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Dog I am taking care of is crying for their owner and growls at me when I approach?

So the dog that I am supposed to take care of for a week was just dropped off earlier today. I have had dogs that whine a bit after their owner leaves so I am used to it but this little pup also keeps growling at me when I try and pet her. She sits on her bed in the corner of my room and watches my movements, never getting up and exploring/sniffing which all the other dogs have done. I am not sure if this is normal with dogs that are a bit nervous or it is their first time away from home. I am just worried that she will turn aggressive or not let me put a leash on her to take her for walks! Let me know how I should approach her so the next 9 days are comfortable. Thank you!

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Katie C.

I would let her settle in some, often times dogs can react aggressively when overwhelmed. Most likely she's just really nervous and probably scared about the new, unfamiliar place and people. When she's had an hour or so to get comfortable, approach her slowly with some treats. Let her sniff your hand, if she sniffs and and remains calm (no growling/aggression) give her a treat. It'll show her that you're not a threat, and she'll associate you with the happiness of getting a treat, if you repeat it a few times. I've done this, and it seems to work for most days I've had! Nice long walks always help too, it excites them and tires them out enough to relax and fall asleep so once they wake up, they realize their in a safe place. Hope this helps, good luck!

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Frances M.

Show her treats in your hand and let her eat from your hand. Ignore her, don't try to coax her so she can feel comfortable, they will do it on their own time. When it's time for a walk show her the leash first. Some dogs get really excited when they see their leash, hopefully she'll let you put it on her. Then take her for a long walk. After your walk give her a treat and ignore again. When it's time for feeding let her watch you prepare the food, ask her to sit and then give her the food. Little by little she will know who's boss and they usually will come around.

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Janeen S.

Hopefully she's food-driven! France M. and Katie C. have got it: entice her with treats. What I've done in the past in this very same situation is to sit on the floor (I had the tv on, so i could "ignore" him). I would break off a very tiny piece of treat and throw it about 6 feet away from me, sorta kinda in his direction. As soon as he figured out I had good things to eat he was paying attention to me.

Slowly over the course of about 45 minutes I was tossing the treats a little closer to me, a little closer.....After an hour I was able to pet him. We are now very good buddies!

Best of luck to you!

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Dina M.

I would put a leash on and go for a walk, show the pup you are head of the pack. Long walk. Good luck.

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Kathleen D.

Hi Marina- Give her some time to settle in and then take her for a walk. Keep her away from other dogs until she starts to relax. Keep her walking until you see her start to slow down and relax. Calmly praise her when she does start to relax and do her business. Talk softly to her so she gets comfortable with your voice. She has a lot of anxiety and needs to develop a bond and trust with you. When she growls, just "Shhh" quickly and firmly. When she stops growling, praise her immediately. Also, watch your body language. That is how they communicate. If you are also nervous, unsure or kind of frightened of her, it will increase her anxiety. Later, sit on the floor and encourage her to come to you. Offer a toy or treat but let her come to you. Good Luck.

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Dog I am taking care of is crying for their owner and growls at me when I approach?

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