Advice on how to deal with this please?

I would say that if you're generally happy to look after the dogs then that's fine UNLESS it interferes with something YOU want to do. There is absolutely NO reason why you should curtail your life for your neighbours. No reason at all because that would make you a doormat and you're not.

So if you feel they have overstepped the mark, (and it does sound like they have otherwise you wouldn't be writing about it in here) I would go back to them and say, yes, this date and that date will be fine BUT you will have to find someone else on X dates because I intend to book some time away myself and that date will be impossible for me.

Some people may be offended by straight speaking but to be honest, although straight speakers have sometimes offended me in the past, I actually prefer it (once I get over being offended ) because it means everyone knows where they are, and knows what they should or should not plan without putting others out or overstepping the mark. Being straight with people gives the opportunity to find the right thing for everyone concerned and avoids resentment and stress.

So I would say, "Wow, you're going away a lot this year! How lovely! I'm thinking of doing similar! So for this reason I'm happy to look after them on x and x but I'm intending to book a holiday myself and I'm not certain what dates are available for me yet. So as much as I would like to help you on all the dates you've given, some of them are going to be impossible." And then I would be quiet and let them come up with their own solution.

You have been a wonderful neighbour helping them out previously, but as others say they are using you and you need to listen to your own gut in this. We all want to be liked and not to rock the boat but as you say they are two lively dogs, and what would happen if you fell and broke something or you were unwell, or you want just to not be tied? It’s putting a huge burden on you from the sounds of it, and placing you and the dogs in potentially not good situations. You say they would help you out any time well doesn’t sound like they’ll be available to do that anyway, and even if they were as friends you still don’t need to earn that help by dog sitting. They have chosen to have these pets and need to make accommodation for their care not involving you, you need to chose the best life for you- we only get one don’t we! There have been many suggestions as how to approach them in here I wish you well.

Please make sure they have their dogs insured and I would make sure I was also insured against any problems that could arise whilst in your care!! Dogs have escaped/been injured/died in professional kennels, so it is always a possibility.

I’d remind them that the dog’s state of mind could be affected. It’s unfair to leave a ( presumably) well socialised pet on his/her own for such long periods.

Good grief. Your neighbours are so irresponsible. Are the dogs insured? Surely, if they are, leaving them for such long periods of time invalidates the insurance. Years ago I left my dogs for two weeks and arranged for a dog walker to check them once a day and my family also checked/walked them. I felt it was better than putting them in kennels. When I returned from holiday it turned out that one of them had developed pancreatitis and nearly died. Ever since then I’ve been paranoid about holidaying without my dogs and feel awful about the trouble I put my dog sitter/family to. But above all I’ve never forgiven myself for not being there for my dog: it still haunts me. It’s totally unreasonable/irresponsible to go away for six weeks at a time and passing on the responsibility of looking after the dogs to the OP.

Realised there are two dogs, but consideration of their emotions should still be important.

Obviously , animals prefer to be in their own homes , so with that in mind tell them about
Trusted Housesiters
Amazing people who will look after their much loved pets, and their house. Good Luck, you are an amazing neighbour

Op

What if you get hurt while taking care of them?

Huge liability you are risking.

I think it’s time to play the age card. My DH walked my DD’s very well behaved large dog once a week for a few months and he was very glad to be able to stop when her circumstances changed. DH is 74 and fit for his age but age has caught up with him (and me) and we’ve decided not to have anymore dogs of our own. You say they’re supportive when they’re around but it doesn’t seem as if they’re going to be around very much!

Aside from taking the piss do they really think that’s a healthy environment for their dogs? Hardly any human interaction for weeks on end. It sounds like you’re doing a great job but it’s not the same as living with your humans. They really should consider rehoming the dogs with someone who wants to spend time with them.

Having dogs just isn’t compatible with going away by yourself. Dogs miss their owners dreadfully. (So do cats, apparently!) Dogs are very sociable, you’re probably not doing them much of a favour by enabling their family to leave them while they go on holiday.

Blimey, what a cheek! Talk about taking you for granted. I'd politely tell them that you can manage the odd date they've given you and suggest they use a company like Housesitters UK or Trusted Housesitters for the other dates. We use them to look after our house and cats whilst we're away and it works a treat. The former are completely free and the latter charge a registration fee. It works a bit like a one sided house swap. We find people love to come to another part of the country/world and enjoy our home and its comforts in return for mowing the lawns & giving the cats plenty of love & attention. It's possibly something your neighbours haven't come across before.

