How do you politely say no if you feel a dog is not a good fit but the owner still wants to book you?

I always advocate making your decisions focused on the dog's comfort. In your case, I'd suggest that he would just not be as happy in your care as he would be with someone who could provide for his needs (close supervision to prevent marking/humping, and the ability to crate as necessary). Dogs have a sense of fairness--they understand when they are being treated differently than others-- so if he were to be crated extensively in your care while the other dogs were not, he would understand that he was being treated unfairly and that would make him less happy with you than somewhere else where crating was more normal or where there weren't other uncrated dogs around. Ideally, they can find a sitter who works with dogs who aren't yet house trained so the kenneling wouldn't be necessary.

You can even tell them you really appreciate their request, and even though he's not a great fit now, you'd be happy to have another meet and greet with them in the future once he is trained and neutered.

While it may be uncomfortable to decline a dog booking, it will empower you more than you know. You are providing quality care and a safe environment for essentially peoples "kids". I would be appalled if my dog was staying with you and assaulted by your visiting dogs.. Or what if those dogs became aggressive to the non caged doggies. Stick with your business vision. More importantly, that's what meet and greets are for. Go with your gut. Be honest.. Your business will thrive and you will be less stressed.. Those clients will find a good fit for their pups..

Hope this helps

Rosie

This thread also answers your question: https://www.rover.com/community/quest...

See this thread: https://www.rover.com/community/quest...

I suggest making it less about the dog's behavior, and more about the owners wanting something you can't offer: crating. Good luck, and stand your ground!