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New Client didn't warn me about bad habits?

Emma B.'s profile image

First time client and the owners said that she likes to hide under bed but that she would be fine for walks. When we met, I saw them coax her out and we all went on a walk and it was fine.

Now that I'm here alone with her, I can't get her out from under the bed. Not with treats, not with patient waiting. They didn't leave her collar on so I have nothing to hold onto. I don't want to pull her leg and risk hurting her. On top of that, when I came home from work and tried again, she growled at me. I'm not stupid, I understand that she's telling me to back off.

But what do I do in order to get her out? While I was at work for a few hours she peed on the owner's bed (which, based on the mattress stains, she has done before). Basically this is a poorly trained dog that I was not warned about completely.

Thoughts?

1 Answer

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Carmen C.'s profile image

Email your pet parents about what is going on and ask their advice. They may have some ideas for you. When writing the note, remember a few important tips:

  1. Give facts, not opinions.
  2. Avoid emotional vocabulary.

This way you won't come across as complaining or as if you don't like their dog.

I had a guest at my home who would not come inside; ran when approached and growled if anyone got close. I spent the ENTIRE night (10:30pm-4:00am) in the dead of winter trying to get that dog in the house. When I gave up and decided to let her stay outside she cried and howled. The owner had given me a heads-up to skittishness but I had no idea it would be that bad.

When I emailed the pet parents they got right back to me with several tried-and-true strategies and (this is the important part) were VERY APPRECIATIVE OF THE COMMUNICATION.

Good luck!

Comments

I agree. Tell the parents you are concerned about their dog and want to do what's best for them. Ask if this has happened before and what did they do? Put it in terms of helping the dog, as in, you want the dog to eat and drink.

Cari C.'s profile image Cari C.
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