Help, In need of a remedy, Please Read Situation Below....?

HI Kristine: First and foremost, you need to check on the dog....make sure she hasn't peed on the bed like your client feared she might. I'm puzzled here....you spent 5 hours petting/consoling the dog, and she seemed to calm down, right? 5 hours of constant attention is a lot and It seems to me that the dog has gotten used to you being there and was OK on her own then. It's OK if she didn't want to engage in play...not all dogs want to play with everyone. So let her approach you if/when she wants to play. Was there a walk, potty break, or a meal break in there somewhere? I don't understand why you went against the owner's wishes by letting the dog in the bedroom (without going to bed yourself, with the dog in the crate beside you). I don't know what time you first arrived, but when I house sit, I always let the dog out to potty first thing, then every 2 to 3 hours. I'm also sure to have a long walk prior to bed time to make sure the dog's potty needs are met, and to relax the dog so she can get a good night's sleep. It seems to me that the dog just needs space apart to sleep, like most senior dogs do, but you should quietly check up on her.

Hi Kristen,

Hope things are going a little better. I am a little confused on your situation and question. You mentioned, "against owners instructions" you opened the master bedroom where the crate was in. Are you sleeping in a guest bedroom? Was the dog not to go into the crate in the master bedroom? Did the O not want you in her room? I am assuming that the owner did not want you or the dog in her room and if that is the case what about pulling the crate out to either the room you are sleeping in or taking it to the living room? Maybe if there is a shirt or sweater that mom has out in the laundry you can put next to you to let the dog smell it and may be a little more comfortable? Does the dog like walks? Have you tried showing her the leash and see if she would want to walk with you? The other suggestion I have and it may sound weird but have your tried taking a smaller, gentle and kind dog with you? Yes, I know this sounds stupid but it has actually helped me with -a client. As weird as it sounds it is a true story- I had a dog who was aggressive- fearful aggression. I knew this before taking the job, and mom was very clear about the aggression. So going into the clients home I was prepared for it and it did not bother me, I knew what I was walking into. There was one day that another client had to have me watch her dog for a few hours so I had to take the dog with me. When I walked into the clients house with the other dog, the aggressive dog became so friendly. It was shocking how comfortable and different the dog behaved. It was night and day on how the dog did. Both myself and the owner were shocked but to my luck the aggressive dog felt comfortable when seeing that another dog was okay with me and changed his whole attitude. so always an idea, if nothing else it does not hurt to try. The last thing I will mention is I am not sure how long you are there for just letting the dog do his own thing. I am sure the dog is happier when you are not bothering him but is happy to have a body in the house with him. Best of Luck!

I just want to add to what the other sitters have said and say that being mindful of dog body language will help. Angle your body away from the dog, don't stare at her (I usually look in the completely opposite direction), and don't move toward her with your hands out. Mostly you'll need to wait for her to come to you, and if there are treats she is particularly nuts about you can always try putting some near you but outside of arm length.