Please don’t offer any excuses - I’m sure they might try to talk you out of them. Just be firm and say you no longer wish to do it. You say yourself that you are finding controlling two lively dogs on their walks difficult now, so that is your very valid reason (not an excuse), to stop. If they pulled you over, you could seriously hurt yourself.

Wyllow3

Yes, nice on too, if you need to call a halt ti it all.
I see what you did there 😂

I can see that you want to remain on good terms with your neighbours, and would like their support for you to continue. If that is important to you then I think its best to compromise rather than take too hard a line and provoke a falling out. You have looked after the dogs for two weeks so you can easily draw the line there and explain you cant do anything longer. I look after DDs animals when they are away, but its a lot of responsibility - actually more responsibility than if they were your own pets. I know because I always heave a sigh of relief when DDs family return and I can hand the animals back intact! I think people are actually more considerate to you if you are firm but friendly about your limits and boundaries. If you are not, they simply take you for granted and dont appreciate what you are doing.

I would say that you are unable to commit anymore, but here is the website of people who will come and look after their dogs for free in exchange for free accommodation? They are all vetted/DBS checked, and have saved us a fortune over the years, plus we get our house and garden looked after by some wonderful people who take a pride in leaving it spotless with happy pets

I have no interest in the company, BTW, just very grateful they exist!

www.housesittersuk.co.uk/

Lots of excellent advice here, what a nerve some people have got. Also, as a dog lover, I feel it's not fair on the dogs to be left so much.

They are taking the p.ss !

I would just tell them which I can do (ie want to do) and let them sort out the rest.

they are not your friends.
they view you as easy prey whom they can use.
just
say no.
get yourself some real friends.
while you are still mobile, free yourself from this yoke of servitude, explore univ third age, WI, hearing children read, knit and natter, etc.
i have seen this all too often.
and it makes me mad.
rich people using sweeter, often older people, often with an air of condescension, as if the used should be grateful for the connection.
don't fool yourself; they look down on the little people.
you don't need them.

I agree with the majority view on here. If you really want to dog-sit occasionally I would draw the line at a long weekend- ie maximum 4 days. Any longer and the responsibility is too much and it’s not fair on the dogs.
I’m only 65 and would probably enjoy that length of time with the dogs now and then, but any longer and I would be exhausted and stressed. That’s why I decided we wouldn’t have another dog of our own.

There is being a wee bit cheeky and then there is taking total advantage of your kindness. I would return the list and let them know you cannot commit to watching the dogs again any time soon. Say you plan to travel yourself this year and you can't just take off if you have other peoples dogs. Then change the subject

imagine if, having studied the list, you gave them a list of their at home dates when they were to come in every day to feed your goldfish/caged bird.
how do think that would go down.
they have been totally exploiting you. #
don't collude in it any longer.
you are worth as much as they are.
you time, your life, is as valuable as theirs.

Beckett Presumably you were too shocked to say anything at the time - I certainly would have been taken aback by such a presumption.
.

I think your idea of inviting them round is a good one. You could perhaps start by saying, having thought about their request, you realise that it will be far too much for you to look after their dogs on so many occasions, but that you are willing to do ....... (whatever dates and periods of time you feel you want to commit to). If it were me, I would not want to do more than a long weekend.

Even though they have been very helpful to you, it really is a liberty to take your help for granted in this way. It is rather insulting because it suggests they think you have nothing better to do at your age - when I am quite sure you have. Dog walking doesn't include that - especially when it's cold and raining.

Somebody on here mentioned Trusted House Sitters. I haven't used the service but a friend at choir has and recommends it.

I’m shocked that any dog owner could see leaving them with you looking in, walking, putting indoors at night ok in the first place. It would be ok for 24 hours in emergency.
The idea it would be ok for 6 weeks is bonkers. Dogs are sociable, they love their people

My dog boarder charges £30 a night for my first dog, reducing for the second so I pay £50 every overnight. They live in with her, they’re walked an hour morning, same in the evening. They do to the pub/cafe with her. She has an agility course on her enclosed field, so they get obedience type training as well. She’s insured, properly qualified.
I’ve used excellent local kennels £40 a night for my 2.

Don’t do it Beckett. I hope you can say no and that be accepted. It really isn’t your problem. Cheeky f…….