Choose someone for the actual responsibilities
Explain your dog’s routine, handling preferences and any situations that are difficult. Ask how the sitter manages walks, other dogs, household access and emergencies. If your dog needs specialist support, be honest about that rather than assuming general enthusiasm for dogs is enough.
Agree which tasks are included and who makes decisions if plans change. Confirm contact details, timing and any backup person. Veterinary instructions should come from your vet and be clearly available; a sitter should not have to interpret an informal message about changing medication or treating a new symptom.
Make the introduction useful rather than ceremonial
Arrange a calm meeting at a suitable time. Let the dog approach voluntarily while you explain the normal layout and boundaries. A dog taking one treat does not establish that every later task will be easy. Walk through the actual lead attachment, door sequence and feeding setup the sitter will use.
Where appropriate, try a brief shared outing or a small part of the care routine while you are available to help. Notice which details need clarification. Perhaps the front gate closes slowly, or the dog rests better when the television is off. Concrete observations are more useful than describing the dog as simply good or difficult.
Leave an arrangement that can adapt
Provide concise written notes and accessible supplies, and explain how to contact you or another responsible person. Give the sitter permission to simplify a walk or use the agreed backup plan if the dog seems uncomfortable. Avoid making an ambitious activity list that encourages them to push through warning signs.
For a dog that finds separation difficult, arrange care that matches their current needs and seek qualified guidance rather than relying on a first sitter visit to solve the problem. Afterwards, ask what was straightforward and what was not. Update the handover while the details are fresh so the next visit begins with a better shared understanding.
