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Long-Term Puppy Stay: May have to cancel?

About two weeks ago, one of my clients referred me to another woman who needed a sitter for three separate bookings for four-month old puppy (five days, this week and next; and then two weeks in late July/early August). I was greatly excited about this and during the meet and greet didn't suspect any poor behavior, outside of normal puppy play.

Nope. Within the first 10 minutes I had to put her in a time out due to her jumping up, biting and barking despite my commands to have her stop. After taking her out of time out, she was right back at it, and went back in time out where now she is sleeping. I don't mind the normal puppy behavior but the lack of listening to my commands is making me feel like this may not be worth the funds and that they may be better finding a sitter who would not mind having to train the pup as well.

I would hate to have to cancel this because I truly feel that I can help to make a difference but this pup needs almost constant attention/teaching and I worry that because I won't be able to give her this, she may become more destructive (biting, ripping things up, barking, etc.). Also the owners are an elderly couple, so I would hate to have to have them find someone else when they clearly planned and put their trust in me.

Any insight/advice would be helpful. I just wonder what my 'limit' should be when sitting, especially long-term. If this was one or two days, I think I could justify spending more time and effort working with her each day but I can't. What do you all think? Thanks in advance guys :)

1 Answer

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Taking on the responsibility of caring for a puppy is always a big deal and lots of work and it sounds like you aren't ready for the task.

Most puppies will jump, nip and bark and need to be trained this isn't appropriate behavior but the training needs to start with the owner, not with a sitter. I'm making an assumption the owners may not be equipped to provide the training.

But you have accepted the booking so do you cancel? It may reflect poorly on you with Rover and you may get a 1star review or you could give it 150% and help train the pup while they stay with you and get a 5star review and probably a client for life. What you do is totally your decision, but if it were me I'd be going the extra mile - best of luck to you.

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Unfortunately, the dog just hasn't received any formal or consistent training which I understand some pup parents do not worry too much about but in cases like this, it is unfortunate because I just don't have the capacity to handle both. Canceling the visits to come, not the one I am currently on

But oh no, I wouldn't be canceling the current booking but rather the ones to come (next week and in late July/August). I am more than willing to help them find someone new but unfortunately, my space/schedule doesn't allow for complete one on one care. Thank you for your reply!

Best of luck

my puppy rate is nearly 2x as much as for any other dog because they take much more time and attention. Often it’s difficult to have multiple dogs if you have a puppy bc you have to plan for their safety and don’t always know how they will act around other pups.