How should I organize the first meeting with a dog owner?

If you have already corresponded or spoken to the local dog owner and would like to set up a first meeting, please adhere to these guidelines for the best results:

• Suggest meeting in a public place. Preferably a natural outdoor environment rather than a cramped café or coffee shop.
• Make sure the dog owner brings his/her dog, after all, it’s you who has to get on well with the dog. That way it becomes immediately clear whether the chemistry, authority and heartiness are there.
• Even if you and your new four-legged acquaintance don’t jump with joy at the first meeting, or you’re a little unsure how to deal with the dog’s peculiarities – it’s no problem: Happy Puppy members often meet several times for walks or on visits to the owner’s home before the borrower is ready to look after a particular dog. If it’s not a good match, you can still cancel any further meetings.
• Accept the fact that a dog owner may request several 3-way meetings before he/she entrusts you with his/her dog. There has to be trust if someone is going to leave you in charge of such a close family member. It’s time you’ll need to give the dog owner to get to know you.