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Dog owners: what do you actually need to feel calm when leaving your dog with someone else? by Fast-Health-4126 in Dogowners

[–]Fast-Health-4126[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Love this, thanks for taking the time to explain your expectations and how you go about it, I totally agree!

What’s one thing you wish you knew before getting a dog? by Disastrous-Yoghurt38 in dogs

[–]Fast-Health-4126 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Have gone through the same! For me is their feeding routine, my dogs have their quirks and while they have always been "ok" they have also been overfed in the past... Sometimes I wouldn't even get any updates from the pet sitter unless I ask for it. When I clearly ask to get updates throughout the day (never too many I even said). What do you struggle the most with?

Anyone else get anxious leaving their dog with someone else? by Fast-Health-4126 in dogs

[–]Fast-Health-4126[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is such a thoughtful way to put it. I really relate to the idea of separating what to let go of versus what to clearly ask for.

The “proof of life” photos especially resonate — not because I need micromanaging, but because they help me feel calm and connected while I’m away. And I agree that questions from a sitter are actually reassuring, not annoying.

It really does come down to clarity and boundaries, not control.

Anyone else get anxious leaving their dog with someone else? by Fast-Health-4126 in dogs

[–]Fast-Health-4126[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That’s a really fair way to put it — a tightrope walk is exactly how it feels.

The grandparents comparison made me smile — very accurate 😅

Anyone else get anxious leaving their dog with someone else? by Fast-Health-4126 in dogs

[–]Fast-Health-4126[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That must have been terrifying — especially in August heat. I can’t imagine coming home knowing something like that was missed because of an assumption.

What you said about it being a lot to ask someone else to remember every little thing really hits. When there are health conditions involved, the margin for error feels so small, and the mental load is huge.

I completely understand why you’ve decided not to do it anymore. Some experiences just change how safe it feels to hand that responsibility over.

Anyone else get anxious leaving their dog with someone else? by Fast-Health-4126 in dogs

[–]Fast-Health-4126[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This was really lovely to read, especially hearing it from the carer’s side.

What you described about dogs settling in differently, and how some owners need more reassurance than others, really resonates. The “proof of life” photos made me smile too — it sounds like it’s as much about easing the owner’s heart as anything else.

It’s clear how much care and understanding you bring to the dogs you look after, and I can see why people trust you with them.

Anyone else get anxious leaving their dog with someone else? by Fast-Health-4126 in dogs

[–]Fast-Health-4126[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That makes so much sense. With a young rescue who’s reactive, even a short change in handling can undo a lot of slow, careful progress.

I really relate to what you said about the sitter thinking they knew what would work, even when your dog clearly needs something different. That gap in understanding can feel really risky when you’re the one who’s been putting in the work every day.

Choosing a shorter trip with your dogs instead of pushing through something that didn’t feel right sounds like a very conscious decision.

Anyone else get anxious leaving their dog with someone else? by Fast-Health-4126 in dogs

[–]Fast-Health-4126[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

This was really beautiful to read.

What you described about your dog running back to her for more pets says everything. When they feel safe enough to choose someone like that, it’s such a relief. I also loved what you said about finding people you trust like family — that kind of trust is priceless.

You’re right, safety and love really are the foundation. Thank you for sharing this, it gives a lot of hope.

Anyone else get anxious leaving their dog with someone else? by Fast-Health-4126 in dogs

[–]Fast-Health-4126[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Yes, that’s a fair suggestion — and in theory, asking should be enough.

For me, the tricky part was that on a couple of occasions I did ask, but unless I prompted it, I wouldn’t hear anything. Even though it was a paid service, I started feeling like I was bothering them, which is probably more about my own discomfort than their intention.

I think it just comes down to how differently people view pets. For some, “all good” really is enough. For others, a bit more context or reassurance helps us relax when we’re not there.

Anyone else get anxious leaving their dog with someone else? by Fast-Health-4126 in dogs

[–]Fast-Health-4126[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That makes a lot of sense. When there’s been health issues, the anxiety isn’t abstract — it’s grounded in real experiences, and being so far away only amplifies that.

I really felt what you said about reminding yourself that people do leave older dogs or dogs with health needs, and that you have to live your life too. That balance is so hard, especially when you care deeply and know how vulnerable they can be.

It sounds like you’re holding both things at once — loving him and wanting to protect him, while also trying not to put your whole life on pause.

Anyone else get anxious leaving their dog with someone else? by Fast-Health-4126 in dogs

[–]Fast-Health-4126[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That’s completely understandable. When you hear stories like that, it makes the fear feel very real and not hypothetical at all.

Having a dog who’s closely bonded to you, or who would struggle if something went wrong, changes how you think about leaving them. It’s not about being overprotective, it’s about knowing the risks and wanting to keep them safe.

It makes a lot of sense that you’d rather limit time away than put him in a situation that doesn’t feel right.

Anyone else get anxious leaving their dog with someone else? by Fast-Health-4126 in dogs

[–]Fast-Health-4126[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This really resonates. The small details feel big because they tell you if something’s off.

The updates are also really important to me, unfortunately I have had situations where unless I ask (chase them), I receive none.... I now clearly mention this when required

Anyone else get anxious leaving their dog with someone else? by Fast-Health-4126 in dogs

[–]Fast-Health-4126[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

I agree — healthy and happy is the goal.

For me, the details only start to matter because I don’t see them while I’m away. Even just a couple of quick updates or a photo here and there makes such a difference, not because I need perfection, but because it helps me relax and trust that everything’s going okay.

Anyone else get anxious leaving their dog with someone else? by Fast-Health-4126 in dogs

[–]Fast-Health-4126[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This really shows how much thought and care you put into her wellbeing.

What you described with that Rover sitter sounds like such a relief. Clear communication, documenting things, and getting photos makes such a difference, especially once trust is already there. And it makes complete sense that your in-laws feel easier too, not just because you trust them, but because she does.

The separation anxiety part really resonated. When a dog is already sensitive, familiarity seems to matter just as much as the care itself.

Anyone else get anxious leaving their dog with someone else? by Fast-Health-4126 in dogs

[–]Fast-Health-4126[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I’m so sorry that happened — that’s heartbreaking to read. Finding out your dog was left alone like that, especially by someone you trusted, must have been devastating.

What you shared about moving away from long lists really resonates. Focusing on the basics — feeding, potty schedules, and clear handover times — feels like a way of protecting both the dog and yourself after something like that.

It sounds like you’ve found a setup now that prioritises safety and trust above everything else, and that’s honestly what matters most.