Dogsharing: One Dog, Two Owners 

We’ve seen carsharing, jobsharing, homesharing, and foodsharing – so why not dogsharing? But is it possible to share a dog? 

Some dog lovers might initially find the idea rather far-fetched, but it has become a hugely successful model. Particularly in big cities, where living spaces are cramped, work cannot often be done from home, and people lack the time to take their own dogs to the forest, dogsharing is incredibly popular. 

But how does the “pooch-partnering model” work exactly? What are the pros and cons of dogsharing for dog owners and dog enthusiasts? And what about the dogs themselves – how are they affected? Let’s take a closer look. 

What Does Dogsharing Mean? 

In dogsharing, two or more people living in separate households share a dog. Or, rather, they share the care of the pooch. If a dog owner doesn’t have enough time for their pet, a dogsharing partner can step in to walk, feed, and give the dog attention when the owner can’t. 

Unlike dogsitting, where a sitter occasionally takes the dog for a walk, a dog usually spends significantly more time with a dogsharing partner. Thus, the relationship between the dog and the caregiver is usually more intense. In dogsharing, the dog has multiple people to rely on and lives in two different households – a “patchwork” scenario for the pooch. 

Patchwork for the Dog – Can It Work Out? 

Critics of dogsharing always question whether this patchwork model is truly beneficial for such a social creature as a dog. After all, a dog is not a car that, like in carsharing, simply changes drivers. It matters who holds its lead and who is there for it. This is indisputable. 

Yet, proponents of dogsharing say this is precisely where the advantage lies. Dogs generally dislike being alone, as they are highly attuned to their humans. In their absence, a dog feels something is missing. A dogsharing partner can fill this void. 

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Requirements for Successful Dogsharing

The most important factor in dogsharing is that the dog builds trust with its second owner and accepts them as another point of reference. The dog must listen to them just as well as it does to its main owner. 

But the relationship between the people sharing the dog also needs to be right. Without mutual fondness and trust, dogsharing can’t succeed in the long run. 

Take Time for Introductions

Handing over your pooch to the first dog lover you meet won’t cut it. It takes time for both the two-legged and four-legged parties to build trust. Before the dog moves into its “second home” for several hours or days, there should be multiple visits. 

During these visits, the dog can calmly familiarize itself with the dogsharing partner, while the dog owner and dog friend get to know each other and iron out key details of the dogsharing partnership. 

Purchasing a Dog Together – Is That Possible?

In most dogsharing arrangements, a dog owner looks for an additional caregiver for their pet, with main responsibilities like paperwork, insurance, or vet visits still resting with them. 

However, there are also individuals who desire a dog but, on their own, lack sufficient time. A dogsharing partner who takes on the other half of the dog care could be a way to still fulfil their wish. It’s crucial that both parties are aware of their joint responsibilities. 

Besides the fundamental questions of buying a dog, such as which breed is suitable or whether to choose a puppy or an adult dog from a shelter, all the surrounding details need to be clearly structured and divided among the two owners. 

Important Agreements Between Dogsharing Partners

A dogsharing partnership should be well-planned. The more specifically you express your desires and rules for dogsharing, the lower the risk of conflict. 

Beforehand, the following questions should be answered: 

• Who is the main owner of the dog? 
• Who pays the dog tax and insurance? 
• What type of food does the dog eat, when and how often should it be fed? 
• Will the food costs for the dog be shared? 
• How often and for how long should the dog be taken for walks? 
• Who takes care of the vet bills? (Especially if it relates to treatment following an accident that occurred while with the co-owner.) 
• On which days and at what times will the dog handover take place? 
• What training methods are in place? What is the dog allowed and not allowed to do? 

Tip: Keep the agreements made in writing as much as possible. Taking care of a dog is a highly emotional matter, and conflicts between dogsharing partners can never be entirely ruled out. 

Routine for Dogsharing Dogs 

A routine schedule is important for dogs. So even in dogsharing, a certain routine is vital. Similar feeding and walking times make the transition between its two owners much easier for the pooch. 

It also helps – especially at the start – if familiar items such as the dog’s blanket, basket, and favourite toys accompany the canine to the co-owner’s home. 

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Is Dogsharing Suitable for All Dogs? 

If a dog is very attached to its owner, tends to suffer from separation anxiety, and gets stressed or nervous around other people, dogsharing might not be a fitting model. 

If you notice that your dog struggles with the change of residence, for example, if it doesn’t accept the dogsharing partner, becomes quickly aggressive or loses its appetite, you should forgo dogsharing and seek another solution for both you and your pet. 

How Do I Find a Suitable Dogsharing Partner? 

“Dog lover seeks furry friend”, “Family seeks dog for part-time care” or “Dog enthusiast offers help with your dog’s care”: Social networks, neighbourhood groups or online platforms have numerous listings from people who love dogs but can’t have one of their own. 

Often, these are individuals who have grown up with animals or have previously had a dog. Sometimes parents also wish for their children to build a rapport with dogs without the commitment of having a “full-time” dog. This is an excellent opportunity for child-friendly dogs who live with a single individual or a childless couple to play with little humans who love running and frolicking just as much as they do. 

The living conditions or family structures of the two dogsharing partners don’t have to match. Even a dog that lives in a bustling, child-filled home can appreciate the quiet and tranquillity found in a single, dog-friendly household. 

Conclusion: Many Advantages and A Few Disadvantages of Dogsharing 

A well-functioning dogsharing arrangement has many benefits. It allows people to have a dog without having to care for the pet around the clock. For the dog, there’s another steady source of care and attention. 

At the same time, individuals who do not own a dog can spend quality time with an animal thanks to dogsharing. And the dogs themselves? They spend less time alone and receive lots of love and attention. 

Drawbacks of dogsharing arise if any party suffers: This can be the dog missing its owner too much, the main owner becoming jealous for no longer being the sole figure in the dog’s life, or the co-owner forming such a strong bond with the dog that they find it hard to let go. 

However, with good agreements, thorough planning, and open conversations, these issues can fortunately be resolved. It is essential that all decisions are made for the welfare of your dog.