We have two dogs and take up to two Rover dogs. I'm especially curious about at night, but also other circumstances. If you leave dogs unsupervised, how long and under what circumstances? Does it depend on the dogs or do you apply the same approach to all dogs? Do you ever crate dogs that are not crated at home?
As a general rule, I don't leave a new dog alone for any period of time during its first 24 hours with me. I need to assess how it adjusts to the new environment and my dog, who is pretty laid back about guests. At night, though, the dogs are by themselves, sleeping freely in the designated area, but I can hear even a whimper from my bedroom. I do have the ability to separate dogs, if necessary, by using baby gates and they are always small dogs and that works just fine. Since I do not even own a crate, that isn't an option for me. Owners do bring over crates if that is what their dog is used to sleeping in. I would not attempt to crate a dog that isn't accustomed to it and add to its stress at being in a strange home.
My policy is the crate all dogs whenever the house is empty (about 8-10 hours a week), so I prefer to board dogs that already have a history with crates-- it's just too much work to do otherwise. Our house is pretty big and with three younger brothers, I feel more comfortable leaving my boarders in a place that I know is doggy-safe. Plus, this is our home and I'd prefer it not get destroyed.
We have a long hallway that I use occasionally for dogs that aren't as comfortable in the crate. With tile flooring and baby gates at both ends, it makes for a fairly doggy proof area. I've also used it for 100+lb dogs that were too big for our XL crate.
I'm not as experienced with double booking (only done it a handful of times), but I never leave the dogs alone together--unless it's for a second or two while I run upstairs or out to the garage. Too much can happen, and I don't want to be the one to tell an owner their dog went to the vet for $$$$ after a dog fight. If I can't supervise them, they're physically separated (i.e. crates, baby gates, another room, etc); that includes night time.
I also would not crate a dog not used to it as that could lead to injury of the dog as well. I often care for active dogs that can get past a baby gate, so I don't use any. If necessary, I'd use separate rooms to protect all dogs.
I discuss with the dog owner where the dog sleeps at night (and if house-trained or other measures taken if not) before booking the stay.
As for leaving dogs unsupervised, it depends on the dog and discussion with pet parent regarding what the dog is used to at home. For example, if I know I have dog walks scheduled, I'll let the pet-parent know, ask if their dog is ever home alone, where the dog stays, and if I was walking other dogs and left theirs inside my home for safety reasons if I should be aware of any behaviors. It's unusual for me to host dogs from different households and very rare that I would be away while any dogs were visiting if I did not know they got along really well. My dog avoids altercations.
Yes you can leave your dog, but in my opinion only for a short period of time. If you have to work an eight hour shift or if you unexpectedly get stuck in traffic what can you do? Just make sure before you leave puppy or doggie proof your place. In other words put all your trash away make sure you don't leave any food out and before you go fill up your dogs water.
Hi leaving dog left alone could mean bad for the dog. When I have my m@g
the owners always let me no when and how long they should be left alone. It is also for potty breaks. I always stay with the dog.
We have two dogs of our own and take one dog at time from Rover. Most of our stays are longer than a week.
We always plan to keep the dogs separated when we are absent and at night, and have several baby gates that fit various doorways to make that possible. My worst nightmare is leaving the dogs alone and coming home to find our guest has been injured by our dogs!
Regarding crating dogs that are not crated at home - we have done this only once in an effort to assuage separation anxiety (trying to figure out how to make a nervous animal comfortable). It did not work. Crating a dog unaccustomed to it would be my absolute last resort and I would only do it to ensure the safety of my guest.
Hope that helps!
During the week our dog, and any dogs that we have staying with us, are left alone from 9 am when I leave for work until noon when my boyfriend comes home. We usually baby-gate our dog into our kitchen. We don't ever leave the dogs alone overnight. We do not crate dogs that are not usually crated.