Dog sitting puppies: tips and tricks

Updated 21/02/2024

Landing a chance to be a puppy sitter is a dream come true for most people. Who can say no to those soft, squishy faces, roly-poly tummies, and little baguette legs? But, as a wise man once said, ‘With great puppy playtime power comes great responsibility’, or something like that!

Dog-sitting puppies can be an extra cuddly and fun experience, but it also requires a lot of responsibility and patience. Although dog-sitting a puppy means lots of silliness, it also needs discipline from their new pet pal sitter. They may be small now, but one day they’ll be bigger and it’s easier to learn the dos and don’ts whilst they're still babies.

Let’s think tiny paw thoughts, and learn more about puppy dog sitting and how you can be the best baby puppy sitter in town.

How to dog-sit a puppy

For pet parents with a new fluffy family member, finding the right sitter who’s up to the task is important. As much fun as puppy sitting is, it’s also tiring and requires more pet-focused time than an adult dog sit. Here are a few furry tips and tricks on how best to prepare for your puppy sit.

Pet parents can make a daily puppy plan

Preparing for a puppy sit is super im-paw-tant. Before you arrive to meet and greet with your new fur baby friend, ask as much about the pupper as possible - where are they with training, are there any naughty or good behaviors to be aware of, how do they like to play, when and what do they eat, do they have any medical issues, and so on.

If the pet parents haven’t done so already, ask them for a daily puppy plan to help you and the pupper work together to make their day a fruitful and enjoyable one. You should also have a look at our guide to puppy training for beginners. Even if you’ve done puppy sitting before, it doesn’t hurt to refresh yourself on some top-tail training tips.

Ask the pet parents about training

Every day is a school day for a puppy - before their pet parents leave you and the fluff ball to bond, be sure to check where they’re at with things like bathroom time, meal routine training, leash training, command training, or anything else you’ll need to keep up with. If they’re very young, basic toilet training and meal etiquette may be all that’s needed, however, always check with their pup parents first.

Consistency is key to puppy sitting

Puppy energy is real and is very easy to be caught up in the frantic energy our precious puppy pals bring to every interaction. Don’t let them distract you, remember you’re the dog sitter who’s here to keep a consistent routine and keep them safe. Being consistent with their routine is a vital part of their training and it also keeps them happy. If they can follow the same pattern of events each day, they’ll feel more secure and settled. Remember that puppies will need to eat, sleep, and toilet more frequently than adult dogs.

Keeping a puppy safe environment

Most pet parents will have puppy-proofed their home before you’ve arrived, but this should be something you check on throughout each day. Make sure their pen and play area has all wires or dangly ornaments out of paw reach, any breakables are stored away, any sharp corners are covered up, and there are plenty of soft places to sleep. Check puppy toys regularly to make sure they are still suitable and safe, as play and chewing can lead to damage including loose stuffing, sharp edges, and more.

Similarly, keep them away from stairs or ledges, as many pups have a habit of tripping over even on flat, ground-level surfaces. If there are any spills or messes, make sure they’re cleared up quickly, and don’t use any strong cleaning products, especially those containing bleach.

Socialized is always important

If you’re puppy sitting on a long-term sit, part of your pup plan may be to make sure they have time to interact with other puppers and people. You can easily do this on their daily walk, but also ask their pet parents if they have any special pup pals they like to hang out with. Be sure to spend time during the day playing and interacting with them too, it’s a great way to teach them how to make new friends and be comfortable around people.

Playtime is a big part of puppy-sitting

Puppies and playtime go together like peas and carrots! A vital part of puppy-sitting is making sure you guys have a great time playing fetch, tug of war, or even a few basic puzzle toys. Pups need to learn what’s considered safe play through paw-sitive reinforcement - good behaviors that are not aggressive can be rewarded with more play and plenty of belly rubs. Don’t overdo it though - puppies need ample rest and sleep to support their growth and development.

Meet our veterinary expert, Lizzie

This article has been checked by veterinarian Lizzie Youens BSc (Hons) BVSc MRCVS. Lizzie graduated from the University of Bristol in 2011, and has been working in first opinion companion animal practice. She has worked in a variety of clinics across the UK, from large hospitals to small branch practices. She enjoys doing a mixture of medicine, surgery and emergency work. Lizzie currently works in a small rural practice where she enjoys working in a close-knit community.