When you disagree with the pet care instructions do you say anything?

I always try to be helpful because it is surprising how little some pet parents know. People are also very sensitive about their pets so it can be a touchy issue. I usually watch dogs for a month at a time so I might say something like "Rover might lose a little weight during his stay with me, is that ok?" and they usually acknowledge that it is overweight and appreciate what I have said. Or I will say in a check-in that it's great that the dog's nails are wearing down from our walks and will tell them what to look for since unfortunately long nails can't be cured overnight. Generally I try to leave dogs better than I received them so they get a little brush up on their training, some exercise and socialization if they are with me. I do not treat dogs like little humans so they don't get human food, constant treats and overfeeding for their activity level.

If it's a regular client and you can say it super polite. Many owners don't listen to advice from vets, listening to advice from their dog sitter holds even less weight. I personally will groom and adjust for the dog as much as possible. For ex: using a firmer bed so its easier for her to get up, or going on lots of walks etc

Pet parents are no different from human parents. I had my credentials as a preschool teacher but decided against it. Mostly because of the parents! I treat my dog clients and the pet parents just like child and parent. No parent wants you to tell them how to raise their child and they do not want to hear negative talk about them either. Use your words carefully and positively or maybe not at all. I just make my pet clients comfortable, loved, and cared for and follow the care plan as close as I can. They are used to a routine. I have had several clients ask how I get their dog to do certain things but when it comes to their healthcare, I usually only alert them about problems. For instance, diarrhea, etc. I keep them updated on how they are doing. This actually happened this weekend. It resolved itself. It is a tough call sometimes. I have had overweight dogs that had poor ambulation also. Maybe send them a link to Lindsay and That Mutt blog. Don't tell them it is because of their dog. Just say you are sending to all your client's this link to a blog that has information about caring for their dog.

Nicole Wilde’s book, “So you want to be a dog trainer” and, “It’s not the dog it’s the people” are fabulous resources on how to communicate sensitive topics with humans. I am finding that many dog owners dont’ know that they can change their dog’s behavior.

Things that seem basic, common sense and “everybody knows that!” To you, someone who’s been training, working with dogs for so long - it is so hardwired that it doesn’t occur to that well trained brain - the dog owner has no idea that their body position, lean,, tension on the leash, fear is affecting how their dog reacts/behaves etc.

Some of this is best done in person, as you can see and feel reactions from the owner allowing a mid-course correction. Email and text is a tough way to communicate all the stuff that goes into getting better behavior. I will also ask the person “Are you a visual learner?” I ask what do they do for a living, for their job.

A potential client was having a heck of time with the rover app, the client stated that “it hates me”. I explained, that the app’s thought process is different. It is linear, and does not allow you to do something unless certain other things are completed first. I smiled and said, in a conspiratorial - explanatory smile, “Ya’ll just think differently”. The client kept apologizing for the troubles with the app, so I asked what the client does for a living...speech therapist -20-30 years. WOW! (Said with appreciating awe) So you help people relearn how to say things and you are used to listening for the differences in speech between saying “Lynn” and “Wynn/win” —-the kids I babysat for - i was “Win” for quite awhile. I smiled and said, “you are a really special person, thank you.”

There are also some terrific videos done by Simpawtico dog training on YouTube. Straightforward, short, high production value. These are invaluable - Sending one with the comment, “In case you or other family member are a visual learner”.