Puppy Sitting/Walking

[NatNatt]

I am going to try this one more time for advice here. If you dont have anything educational or non related to my topic please do not post on my threads.


Anyways....I was searching online for pet care places that can take care of my baby when I am at work for the few months my fiancee is away deployed. Once he comes back in a few months my baby will not be alone everyday more than 4 hours...but until them I am trying to find a place he can be safe and secure.

Here is a few sites I came across by searching online...
http://www.tampapuppypalace.com/
http://www.southtampadogwalking.com/Services_and_Rates.html

My only concern with this places are ...are they going to take care of my baby the way it needs to be taken care of??? Should i trust this lady coming into my home to play with my baby and make sure he is ok? Those are my main concern with going with places like this. Is he going to be ok as young as he is with other people...i dont want him to get sick....What do you all suggest???

[MI Yorkielover]

Okay, I'll be the first .
They look good with reasonable rates but I would personally visit these places and speak with both parties to address any concerns before making a decision. Good Luck.

[NatNatt]

I just called Puppy Palace and they wont take hin until he is 16 weeks old. I think Im going to have a problem getting someone to watch him at such a young age.

[MI Yorkielover]

I suggest interviewing and getting references for someone to come into your home and check on him morning and afternoon or have a relative, neighbor or friend do it. He'll definately need someone to look in on him him until he is old enough to go to daycare. Can you come home on your lunch break?

[BamaFan121s]

Originally Posted by NatNatt

I think Im going to have a problem getting someone to watch him at such a young age.

Most likely so. Most places require at minimum that a pup have had it's full doses of vaccinations before they will accept them. Your little one will barely be old enough for his first round, much less all of them. *Most* people realize the delicacy of such a young pup and how easily something could go wrong and wouldn't want to risk it.

It would be better if the pup was in your home. Moving around little ones and lots of turmoil--ESPECIALLY when they are too young to have been placed anyway--is never a good idea. They need a very calm, stable environment with as little turmoil as possible while they adjust.

[tarczely]

hi there I have read all your posts and I know things didn't start so good for you, I think alot of it was in the wording and you know the old saying opinons (spell) are like A!!holes everyone has one! well with that being said. My pup came to me at 8 weeks I had no clue, but I wouldn't change a thing I can't imagine missing those weeks up to 12 weeks that I got to build his personality they are so....smart, he was 2.4 pounds when I got him and he is now a happy healthy 6 month old just about 5 pounds ball of energy! loves to cuddle, loves to play etc. goes everywhere with us. So I wish you well he will be fine keep a tv playing in his new tent home if someone comes in to check on him at your home I think is best until he grows a little you will see so many changes they grow so fast. good luck!
trust me you will have a hard time leaving him, mine now stays by himself from 6am till about 3:30 I work for school Im off alot....his room is the laundry room, with his bed pee pee pads (and he as easy to train) and of course all his toys...

[BaxtersMommy]

I would recommend that you go to www.petsitters.biz You need to find a single preson who is in the business. I started my own pet sitting services so I cater to my clients needs. I have started caring for puppies at 8 weeks old. So, I am sure there is someone loving and perfect out there, you just have to find him or her. I always send text messages or emails when I am with my dogs and send photos from my phone to their mommy or daddy. It puts their mind at ease. Just search, talk to the person on the phone (to narrow it down) then do a face to face interview. Make sure the person is insured and a member of pet sitters associates etc. Good Luck!

[MI Yorkielover]

Originally Posted by BaxtersMommy

I would recommend that you go to www.petsitters.biz You need to find a single preson who is in the business. I started my own pet sitting services so I cater to my clients needs. I have started caring for puppies at 8 weeks old. So, I am sure there is someone loving and perfect out there, you just have to find him or her. I always send text messages or emails when I am with my dogs and send photos from my phone to their mommy or daddy. It puts their mind at ease. Just search, talk to the person on the phone (to narrow it down) then do a face to face interview. Make sure the person is insured and a member of pet sitters associates etc. Good Luck!

Good, friendly advice. Sounds like you have a fun and rewarding career!

[charisse52]

I live in the Tampa area and I had a friend who used a puppy sitter. They did come a couple of times during the day to walk and play with the puppy. If you need the name I will get it for you. She had a Maltese.


Teddy and Winston

[BaxtersMommy]

Originally Posted by MI Yorkielover

Good, friendly advice. Sounds like you have a fun and rewarding career!

