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What happens next - dog I'm caring for bit me on my leg?

Does anyone know what will happen next when a dog you're watching bit you?

This dog has biting history. This is my second time sitting her. She bit a lady on the street who was walking her dog during the first stay. I thought it was just an unfortunate accident at that time because the lady wanted to pet her, so I agreed to sit her again. However, it is me this time - she saw a dog across the street and got very agitated and started to groan and lounge forward to the other dog's direction. I shortened the leash and what was when she retreated behind me and then I felt pain on the back of my leg. The skin is broken.

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Sarah E.

Well first things first, do you need medical attention? If it's a minor wound, clean it very well and bandage it.

If you do need to see a doctor, be aware that Rover's insurance does not cover injuries that happen to the sitter (you).

I would report this incident immediately to Rover. If the owner didn't make you aware of the aggression issues on your first sit, they most likely will not inform other sitters if you choose not to sit this dog again. Rover needs to know. You also need to let your client know of your injury.

I dog sat for a co-worker (before I was sitting with Rover), and her dog was extremely aggressive and they did not tell me. The dog (a German Shepherd) attacked their other dog (a Shih Tzu) and would have killed it had I not jumped on the dog to intervene. I was bit twice in the process of trying to save the dog. It took a very long time to heal, but my injuries were nowhere near the injuries of the other dog. My co-worker was out of town for a few more days, and didn't come home after the incident, so I had to stay with the aggressive dog for a few more nights. (The Shih Tzu was at an emergency clinic.) I felt very unsafe for those two days.

If you feel unsafe with this dog, I would immediately contact Rover and ask them if you can put the dog in a kennel. Or maybe they have a better idea. Do not compromise your safety though! It is not worth it. Good luck.

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Thank you Sarah! Called Rover and they reacted quickly. Kudos! No need to see doctor but I am still in shock. The dog was picked up by the owner's colleague five hours after the incident and you are right - I felt very uneasy with her around. It was the longest five hours when trust is broken.

Alex H.

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Sarah B.

Wait, you knew the dog had a biting history since before you sat for her, right?

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I knew before the current stay but didn't know prior to the first stay. The reason I agreed to sit her again is that she acts perfectly fine at home and gets along with other dogs. We actually bond very well and I thought I would be able to manage her behavior since we are buddies.

Alex H.

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What happens next - dog I'm caring for bit me on my leg?

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