Expert Tips for Pet Sitting or Walking a Nervous Dog

Have you ever received a request to care for an anxious dog? For pet sitters, nervous dogs can be tough guests. It’s hard to know how to make them comfortable.

The good news is that some prep work up front can make a big difference—so next time an anxious client comes calling, you’ll be ready.

In this guide, we’ll review a checklist of questions for owners that can help you start bookings with anxious dogs on the right foot. We’ll also cover tips for creating a calm environment at home, taking safe walks, and communicating with clients.

Know the Signs of Dog Anxiety

The first step to help an anxious dog is getting a good grasp on the signs of dog stress. Dogs convey nervousness primarily through body language and vocalizations.

Some stress signals will be clear and obvious, like:

• Trembling
• Whining or howling
• Excessive barking
• Pacing
• Destructive behavior like chewing, shredding, or digging
• Hiding
• Urinating or defecating indoors
• Raised hackles
• Tucking their tail
• Cowering

There are also subtler stress signals that are easy to miss, including:

• Lip licking
• Yawning
• Pinned ears
• Scratching
• Overgrooming
• Panting
• Drooling
• Whale eyes (showing the whites of their eyes)
• Lack of appetite
• Avoiding eye contact
• Turning their head away
• Rigid posture

Ask Detailed Intake Questions

To care for an anxious dog, there are some things you’ll want to know from the owner, including the dog’s specific triggers, how their anxiety manifests, and what tools and techniques can help.

For example, you might want to ask some of the following:

• Does your dog have chronic anxiety, or is it more situational?
• What specific things trigger your dog’s anxiety (other dogs, people, objects, certain noises, being alone, etc.)?
• What does your dog do when they’re anxious (hide, bark, become destructive, etc.)?
• What’s the best way to respond to their nervousness or anxiety?
• Do you use any calming tools (Thundershirt, noise machine, medicine, pheromone diffusers, calming treats, frozen KONG or lick mat, etc.)?
• Are there particular walking routes you take to avoid triggers?
• Are there any escape risks or safety concerns?
• Do they bite or get aggressive when nervous?
• Are they anxious around children or other pets?
• (For puppies) Is your puppy going through a fear period?

Create a Calm Indoor Environment

If you’ll be boarding a nervous dog in your home, it helps to prepare a safe space for the dog in advance. This gives them a quiet place to retreat when they’re feeling overwhelmed. You might use a crate (for crate-trained dogs), a closet, a spare bedroom, or a dog bed in a low-traffic area.

Fill this safe space with comfort items, like cozy blankets, favorite toys, and a personal item from the owner that carries their scent.

Include owner-approved enrichment activities like puzzle feeders, snuffle mats, lick mats, or chews. These tools distract nervous pups by keeping their bodies and minds occupied with naturally soothing behaviors—rather than fretting or destroying things.

Finally, consider blocking outside triggers. Close the windows and blinds so the dog doesn’t get spooked by passing dogs. You can also play white noise or music to muffle stressful sounds.

Build Trust Slowly

The key to building trust with a nervous dog is to let the dog set the pace. These dogs need a patient approach, so tread lightly and take things slowly.

Here are some ways you can build trust over time:

• Keep arrivals and departures low-key. Dramatic entrances can overwhelm an anxious dog, and drawn-out goodbyes can make them feel worse about being alone.
• Let the dog make the first contact. When you arrive, resist the urge to embrace the dog or make a big fuss (it’s hard, we know). Instead, let the dog approach you on their terms, and offer pets only after the dog has made contact.
• Keep your body language relaxed. The goal is to appear non-threatening. Move slowly and predictably, and avoid making sudden or exaggerated movements.
• Use a soft tone. Speak to the dog quietly in a soothing tone.
• Reinforce calm behavior. Offer treats and gentle praise when the dog displays relaxed behavior, like lying next to you or encountering a trigger without barking. Positive reinforcement can also help the dog associate your presence with good things.
• Respect boundaries. Never force interactions—not with you, not with other pets, and not with other people. If a dog seems hesitant to approach, give them space.
• Maintain the dog’s routine. Dogs find comfort in predictability. Follow their usual schedule for meals, walks, naps, and playtime.
• Schedule a practice stay. Before longer bookings, consider arranging a short trial visit. Spending a few hours together can help the dog get used to you and might be gentler than jumping right into a weeklong stay.
• Stay calm and be patient. Dogs are highly empathic and dialed into our emotions. If you seem relaxed, they’ll pick up on that, and it may help settle their nerves.

Manage Walks Carefully

For some anxious dogs, walks can be a challenge. Here’s what you can do to keep stress to a minimum:

• Take a practice walk with the owner. Before a booking, ask the owner if they’re willing to join you for a practice walk. This can help the dog become familiar with you and give you a better picture of the strategies they use.
• Ensure gear is secure. To prevent a nervous dog from wriggling out of their harness, make sure it’s on correctly and fitted properly. Don’t be shy about asking the owner for a demonstration.
• Choose quiet, low-stimulus routes. When possible, avoid high-traffic areas with lots of other dogs. Instead, walk in an office park or school lot after hours. You might also try walking during less busy times, like the early morning or late evening.
• Limit interactions. It’s not your job to train an anxious or reactive dog. In most cases, it’s best to avoid interactions with other people and animals that could be triggering or frightening.
• Use distractions. Can’t avoid a trigger? With the owner’s approval, give the dog treats and offer positive reinforcement.
• Monitor the dog for signs of stress. If they seem overwhelmed or uncomfortable, it’s okay to cut the walk short.
• Consider other exercise options. In some cases, a walk may just be too stressful. Ask the owner if they’re okay with you swapping a walk for an alternative activity like fetch, tug-of-war, scent work, playing with a flirt pole, or other indoor games.

Track Behavior & Communicate Clearly

Part of your role as a sitter is letting clients know how their dog is doing while they’re away. Owners of anxious dogs may be particularly eager to hear how their pet is handling their absence. You may want to track and relay details like:

• Reactions to triggers. Note which triggers elicit a negative response and the extent of the dog’s reaction. This helps the owner know if their dog is more reactive when they’re gone.
• Calming tactics that worked. Record any de-escalation techniques or tools that worked for you. If it’s a strategy the owner shared, they’ll be happy to hear you’re following their guidelines. If it’s a new strategy they haven’t tried before, they’ll be doubly happy to have another tactic in their anxiety toolkit.
• Changes in normal behavior. Track changes in the dog’s energy level, eating habits, or mood. If you notice that the dog is more lethargic, restless, or eating less, it’s important to let the owner know.
• Unexpected behaviors. Also note any unusual behaviors, such as accidents in the house or compulsive behaviors like excessive grooming.

The key here is transparency. Most sitters will be excited to share positive notes about a dog’s progress, but it’s equally important, if not more so, to share the dog’s challenges. Guardians of anxious dogs need a clear picture of their pet’s behavior to make informed decisions about their care, whether that involves hiring a trainer or looking into medication.

Always be honest and keep the lines of communication open—your astute observations could help a dog get the help they need.