Finding a Pet Sitter
Finding a sitter that can understand "Alaskan Malamute" can be pretty difficult. While they are dogs, they aren't like most dogs. Most will test the resolve of an inexperienced pet sitter and make them wonder why they are doing this for a living! You need someone that understands the pack mentality, their possessiveness toward food and toys, and their need for exercise - but also that they won't necessarily come when called and can't be walked off leash. A tall order! If you have more than one pet, your difficulty is increased again because you have to add the interactions between the Malamute and other pets. This article is to help you know the questions to ask, and the qualities to look for in a pet sitter or boarding kennel, specifically pertaining to Malamutes. While you always want someone that understands animals, has a clean and well run operation, and is responsible - there is more to consider when your pet is an adult Malamute.
First, things to ask yourself (be honest!).
- Is my mal dog aggressive? (to what kind of dogs? sex? breed?)
- Is my mal people aggressive (and to what kind of people)?
- Does my mal guard toys, food, water?
- How much exercise does my Malamute need?
- Does my mal have any emotional needs that need to be met while I'm gone?
- Is my Malamute a known escape artist?
- Is my Malamute destructive when under stress?
- Can my Malamute be trusted alone in the house, unsupervised, while I'm gone (and what will he get into)?
While many breeds are just fine while their owners are gone, a Malamute might just consider this an opportunity to check out what's in the fridge or to eat the sofa. He may be separation anxious. He may just sleep. Whether it's because he's stressed or just bored, consider this before you get a pet sitter that will just check on the dog 2-3 times a day. It's also important to be honest with yourself about any dog aggression and guarding behaviors. These are important for the pet sitter to know for her own safety. Also, she should always be made aware of any interaction issues with other pets or people. Just like when you're home, you should not leave your Malamute with any small dog (and sometimes the cat) unsupervised for long periods. You need to make the petsitter aware of any situations that have developed in the past so she can be prepared. You don't want to put her or any pet into a situation that could be dangerous. If she knows up front what the issues might be, she can be prepared with a plan to work with them. Depending on your answers, you likely have 4 options:
- In house 24/7 sitter (professional or friend)
- Visiting sitter
- Boarding Kennel or Day Care
- Relative or Friend (at their house)
Ideally, a 24/7 in home sitter is best - if it's someone the Malamute knows and loves all the better. It's also best if she knows your routine and preferences and will follow your guidelines to the letter. Most professional services take great pains to learn what these are. A visiting sitter is at a disadvantage because she only sees your dog for short visits throughout the day, but a good sitter will play with the dog a little and generally pick up on any abnormal behavior/health issues. A boarding facility or day care that has a professional staff that is familiar with Malamutes is a good option for giving your dog a way to expend energy - but you want a staff that understands Malamutes and their propensity for dog aggression. You don't want them "kicking your dog out" after you've left on vacation leaving you and your dog in a precarious position of finding a solution by phone. If you use a day care for boarding, make sure you take the dog there ahead of time so the dog becomes familiar with the surroundings and you can see how the staff interacts with your Malamute. You don't want a staff that will blame your dog for every infraction between dogs.
If you have a friend or relative watch your dog, make sure they have the facilities to do so - a securely fenced yard and good supervision skills (with other pets and children). A boarding facility is a good option if you can't find an individual to do in-home sitting. They are typically set up for large, hairy dogs and are a good option as long as your dog likes going there. Some dogs love visiting the kennel, others take issue and feel abandoned without the comforts of home (bed, couches, familiar surroundings) - you have to know your dog. This is often a better option than an unprepared relative as caretaker. Many relatives are just not equipped to be alpha to a full grown Malamute. If it's a bad match you'll return with the caregiver standing terrified on a table while the Malamute chews contentedly on a rawhide. Know your caregiver and accept their limitations - sometimes a boarding kennel is the better option.
You basically are looking for:
- Someone with Malamute experience or at least savvy, and NOT a negative perspective of the breed
- Someone that understands the importance of walking the dog on leash and in a fenced area (and won't let it run loose)
- Someone that understands the mal is not going to necessarily be "best friends" with every other dog it meets
- Is not fearful of big dogs
- Knows how to handle tense situations (food guarding, a fight, a dog that won't come when called, escape artists, etc.) humanely and correctly.
- Someone the Malamute LIKES.
- Someone that will take the time to meet the dog's emotional needs (play, talk to the dog...not just feed, water and leave)
- Listens to your instructions (if you say the dog jumps fences, they don't think it will happen to them and let the dog out anyway)
- A calm, confident, alpha person that can handle any situation and is knowledgeable about dogs and this breed in particular (otherwise you'll be doing some major educating - and worrying)
Listening to you is the most important trait I believe a pet sitter needs to have. There is nothing worse than telling your sitter the dog does not like another pet in the household and they don't "get it" and let them out together. Or feed them together. Or "forget" and leave them together when she leaves. Make sure you interview your sitter well, and you will be rewarded with a long term, wonderful relationship. It's a good feeling knowing you have someone that cares about and understands your Malamute apart from the obvious needs such as giving medicine, feeding, exercising your dog. It's reassuring to know you can leave your mal in the safe hands of a knowledgeable and experienced sitter.
