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What to tell owner who did not fully disclose dog behavior at meet and greet, active stay?

The owner of a new dog i am sitting for a week is accustomed to constant attention and will steal shoes and chew on them when it doesn't get its way.

During the meet and greet she chose not to tell me this information.

However- upon drop off -(after accepting the stay) she laid a laundry list of "issues" i should expect. -including barking chewing and more.

I am usually so thorough with my meet and greets but the dog seemed very sweet at the time.

I am considering telling the owner, "would have loved if you could have informed me of _'s habits before we agreed to the stay, thank you."

But of course having a big mouth i wouldn't want to jeopardize a bad review. I live with my family and they get upset when the dogs i have become such a nuisance.

Has anyone complained to the client and had anything good come of it?

Thanks!

2 Answers

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I have encountered this twice. Once with potty training issues and the other with human aggression, both of which are big issues. In both cases I brought it up, but in a way that was looking for a solution or framed as asking a question. I think it is important to bring this up with the owner, but there is no need for an attitude even though it can be frustrating.

Regarding your particular issue, it is your responsibility as the sitter to set the dog up for success. This means keeping your shoes away from it, crating it if necessary and you might need to keep a closer eye than you would like. You now know for next time the things to ask for such as "how is the dog when left alone" , "do I need to pick up things or will the dog leave them alone?" & "What sorts of things have come up with past sitters?" . I have never dogsat a dog who was the same at my house as the meet and greet for better or worse.

Good luck and tell your family thank you. The nuisance and cleanup of dog sitting falls just as much on them as it does you so they deserve some appreciation.

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Dogs will act differently when the dog isn't in it's own home and with the owner. Since the owner gave you the "laundry list" at the drop, add those "issues" to the questions you ask at meet & greets from now on. Boarding is a learning curve on each "new" dog so I am extra observant on all the dogs interactions. I have had "very sweet pups" at the meet & greet only to have them suddenly turn on or go after my dog in the afternoon when tired. I will separate or tether the dog and I do let pet parents know about any issues when I send pictures & updates. Just be careful how you phrase the problem/issue. At pick up I am friendly but professional and suggest a dog trainer and rover match ph# to find a better fit for (dog's name). Don't do the "blame game."