Are you someone who works long days, away from home for 8 or more hours, and loves coming back to your Goldendoodle but worries they crave more human interaction? Do you find yourself feeling guilty when your plans for long walks or bonding time are replaced by work or unexpected commitments?

Maybe your Goldendoodle is more people-oriented and only tolerates doggy daycare. How much of their day is spent simply waiting for you to return? Somewhere out there might be a senior who adores dogs but isn’t ready to commit to full-time ownership, or someone with extra time and love to give but can’t afford a dog right now. Maybe there’s even a neighbour with a different schedule who could share in caring for your Goldendoodle. Imagine giving your dog a fuller, happier life while also enriching someone else’s day; that’s the heart of dog sharing.

What is Dog Sharing and How is it Different From Fostering a Dog

Dog sharing is when two or more people share the care and companionship of the same dog. It’s often arranged between people with different schedules, for example, a busy professional might share their dog with a retiree or neighbour who has more free time. The goal is to give the dog more attention, exercise, and social interaction while allowing others to enjoy time with a dog without full-time responsibility.

Fostering, on the other hand, means temporarily caring for a dog from a rescue or shelter until it’s adopted. Foster caregivers help dogs adjust to home life and prepare for their forever families.

In short, dog sharing is a partnership between individuals for a shared pet, while fostering supports adoption for dogs in need.

Benefits Of Dog Sharing: Looking Beyond Ourselves And Connecting With Others.

• Dogs provide companionship and purpose that can alleviate loneliness.
• Regular walks and playtime encourage folks to be more active.
• Sharing a dog fosters social connections in your community and with other dog owners. 
• Enhances your dog’s quality of life: Your dog enjoys more attention, stimulation, and affection throughout the day.

How Do You Find Someone Who Might Consider Dog Sharing?

Often, family and friends will be great options, or they will refer you to someone who would be willing to dog share your goldendoodle.  You could reach out to a senior’s club or center and find someone who can’t keep a dog full-time, but would love a dog in their life.  Getting to know your neighbours is an ideal situation for convenience.

How To Set Up A Dog Sharing Arrangement.

1. Take some time to get to know each other and see if you have similar values in the responsibilities in caring for dogs and can work well together.  Visit each other a few times, and go for walks together with your dog to help your dog bond with someone new.  Ensure that your dog is compatible with this person as well.
2. Open and honest communication is key!  Have detailed conversations about responsibilities, expectations and boundaries, to create a plan that works well for both parties.  Ensure regularly that both parties and the dog is content with how things are going. 
3. Define Responsibilities:  Who is responsible for vet bills, (if something occurs on their watch.)  Who feeds the dog, what treats are given and who pays for the food?  Always communicate!
4. Establish a routine, talk about potential changes in routines, and what happens in a case of emergency (for human and dog). Create a plan for the dog, what expectations there are for walks and other adventures, training and what that looks like. 
5. Rules and consistency. Ensure clear communication of the boundaries and rules you want for your dog. Especially if it is still a pup, there must be clear instructions on your expectations. Perhaps have them read some of the books on my reading list, so that you are thinking more along the same lines. 
6. Plans for pick-ups and drop-offs.  Plan a schedule if possible and communicate backup plans for unexpected changes. 
7. If you are starting a shared dog plan with a puppy, routines may be easier to establish, but there must be a lot more communication to ensure there is consistency in the training. 
8. You must be flexible.  Be open-minded and know that your dog’s and people’s needs and abilities change over time. 
9. Start with a trial period to see how everyone, including the dog, is adapting to this sharing adventure.  Take time to communicate and assess often.
10. Perhaps a written contract is what will help make both parties feel more at ease.  

Making Dog Sharing Work for You and Your Goldendoodle

Dog sharing doesn’t work for every dog, and some may take longer to adjust than others. Always consider your Goldendoodle’s physical, social, and mental well-being, and seek professional advice if you’re unsure how to approach it.

Dog sharing can be a rewarding experience when done with careful planning and mutual respect. Prioritizing communication, consistency, and your dog’s welfare is key to a successful shared arrangement.

If nothing else, spread the word in your community, connect with your neighbours, and make the world a better place, one Goldendoodle at a time!

If you have any questions about dog sharing or would like guidance on how to make it work for your Goldendoodle, feel free to reach out to Sonia or Dean at Hearty K9s. Or if you’re considering adding a new furry friend to your family, check out our current Goldendoodle litters.