🐾 How to Prepare Your Dog for a New Pet Sitter or Walker

Whether you're hiring a professional dog walker for daily visits or bringing in a pet sitter while you're away, introducing someone new into your dog’s life can feel like a big transition — for both of you!

At Downtown Pittsburgh Dogs, we know how important it is that your pup feels safe, comfortable, and happy with their new caregiver.
Here’s how you can help make the first few visits a tail-wagging success.

🐶 1. Schedule a Meet & Greet First

Before the first official walk or visit, we always recommend a casual, no-pressure meet and greet. This gives your dog a chance to:

• Smell, sniff, and check out their new friend

• Get familiar with the person’s voice and energy

• Build trust before being left alone with them

This simple intro sets the tone for a positive relationship and lets us understand your dog’s body language, preferences, and personality right away.

🦴 2. Share Key Info About Your Dog’s Routine

Dogs are creatures of habit. The more we can mimic your dog's normal schedule and routine, the better!
Before the first visit, make sure your sitter or walker knows:

• Preferred walk times and routes

• Feeding schedule and amounts

• Favorite toys or games

• Any quirks (e.g., barks at mail trucks, doesn’t like skateboards)

• Medical needs, allergies, or medications

At Downtown Pittsburgh Dogs, we keep all this info securely on file so every visit feels familiar.

🏡 3. Do a Walkthrough of Your Home Setup

Walk your sitter through the essentials:

• Where the leash, harness, and poop bags are kept

• Where treats or food are stored

• Emergency contacts (vet name, number, etc.)

• Favorite nap spots, crates, or cozy corners

• Doors, locks, or alarms they need to know about

Clear instructions help us focus on your dog — not fumbling for the treat jar!

🐾 4. Leave a Comfort Item Nearby

If your dog is prone to separation anxiety, leave a blanket, shirt with your scent, or favorite toy nearby.
These little comforts make a huge difference during the first few visits while your pup adjusts to the new routine.

🧸 5. Start with a Short Visit Before You Leave for Long Periods

Before heading out on a long trip, schedule a few short walks or drop-in visits first.
This gives your dog time to get used to their new buddy while you’re still nearby — making the transition smoother and less stressful.

🐕 6. Keep Goodbyes Low-Key

It might be tempting to make a big fuss before leaving, but dogs take emotional cues from us.
Keep departures short, calm, and positive so your pup doesn’t associate them with anxiety.

✅ 7. Expect Updates (And Ask Questions!)

With Downtown Pittsburgh Dogs, you’ll always receive a real-time update after each visit — complete with notes, photos, and tail-wag stats.
Communication is key, and we’re always here to answer questions and make adjustments as needed.

❤️ Let’s Make Your Dog’s Transition Easy and Stress-Free

Every dog is unique, and our job is to learn what makes yours feel safe, loved, and happy.
We treat every pet like our own — with patience, consistency, and lots of belly rubs.

📞 Ready to get started? Schedule your free meet & greet today and let’s give your dog the personalized care they deserve!