I can't tell. Aggressive playing or attacks?
I'm going to try and keep this short and sweet.
I have provided overnight dog sitting/house sitting for this couple since July. Usually one or two weekends a month. I watch two dogs, (5 years) (1 year) . The older dog is great!! So loveable, cutie, very behaved and responds to commands. The younger one is the total opposite! I totally understand that this dog is still a puppy but I'm starting to wonder if there is something else going on that I'm not quite picking up on.
Most of the time all three of us get along fine. Other times I am actually a little scared and need to remove myself from the situation. Out of what seems like no where this younger dog will just stop and stare at me and bark, bark, bark. When this happens i have tried letting him out, nothing, I've tried adjusting the blankets where we were cuddled up on, just keeps barking. Other things I've tried are starting something active like fetch or tug of war. That usually helps while the activity is going on but once he gets bored it is either nap time or back to barking. Half of the time when there is barking, there is snapping, nipping or biting. If the older dog is nearby it starts off by them growling at each other, barking, a mild- medium scuffle which i will have to break up. ( younger dog is double the size of the older) . Once they are separated the younger one comes after me. While trying to hold him away from me he will bite my hand and or arm. I usually just stand up and he leaves me alone other than staring me down and barking. ( most fights start off by who can be the closest to me). This behavior seems to be getting worse. The dog now bites are my feet when I stand to get away. He has never caused blood but the bite scratches usually leave a mark for a few hours or for the day.
The owners have never mentioned this kind of behavior. I never brought it up because at first I dismissed it as puppy play but now it's getting noticeably worse. He is so jealous I can't even pet the older dog without him forcing himself between us. He also needs to be touching me almost the whole time, if I try to get him to lay or sit next to me we start this barking biting cycle all over again. Sadly, there are other things this dog does bad behavior wise but that is for a different thread.
What should I do? I love dog sitting and I always take every job but once I get to their house I instantly what to leave. Thanks for reading and for advice!
Ask the owners about whether they've noticed protective or possessive behavior with the younger dog, and if so, how they handle it. It could be part of his maturation process, but it sounds like the foot biting is a real problem. Start with rewarding good behavior and go from there!