Thank you! I love my job. It doesnt feel like a Job. I get to make puppies happy all day and they make me giggle! LOVE IT so much!

[ShylahTaffy]

In the last thread you posted someone had suggested leaving the puppy at the vet for the day. Personally, I think this may be the best thing to do especially since he will be so young. I would bring him to the vet until he is at least 8 weeks old and then you will be sure that if there are any complications they can be taken care of right away. This will also give you more time to find a reputable pet sitter.

[NatNatt]

Hello everyone!! I have taken all your advice and called a few more places and people. I found this one lady to come a couple times a day to play with him/walk him/feed him and all that good stuff for $12 every visit. I think that would be better for my baby. I will also check in with a vet and see if they would be willing to take him for awhile. I will be also coming home from lunch everyday to spend time with him.

Does your friend have a website I can look at? Can they also do better than $12.00 visits??

Thanks!

Originally Posted by charisse52

I live in the Tampa area and I had a friend who used a puppy sitter. They did come a couple of times during the day to walk and play with the puppy. If you need the name I will get it for you. She had a Maltese.


Teddy and Winston

[cj125]

Originally Posted by tarczely

hi there I have read all your posts and I know things didn't start so good for you, I think alot of it was in the wording and you know the old saying opinons (spell) are like A!!holes everyone has one! well with that being said. My pup came to me at 8 weeks I had no clue, but I wouldn't change a thing I can't imagine missing those weeks up to 12 weeks that I got to build his personality they are so....smart, he was 2.4 pounds when I got him and he is now a happy healthy 6 month old just about 5 pounds ball of energy! loves to cuddle, loves to play etc. goes everywhere with us. So I wish you well he will be fine keep a tv playing in his new tent home if someone comes in to check on him at your home I think is best until he grows a little you will see so many changes they grow so fast. good luck!
trust me you will have a hard time leaving him, mine now stays by himself from 6am till about 3:30 I work for school Im off alot....his room is the laundry room, with his bed pee pee pads (and he as easy to train) and of course all his toys...

Just curious...
Did you have your dog flown to you?
Were you home or at work when you brought your 8 wk old puppy home?
How many dogs have you had? 2 including this one?

Like you said - you had NO idea about bringing him home too early. So your comments about everyone's opinion is funny because most people here have had a toy breed before, or for quite some time, had several, or have bred so they DO have knowledge about this situation - not just an opinion - like yours!

[Mardelin]

Originally Posted by NatNatt

Hello everyone!! I have taken all your advice and called a few more places and people. I found this one lady to come a couple times a day to play with him/walk him/feed him and all that good stuff for $12 every visit. I think that would be better for my baby. I will also check in with a vet and see if they would be willing to take him for awhile. I will be also coming home from lunch everyday to spend time with him.

Does your friend have a website I can look at? Can they also do better than $12.00 visits??

Thanks!

Everyone has offerred their advice.

The first one as you and Misty observed, you'll have to take your pup to and at the young age your pup is, it isn't an option.

The other option is coming into your home, which the 2nd one will do. However, are they experienced in taking care of your pups needs? I'm sure they can once you go over the pups schedule with them, emergency numbers, etc. I understand the $12.00 a visit is a bit steep. However, you might view it in a different light. They will be handling your pup with special care. Their gas/time alone is barely covered at that fee.

Leaving your pup at the vet's is a bit scarey too. Exposing it to sick dogs.....

Another option you may have. Is possible contacting some reputable breeders in your area (try YTCA.org breeder referral). Someone that is experienced handling tiny yorkie pups. Some would be very willing to care for your pup until it is old enough to be left for longer lengths of time. Not only wuold your puppy recieve great care, but with someone such as this, your pup would be socialized, potty trained, etc. I wish I lived closer, I'd do it for you.

[hugz4all4]

Originally Posted by NatNatt

Hello everyone!! I have taken all your advice and called a few more places and people. I found this one lady to come a couple times a day to play with him/walk him/feed him and all that good stuff for $12 every visit. I think that would be better for my baby. I will also check in with a vet and see if they would be willing to take him for awhile. I will be also coming home from lunch everyday to spend time with him.

Does your friend have a website I can look at? Can they also do better than $12.00 visits??

Thanks!

Untill he is old enough to actually go to a doggy daycare, this is probably your best alternative. I agree with what a few others have said, go visit the places you are interested in. Thank you for taking some of the advice and not leaving your puppy while your gone all day at work.
Im wishing you and the pup the best of luck..