Checklist: how to prepare for your first doggy day
Doggy friend
Number one: be excited – you are about to meet your future potential best friend!
If you plan to bring the dog back to your place, know where you will put the water bowl and bedding/soft material. The dog may end up choosing its own snooze spot, but at least you’ll be prepared to move things when it happens.
Also be sure to dog-proof your place such as removing or protecting rugs and making sure things are securely in place on a shelf. If your doggy friend is a puppy and you’re not sure if it’s 100% house trained, confine it to an area you are comfortable with until you are more sure or the dog becomes more familiar with your home.
Finally, have a few treats at home! While it is the doggy owner’s responsibility to provide food and treats, it is still a good idea that you have something at home that you can share. You don’t necessarily need to run to the pet store beforehand – it could already be in your fridge! Very few dogs can resist sausage, ham and cheese, and some fruits can also be very exciting for some dogs. Make sure you speak to the owner beforehand if there are any health conditions or allergies, and always only need tiny, tiny amounts. After all, your doggy friend may not be used to your treats and let’s just say it’s possible that if fed in huge quantities, “something” may blow up…
Doggy owner
First thing’s first – tell your dog they are hanging out with their future best friend today!
We hope you’re excited about your first doggy day as well. Take this time as some alone time, either as a mental health day, or a relaxation day, or even just a get-sh!t-done day. Your neighbor probably has a whole day’s of activity planned for the day – your dog will be so happy and busy playing it won’t even notice you’re not around 🙂
So to prepare to a doggy day, make sure you give the doggy friend all the necessities your dog needs for the day. This may include, but not limited to, collar, leash, dog food, treat, toys and water bowl. Some owners may also include a blanket, especially for the first few doggy days, so that the dog will have a familiar scent/item with them.
Make sure you communicate with the doggy friend what works for you and the dog, and come to an understanding of how the day will go such as pick-up/drop-off time and place, and emergency contact info.
Then you enjoy some much needed personal day, you well-deserved dog pawrent!