Helping Your Pet Adjust to a Sitter and Stay Calm While You’re Away

Pets are habitual animals, and even the most self assured cat or dog may be shaken by an abrupt change in the routine, such as the introduction of a new sitter. The good news? Having the correct attitude can pre-set your canine companion and reduce stress in your time of separation.

The following are special, efficient ways of making your pet feel safe in the care of a new person.

1. Practice Short Separations Before the Real Deal

Do not wait till the sitter comes to see how your pet can be alone. Instead, build up gradually:

• Begin by leaving your pet unattended in a secure location even during 5 or 10 minutes.

• Gradually lengthen the period of separation during a few days.

• Relaxation of behavior when you get home, and your pet will learn that you do not have a big deal when you leave.

This is desensitization. This is a process of getting the pets used to it when they are left in the care of the sitter.

2. Choose a Sitter That Fits Your Pet’s Personality

Not all sitters are compatible with all pets. Think beyond availability:

• Active sitters are better suited to energetic dogs as they love long walks and playing.

• The shy or old types of pets may want a sitter who is quiet and moves at their speed.

• Cats might be better seated with sitters who are feline aware.

It can be a difference between choosing a person whose style will suit the temper of your pet.

3. Use Calming Background Sounds

The silence may increase anxiety amongst pets. Noise in the background may give a feeling of normalcy:

• Keep the television on a relaxing station (nature shows are a good idea).

• Soft classical music or white noise.

• There are even streaming sites that have dog television or relaxing pet music.

This contributes to covering external sounds and the environment seems less vacuous.

4. Create “Safe Zones” in the Home

With a specific retreat, you are able to have control of your pet in uncertain times.

In the case of dogs: a small bed or a cozy cage somewhere in a quiet place with favorite things.

In the case of cats: a perch, a cat tree or a room that has hiding places.

In the small pets: confined areas with recognizable smells and things.

Demarcate these areas to the sitter so they can be aware of which areas are most comfortable to your pet.

5. Build Positive Associations With the Sitter

Associate the presence of the sitter with something good to your pet. Before you leave:

• Get the sitter to give special things or snacks.

• Allow them to play a favourite game (such as fetch or feather toys).

• Permit the quiet cuddle time should your pet like to be touched.

The sitter makes you feel less stressed out when your pet considers them a source of joy.

6. Keep Communication Two-Way

The state of your mind directly influences your pet. Ask your sitter to:

• Send photo or video updates.

• Record eating, energy, mood changes.

• Point out some walks or playtime.

• Your pet will not sense your anxiety when you feel relaxed.

7. Reconnect After You Return

The homecoming is a significant event. Do not start with a lot of excitement with your pet. Instead:

• Accept them and get used to it.

• Provide a stroll, playtime or cuddle.

• When your pet appears to be more clingy than normal, be regular but be careful not to over-reward anxiousness.

This middle way re-entry helps to teach your pet that leaving and coming back are part of life.

Final Thoughts

Getting used to a sitter is not only convenient, but it is also a question of safety to the emotional health of your pet. By slow preparation, finding the perfect fit, and considerate re-bonding, your furry family partner can be a success even when you are not around.

The trust of your pet is built step by step, and, being patient, you will learn that you do not have to feel stressed when you spend some time alone.