How to Take Care of a Friend's Dog

If you have no experience with dogs, you may be a little apprehensive about taking care of your friend's dog. If your friend needs help and you have the time, then you should agree to watch the dog. There are a few instructions your friend may give you about what his specific dog's needs are. The rest you can get from this article.

Things You'll Need

  • Collar with a tag
  • Leash
  • Dog food
  • Treats
  • Dog toys
  • Instructions
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Instructions

    • 1

      Ask your friend to leave you a list of instructions that includes a phone number to the dogs Vet in case of emergencies. This list is important because all dogs have their own personality. You also want to be able to handle any emergencies that come up.

    • 2

      Purchase a bag of dog food. Since your friend already has a brand that the dog is use to, you will need to find out what that is. The dog should be fed twice per day: once when you get up in the morning and once around dinner time.

    • 3

      Take the dog out for exercise twice per day for at least 30 minutes each time. A larger dog may require a total of 2 hours of exercise per day. Make sure you can commit this time. You can take the dog for a walk or play fetch at your local dog park.

    • 4

      Allow the dog to sniff you by holding out your hand, and then give the dog a treat. This will let the dog know that you are friendly. Make sure you pet the dog and praise the dog so that he associates something good with you. He will then be happy to please you while your friend is away.

    • 5

      Play with the dog inside the house as well. You can do this by providing some chew toys for the dog or a tug-of-war rope. The more energy your friend's dog exerts doing constructive things, the less likely he is to destroy anything in your home when you are not looking.

    • 6

      Make sure the dog doesn't miss any check-ups at the Vet. It is important that the dog continue to get the vaccinations she needs. Your friend should leave you this information.

    • 7

      Apply flea medication if the dog takes the medication once per month and you have the dog on that day of the month. This is easy to do and there should be instructions on the flea medication. This will make sure the dog, as well as your house, stay flea and tick free.