I’ve been in the position where I’ve had to hire pet sitters, board my dogs at facilities, of course use veterinarians, and employee outside help with my dogs. I cannot fathom, after having dogs most of my life from childhood. How someone, could understand the responsibility and liabilities of caring for a dog especially if they’ve never had to do it for their own. I’m also in a position now where I care for other peoples dogs. I believe having my own experiences have better prepared me for taking care of other dogs.
There are many situations that would never happen in volunteering at a shelter/visiting with a friend or seeing a dog on a short term voluntary basis that could happen when having your dog in the home or in a home environment. Things that people just would not know about.I personally would prefer they have pets of their own to allow me to see their pets and know if they look taken care of to the level that I am requiring. Everyone has a different view when it comes to their pets and so long as it is clear as to how their pets are taken care of, it will be a good bet yours will be taken care of in the same manner.
Now on the in the case of a veterinarian, you’re not going to be able to see their pets, but just about every veterinarian I have used has gave me some antidote information or reference their pet in some way.
I just believe having a dog is the only way you truly understand the responsibility. Yes I understand being a dog professional would cause you to get burn out. You work with dogs all day and then you come home and have to care for your dog in the evening but I feel like if you truly have a passion for dogs that’s not going to bother you.
I also believe experience is the best teacher especially in a situation where you’re working with live bodies. Books, information online and things like that are not going to prepare you for the real experience of caring for a live dog, not to mention so many professionals in the Dog community are in regulated. How would anyone even know the level of training the person has had?I also believe experience is the best teacher especially in a situation where you’re working with live bodies. Books, information online and things like that are not going to prepare you for the real experience of caring for a live dog, not to mention so many professionals in the Dog community are in regulated. How would anyone even know the level of training the person has had?
I also think there’s a difference between I had a dog and it passed away or at this time in my life I don’t have a dog then I’ve never had a dog at all. I understand there’s no way to truly know that but still it is a red flag.
Really I believe if someone has never had a dog, in their whole life, and wants to be a groomer, dog trainer, or some thing where they work with dogs all day it makes me think they’re in it for money not a passion for what they’re doing, this could lead to abuse, neglect, or safety issues.
Neglect, a person who does not have a dog with them and has not saw a facets of dog life in existence can not fully comprehend all the needs that the dog has on a regular basis. Abuse, it would be easy to be frustrated with a dog‘s behavior if you are not used to it and do not know how to take certain precautions and protocols to keep your material items, your person, the dog and anyone else safe.
Safety, a person who does not have a dog might not know things that are poisonous to dogs, not know the signs of a dog being in distress either medically or physically, and may not know how to dog proof their home correctly. Not to mention they would probably underestimate the abilities of the average dog.
Why do I have these concerns, remember yourself when you got that first dog,yourself as a green dog owner your first dog maybe even your second think of how much you’ve learned over the years and how many mistakes you made from lack of knowledge. Now it was your dog but if you’re paying someone to take care of that dog and those things happen number one you expect them to know better and you expect them to be educated and experienced enough not to make those minor mistakes. You might be really forgiving and can overlook things, but if you’re paying for a service you expect it to be top notch especially if it’s taking care of your beloved family member.
I understand lack of experience can be rough. If I’m paying for a service I want Great service. Things are expensive these days. Not to mention it’s a huge responsibility. I also know the average dog owner is not going to take as good care of my dog is used to. I see how little basic dog owners know? If someone’s on their first dog or maybe even their second there’s so many things you learn by experience not to mention I’ve been in situations were veterinarians, groomers and other dog professionals have not done a good job so my standards are even higher in that situation. I understand everybody needs grace and understanding and we all make mistakes. That’s not what I’m saying but set the situation up for success not started out on failures edge from the very beginning. Everyone Hass to do what’s best for them and if you’re fully happy with a groomer, veterinarian, or other dog care worker who does not have a dog of their own that’s fine I’m just giving you my point of you.
Here are some things to think about. Think about how many dogs are dying from being left in hot cars. Veteran dog owners who have owned dogs for a long time. Dogs who do not have clean water to drink or not offered water often enough especially in warm weather. Dogs who are dying at grooming facilities, dogs that are misdiagnosed at veterinarian medical facilities how many dogs have died under the care of Rover and wag sitters who are required to have no regulation. Someone who literally has never owned a dog or took care of a dog can get on there and become a rover sitter I saw it myself. not to mention at least in my state veterinarian technicians and Assistance are required to have no regulation. Basically you can go in off the street and get a job doing these jobs. same with groomers. So if these people haven’t even had a dog how on earth are we to even have a way of some sort of peace of mind trusting our dogs in the hands of these so-called professionals.?
Paws of Happiness 