For most of us, a dog is not simply a pet but a member of the family. It is all the more important to find a carer you can truly trust.

But how do you actually recognise a good dog sitter?

After all, anyone can claim to like dogs. What matters, however, is how someone interacts with dogs – and whether your dog's needs are truly understood.

A good dog sitter is interested in your dog first

Someone who talks mainly about themselves in the very first conversation is not necessarily the best choice.

Experienced dog sitters ask plenty of questions:

• How old is your dog?

• How does he behave around other dogs?

• Are there any fears or insecurities?

• What habits does he have?

• Are there any health considerations?

These questions do not only show interest. They show that the care is intended to be tailored individually to your dog.

Rapport matters – but it is not everything

Many dog owners decide based on gut feeling.

And rapport does indeed play an important role. You should feel comfortable with a carer.

That said, it is worth looking a little more closely. A friendly manner does not automatically mean someone has experience with dogs. Conversely, some people may initially come across as rather reserved, yet handle dogs with outstanding competence.

The decision should therefore always be based on a combination of trust, experience, and observation.

How does the person behave towards your dog?

The first meeting often reveals more than any profile.

Pay attention to how the carer responds to your dog. A good dog sitter:

• does not impose themselves

• respects the dog's boundaries

• observes first

• gives the dog time

• responds calmly and patiently

Many dogs need a few minutes to assess new people. Someone who immediately tries to force closeness often does not understand how trust develops in dogs.

Experience is helpful – but not everything

Of course, experience can be a great advantage. Even so, the number of dogs cared for is not the only indicator of quality.

At least as important are:

• A sense of responsibility

• Reliability

• Patience

• Communication skills

• An honest awareness of one's own limits

Sometimes a dedicated dog sitter with slightly less experience is the better choice than someone who relies on routine.

A meet-and-greet should be a matter of course

Starting care without a prior introduction is rarely ideal.

A first meeting gives everyone involved the opportunity to get to know each other and clarify expectations.

It is not only about whether the dog takes to the sitter. You should also feel that you can ask questions and be taken seriously.

A good introduction builds trust – long before the actual care begins.

Warning signs to watch out for

Not every carer is the right fit for every dog. The following should at least give you pause:

• Little interest in your dog's needs

• Vague answers to questions

• Lack of reliability when making arrangements

• Pressure to decide quickly

• A lack of transparency

Trust is built through openness. If something does not feel right, it is worth continuing your search.

Trust takes time

Many dog owners search for the perfect carer. In practice, however, it is often about finding someone who is the right fit for your dog.

Some dogs feel particularly at ease with a calm person. Others love active carers who do plenty of activities. The personal fit is therefore often more important than general criteria.

That is precisely why at Liesl we place great value on transparency and personal meetings.

Profiles, reviews, and introductory appointments help you find not just any dog sitter, but someone who suits your dog and your everyday life.

All our sitters are verified – Liesl is committed to quality and trust: sitters apply actively and provide information on experience, motivation, identity, and insurance, among other things.

Every application is reviewed personally. A quiz and webinar are a mandatory part of the process. And as the only dog sitting platform in Switzerland, we offer sitter training through the Liesl Academy.