs so that you know what to do if you run into any other dog walkers while out.
