A Pet Sitter’s Guide to Common Dog Behavior Challenges

One of the keys to being a great sitter is knowing what kind of care you’re comfortable offering—and, by the same token, what kind of care you’re not prepared to offer. Dog behavior challenges can range from mild quirks to more serious concerns, and the behaviors that are a breeze for you to handle might be a nonstarter for another sitter, and vice versa.

This guide covers a range of common dog behavior challenges so you can think through your own comfort zone as a pet sitter and set clear boundaries. Once you know what works for you, don’t forget to update your Rover profile with your preferences so you can find the right matches.

Dog Anxiety

Lots of dogs are a little nervous when they’re with a new pet sitter or walker. A new person, unfamiliar surroundings, or a change in routine can take some getting used to. However, that’s not necessarily the same thing as having an anxiety disorder.

More serious anxiety in a dog might look like:

• Pacing
• Panting
• Shaking
• Hiding
• Excessive barking
• Destructive behavior
• Trouble eating

Some dogs may have separation anxiety and struggle to be alone at all, which can mean they need near-constant companionship and a sitter who’s prepared for that level of care. Before accepting an anxious dog, consider whether you have the time, setup, and experience to meet their needs.

Get a closer look at what caring for an anxious dog can involve in this guide to dog anxiety for pet sitters.

Noise Phobias

Noise phobias, including storm and firework fears, are common in dogs. A dog with a noise phobia may hide, whine, pant, pace, have potty accidents, or even try to escape when they hear rain, thunder, fireworks, or other loud sounds.

Caring for a dog with a noise phobia may take a little extra preparation. Talk with the owner about how their dog typically reacts and what has helped in the past. During a storm or other noisy event, you might have to:

• Create a quiet, comfortable indoor space
• Escape-proof carefully
• Close windows and blinds
• Use a TV, fan, or white noise to help mask the sounds
• Offer a favorite toy or food puzzle as a distraction

For more tips on preparing for storms and helping a fearful dog feel safe, check out this guide to caring for a dog with storm phobia.

Resource Guarding

Some dogs become protective of things they consider valuable, such as food, treats, toys, beds, favorite spots, or even people. Early signs of resource guarding may include:

• Freezing
• Stiffening
• Staring
• Growling
• Show their teeth
• Snapping when someone approaches their prized item or space

Caring for a dog who resource guards often means setting up the home to avoid situations that could trigger conflict. Talk with the owner ahead of time about what their dog guards and if the behavior is triggered by people or other pets.

You may need to feed the dog separately from other pets, put away their favorite toys, or use gates and other barriers to give dogs their own space. If children are in the home, it’s especially important to keep them away from a dog who is resource guarding, since children may not recognize the dog’s warning signs or know when to give them space.

For more tips on recognizing resource guarding and safely managing it while you’re dog sitting, check out this guide to dog resource guarding.

Reactivity & Leash Reactivity

Reactive dogs have stronger-than-expected reactions to certain triggers, like:

• Other dogs
• People
• Bikes
• Cars
• Wildlife
• Loud noises

They may bark, growl, lunge, whine, freeze, or try to get away when they encounter something that makes them uncomfortable. Leash reactivity is a specific type of reactivity that happens when a dog is wearing a leash, often during walks.

Reactivity can look very different from one dog to another, and the severity can range from a pup who simply needs a little extra space to a dog who is difficult to safely manage around other people, dogs, or on walks.

Caring for a reactive dog may mean learning their early warning signs, planning walking routes in areas that are more quiet, keeping plenty of distance from other people and dogs, and using treats or toys to redirect their attention. Before accepting a reactive dog, talk with the owner about what situations are challenging for the dog, what management strategies they use, and whether you’re comfortable handling the dog safely.

For more tips on preparing for walks and managing triggers, check out this guide to caring for leash-reactive dogs.

Destructive Behaviors

Some dogs cope with boredom, stress, anxiety, or being left alone by chewing, scratching, digging, tearing things up, or getting into items they shouldn’t. Destructive behavior can have different causes, so it’s worth asking the owner about when and where it tends to happen. This article on why dogs destroy things can help you learn more about some of the common reasons.

Caring for a dog with destructive tendencies may mean taking a few extra steps to keep them—and your belongings—safe. Ask the owner what their dog typically gets into, then dog-proof your space by putting away tempting items, securing trash and food, hiding cords, and blocking off areas the dog shouldn’t access. You may also need to supervise more closely or use gates and other barriers when you can’t keep a close eye on the dog.

For a closer look at how to prepare your home for curious, chewy, or mischievous pups, check out this guide to dog-proofing your space.

Escape Behaviors

Some dogs are determined escape artists. They may bolt through an open door, squeeze through a fence, slip out of a harness, dig under a gate, or jump a fence when they’re frightened, excited, anxious, or simply curious. Even dogs who have never tried to escape before can behave differently with a new sitter.

Caring for a dog who is prone to escaping starts with finding out what makes them want to run. Ask the owner about any past escape attempts and how they typically handle doors, gates, yards, and walks. You may need to double-check that collars and harnesses fit securely, use gates or other extra barriers around exits to prevent escapes, inspect fences for gaps, and keep dogs leashed or closely supervised outside.

For more tips on spotting potential escape routes and keeping dogs secure at home and on walks, check out this guide to preventing dog escapes.

Aggressive Behaviors

Dogs can display aggressive behaviors for many reasons, including fear, pain, and stress. When they feel threatened or triggered, dogs can react in different ways, including:

• Freezing
• Stiffening
• Staring
• Growling or barking
• Lunging
• Snapping
• Biting

Careful screening is especially important before deciding whether you’re comfortable taking on a booking with a dog with a history of aggressive behaviors. Make sure to ask the owner about the dog’s triggers, reactions, and techniques for management.

Depending on the dog, care might involve avoiding those triggers, giving them plenty of space, keeping them separated from other pets or children, feeding them separately, or creating a quiet area where they can relax. It’s important to be realistic about whether you can safely manage their needs and feel empowered to turn down a booking if it’s not the right fit for you.

For more tips on recognizing signs, screening potential clients, and creating a safe setup, check out this guide to recognizing aggressive behaviors in dogs.

Pain and Handling

Dogs who are experiencing pain or dealing with a medical condition may behave differently than they normally would, especially when someone needs to move or handle them. Arthritis, injuries, and other health issues can make everyday activities more uncomfortable than usual.

Signs of pain in a dog might look like:

• Becoming stiff
• Avoiding touch
• Pulling away
• Growling
• Snapping
• Acting out of character when you try to handle them

Before taking on a dog with medical or mobility needs, ask the owner what kind of hands-on care they’ll need, such as help with medication, putting on a harness, navigating stairs, getting into the car, or moving around the house.

During the stay, pay attention to changes in behavior and let the owner know if something seems unusual or if the dog appears to be in pain. It’s also important to be honest with yourself about whether you’re comfortable and equipped to provide the care the dog needs.

If you’re considering caring for senior dogs or dogs with age-related health needs, check out this guide to senior dog care for more tips.