As a pet sitter, I’ve learned that loving animals is just the beginning; the real challenge comes from understanding the individual needs of each breed, reading their behavior, and figuring out how best to engage with them. Every dog has its quirks, and adjusting my approach to each and every one has become a crucial part of making sure they’re all happy and well taken care of. Over time, I’ve found that knowing how to tailor my pet-sitting skills to the specific breed in front of me makes all the difference.

Learning the Breed: It’s More Than Just Looks

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I’ve discovered that a dog’s personality can go far beyond what meets the eye. While certain breeds have well-known characteristics, I always remind myself that no two dogs are exactly alike. Take Border Collies, for instance - they’re known for being highly intelligent and full of energy, while Bulldogs tend to have a more laid back demeanor. Still, even within those general traits, each dog has its own unique blend of genetics, experiences, and environment that shape its personality and behavior.

Whenever I’m pet sitting, I like to spend time observing the dog in its home environment. I’ve found that it’s important not to rely solely on what I’ve read about the breed, but to really pay attention to how each dog behaves and reacts.That way, I can get a better sense of why it might act a certain way, and how I can work with it to keep things running smoothly.

Energy Levels Shape the Day’s Plan

One of the first things I consider when looking after a dog is its energy level. Some dogs, like Huskies or Australian Shepherds, are just bursting with energy and need a lot of stimulation to stay calm and happy. I’ve seen firsthand how a high-energy breed can get restless or even destructive if they don’t get enough activity! On the flip side, breeds like Basset Hounds or Shih Tzus are perfectly content with less activity, preferring shorter walks and plenty of relaxation.

To keep things balanced, I follow a few general rules depending on the dog’s energy level:

High-energy breeds (Huskies, Border Collies, etc.)

• Break the day into active segments, with long walks, games of fetch, or agility exercises

• Include mental stimulation, such as puzzles or hide-and-seek

• Avoid extended periods of inactivity, which can lead to anxiety or destructive behaviors

Low-energy breeds (Basset Hounds, Shih Tzus, etc.)

• Shorter walks combined with quiet companionship

• Rest periods are essential, but a bit of playtime ensures they don’t get too bored

Adapting How I Communicate

I’ve noticed that the way I give commands has to shift depending on the breed; a firm tone might work well with a Labrador, but a Chihuahua could get stressed out by what they perceive as harshness. Some dogs, like Dachshunds or Shiba Inus, can also be notoriously stubborn, so I’ve had to get creative with how I communicate.

This is how I adjust my approach:

• Tone of voice: Enthusiastic and encouraging for some breeds, calm and soothing for others

• Command style: Short and clear commands for independent breeds, more repetition and encouragement for sensitive or anxious dogs

• Consistency: Sticking to a command style once I find what works ensures the dog knows what to expect

Handling Stubborn Breeds with Patience

Stubbornness is something I’ve had to deal with plenty of times, especially with breeds like Bulldogs or Afghan Hounds. These independent dogs aren’t easily persuaded by the usual methods, and I’ve learned that trying to dominate the situation only makes things harder.

When it comes to these breeds, I focus on:

• Positive reinforcement: Using treats, toys, or attention to reward good behavior is key for positive reinforcement training

• Short, consistent training sessions: The Perth dog training experts state, “Too many long dog training sessions can actually erode trust over time - keep it short, sweet and consistent”

• Patience: I avoid pushing too hard, instead creating an environment in which the dog feels motivated to cooperate

Keeping Intelligent Breeds Mentally Stimulated

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Some dogs - especially those from intelligent breeds like Poodles or German Shepherds - need more than just regular physical exercise to stay happy; a smart dog can become anxious or even destructive very quickly if it doesn’t have enough mental challenges to occupy its mind.

To keep these dogs engaged I mix physical activity with mental challenge, such as:

• Puzzle toys: These can keep a dog entertained for hours while giving its brain a workout

• New tricks: Teaching intelligent dogs new skills keeps them mentally stimulated

• Interactive games: Things like hide-and-seek, scent games, or obstacle courses are great for smart dogs

Understanding Emotional Sensitivity: Dealing with Anxious and Affectionate Breeds

I’ve worked with a lot of dogs that are more emotionally sensitive, like the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or Maltese. These breeds often thrive on human affection and can struggle with separation anxiety when their parents are away. As a pet sitter, I’ve found myself not just filling in as a caretaker, but also as a source of emotional comfort.

To support anxious or sensitive dogs, I rely on a few strategies:

• Creating a calming routine: Establishing a predictable routine helps reduce stress

• Providing comfort: Familiar objects from home, like blankets or toys, can help ease separation anxiety

• Gentle affection: Spending extra time with them, offering calm, soothing attention, and allowing the dog to come to me on their terms helps to build trust

For more independent breeds - such as the Akita or Chow Chow - I respect their space and avoid pushing too much affection, allowing them to engage when they feel comfortable.

A Well-Adapted Pet Sitter

Pet sitting becomes a much more fulfilling task when you understand the diverse needs of the dogs you’re caring for. Tailoring your approach to each breed, respecting its energy levels, communication styles, emotional needs, and health concerns, allows you to provide a service that keeps the dogs happy and their parents coming back. After all, a well-adapted pet sitter is one who recognizes that no two dogs are ever quite the same.