The dog that is currently staying with me was supposed to be well behaved and potty trained and all that. Well she's a mess and a half and does not even know enough basic commands to stay out of her own mess. I have not deviated from the owner's instructions at all. What do I do? This has been a lot of extra work and I just spent 12 bucks for more cleaning supplies.
Welcome to the world of pet sitting, it can be difficult at times. Sorry things haven't gone as you thought it would, but seasoned sitters deal with this all the time. Perfectly trained dogs can and will act up when placed into another home, they can be destructive and have potty issues. All of this is just part of the business and you shouldn't think that clients will pay for your supplies or any damages. Anything you purchase for your pet care business is a business deduction and the receipt kept.
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Always do meet beforehand and the majority of those issues will show up during that meet. It is not wise to accept a stay without meeting the dog and person and seeing how they respond to basic commands.
As mentioned you can certainly ask for reimbursement however since it is not required, it is good for you to interview thoroughly. I've had many a client say that their dog is kennel trained etc and as soon as we put the dog in the kennel, it has a meltdown. I have learned to do this at the meet because once you are booked and the dog is in your care; you are responsible. Whether the dog is as well behaved as said or not. Weather the dog adjusts to your house or not.
I am having the same problem right now, it is my second dog sit and the dog is only 6 months old. The owners told me she was well trained, which isn't the case while she has been in my care. She has been going to the bathroom in my house and has started ripping a hole in my couch. From now on i am going to make sure the owners know ahead of time that if there are any damages they need to be partially responsible for them.
If your dog isn't well trained and you lie about it owners should then be responsible for the actions of their pets.
Many times the dog is well trained and well behaved at home. Think of it from the dog's perspective - their owner is taking them to a strange house with people they've never met (maybe once), with potentially other dogs and/or children around. Then the owners leave. How would you feel?