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Best sitting situation for extreme separation anxiety?

I did a trial-sit with a dog tonight (before a booked sit with him next week), and it was the first time I have ever sent a dog home early. He was supposed to stay the night, but three hours in and two walks later and he still had full body shakes, was barking continuously, and seemed afraid to let me touch him (he made several bite swipes at me).

Luckily, his owner had suggested that we try a trial night before next week, as this is his first time away from home. After a few hours of seeing him in a very uncomfortable state, I decided to have her come pick him up (I didn't think anyone in my house was going to sleep tonight, and I didn't want him to spend anymore time unhappy than he had to) and called Rover support.

His owners go out of town on Sunday and he is booked to stay with me for the week. I spoke to his owner about it, and we both agreed that he would be uncomfortable in my house, but that it also seems he would be uncomfortable away from them in general. What situation is BEST for dogs with extreme separation anxiety? I can't think that kennels would be the answer here, but I don't know. Would an in-home sitter be a good option for them? I'm sure they can find another sitter before they leave, but with his level of anxiety (and anxiety-induced barking), I'm not sure of the success that they would have - and I feel bad leaving them stranded!

I did reach out to Rover support and they are giving them some help, but figured I would ask here for any advice!

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Carly H.

I agree with Mary that house sitting tends to be best for dogs with extreme anxiety. He'll no doubt still be anxious because his owners aren't there, but at least it's not also overwhelming with new smells, sounds and people/animals.

I would advise the owners to wear him out completely right before they leave and if possible have the sitter arrive while they're still there to help with the transition. Then when the owners leave the dog is hopefully too tired to care and no new person will be arriving after their owners are gone so there's nothing to get territorial about.

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Mary C.

Hi Sloane:

With a "Trial Sit" do you mean an unpaid sit? If so, that is not a good idea....you wouldn't be covered by insurance whether it's Rover's insurance, or your own pet insurance. What I'm saying is that for even a 1 night trial sit, it should be on the books so you are covered insurance wise. The best scenario for dogs with separation anxiety would be House Sitting. Dogs are most comfortable in their own home, whether they have separation anxiety or not. Perhaps you can book a few walks or drop in visits with the dog so he can get familiar with you before doing the house sit, if you and the client are going that direction.

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Because she contacted Rover Support to end the stay early I assume it was a paid sit. I've done trial sitting with clients before and they book a daycare or single overnight via the website (sometimes offered at a discount) in order for the dog and myself to get a better feel for each other.

Carly H.

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Best sitting situation for extreme separation anxiety?

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