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Dog is Aggressive? What to Do?

I just started sitting a dog who was described as lazy and easy going. He tries to hump me constantly and when I give the command for "no" that the owner gave me, he starts barking and adopts a very aggressive posture, to the point that I am actually a bit afraid of this dog right now. He's big and he's strong. He also barks the entire time he;s in his crate, and she said he's happy in it. I am giving this a bit more time but if the situation doesn't improve I am going to have to call the owner and tell her she needs to come back from vacation and pick him up because I am not going to feel unsafe around a dog I'm sitting, nor have him barking whenever he's crated - albeit rarely. What if she won't come? I'll happily give her a full refund however that is done.

2 Answers

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The next time he tries to hump you I would just walk away, give him a little shove off your leg just to show that the behavior is not appreciated. If he continues to do it than the warning would help but if he gets aggressive you don't want to necessarily back down and walk away which is encouraging his behavior but don't act as your trying to lash out at him. Tell him no in a firm voice and command him to sit. If he does I would put him in the crate. But before trying this contact Rover emergency support.

For the crate barking issue what you should do is stick him in a crate and turn your back to him. Right when he stops barking than praise him and give him a treat. Continue doing this a couple times everyday. Every time increase the length he hjas to be quiet before rewarding him. Also contact Rover on this issue.

I hope this helps and you don't get bit!

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I have had similar stays. I was to the point of looking for other sitters to take over rather ask the owner to come back. Also the pups vet might do boarding at a reasonable rate. You could contact the owner and see if they are comfortable with the Vet since their dog is creating a stressful environment in your home. And of course partner with Rover support, they are awesome.