Advice for Integrating a Guest Dog?

[midgesmom]

I'm going to dog sit for my neighbors for a week while they are on vacation the first week in January. Tonight they are both working so we are having a "practice night." Their dog is a very interesting mix - American Bulldog and Australian Sheppard. I'll have to post a picture.

She and Midge know each other well, take walks all the time, and Midge has stayed over at their house several times when I've been out of town. The last time she stayed, we couldn't figure out why, but by the time I got home they were sick and tired of each other and were even fighting some.

Tonight, things are going ok, but Midge is not all that happy about having Mei Mei here. Mei Mei is happily chewing on toys in the center of the room and Midge is sitting on the couch, alternating between guarding me and occasionally looking at Mei Mei and making little huffing noises. So I can see I'm going to have to take charge of the situation to make it work out ok for a whole week. A certain amount of proactiveness and discipline will be required on my part. Any advice for me?

I am planning on feeding them separately, in their own houses so there are no food issues (Mei Mei lives right next door). And I will also have Mei Mei over at her house while I'm at work or away where I can't take them.

[Bobbie]

Just give Midge lots of attention and she'll get over it, most likely. My dogs frequently put up with visitor dogs and they do want more reassurance that they are the top dogs.
You are already going to be on the safe side with food and unsupervised time, so you'll probably do fine.

[CorgiMum]

It sounds like you have it all figured out pretty well Jane, it's good that you will be feeding them separately and keeping them on there own when you are at work.

And I agree with Bobbie, Midge may need a little more reassurance that she is still you best girl.:WINK:

[Jespah]

I'll hop on the same wagon as Bobbie too. Lot's of love for Midge, and just be sure you are able to supervise when they are together and you should be fine. It's good that they have a history together that makes thing a little easier.

Your neighbours are very lucky to have you - it sounds like a lot of work.

[sutulu]

I try to remember little things too: when treats are given out, Tuck gets his first, Lulu second, then our guest; If they are sleeping at the house, Tuck gets to sleep on the bed and the guest sleeps in his crate; etc

[MrsBeez]

Good luck! I'm glad you posted this -- do keep us up to date on how it is going. We too are dog sitting, starting next Wednesday thru Sunday, for our friend's Boxer-Pit mix, Diesel.

He and Otis get along swimmingly at dog park, but Luna Mae is scared of him (and any dog other than Otis). She has her crate, and Diesel will have his too. I'll be home for the entire time, so I'm hoping to have a socialization boot came for Luna Mae.

It's great you can leave Mei Mei in her own house next door to you.

Lots of hugs for Midge.

[disraeli ears]

Their dog is a very interesting mix - American Bulldog and Australian Sheppard. I'll have to post a picture.


PLEASE do! :LAUGH:

Good luck with the dog sitting! When I puppy-sat the neighbors' chihuahua last week, it was certainly an experience. But I made sure to give Andy plenty of attention and - as Susan mentioned - Andy got treats first, etc...