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Dog just not fitting in well?

Ive got a older boy staying with me, and he is so unhappy. According to his mom, hes never boarded before, he's always gone to her kids, but also according to her, she can't trust her kids. He is so unhappy. He woken my husband an I up multiple times crying, and cry-barking. She said he 'only whines when he has to poop'. I have a feeling this dog is extremely spoiled... I am feeding + watering him, walking him daily, petting him. He has his own bed from home, toys from home, and even treats from home. He's been aggressive with my three dogs, not full on attacking, but nipping at them when he thinks we aren;t looking, and I'm at my wits end. He was so sweet and excited at the meet & greet. I've contacted the owner and she literally has no idea what I should do because 'he's not normally this way'. He literally does not know any commands, especially 'No'. I am not a mean or violent person but I have wanted to smack this dog!! I have to leave the room constantly to calm myself. HELP ME PLEASE. He's been here a week and a half and were supposed to house him a month.

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Thank you for posting this. I had the same issue this weekend. I took Karen R's suggestion and changed the booking from boarding to drop in visits. It's not perfect but it is better than having a stressed out dog negatively impacting the other dog's experience.

Michael C.

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Karen R.

Book a Stay
Chicago, IL

So sorry to hear you are having such trouble with this dog. Is there any chance the dog could go back home and you can do drop-ins or stay with him there? I realize the owner is away, but you mentioned she has kids and they should have keys to the house. Dogs with separation anxiety--or just ones unused to boarding in new surroundings--do best when they are at home, typically with a sitter who stays there. Try discussing this option with the owner and see how amenable she is to this type of care arrangement. If you can't house sit, perhaps Rover could find another person. But the dog will likely do better in his own home.

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Carly H.

Sorry you're having such a rough time with this boy! As Karen said, it may be separation anxiety related, as it sounds like he's never been in a new place with new people before. Her advice about trying to do drop-ins or house sitting for the remainder of the visit are good ones.

However if you're willing to work with him, I would try giving him some more one-on-one time. As you said, he's probably used to being spoiled and the only dog, so he may be acting out because not only has his home and routine changed, but now he has to share attention with 3 other dogs! I would try walking him by himself, feeding him alone, and spending some time hanging out with just him. Take him on extra long walks before bed to wear him out. If all else fails, Rover Support is always an option! They may have additional resources or ideas to help you get through this. Good luck!

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Lauren R.

I wonder if her kids have watched him in her home. Also, did she say he was good with other dogs during the meet and greet? Did any of your dogs attend the meet and greet? If he isn't used to being around other dogs and has never been kept outside of his home, this could be a very long month!

I agree with Karen's idea to see if she wants to try letting you in her home to comfort him. I would also try to have him around the other three dogs one at a time just to see if he may be overwhelmed by the number of dogs.

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Dog just not fitting in well?

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