score:

Is it wrong to try and cancel a booking through Rover support because a dog made me feel unsafe?

So I accepted a drop in request for 6 days, twice a day. Today is the second day, and when I was outside with the dogs, one of them bit me. I was already a little hesitant this morning because she was a bit out of hand. When I did the meet and greet she was energetic, but she didnt jump at me the way she was today, and she never tried to bite me in any way. For reference, she is a 40 pound shepherd (of some sort) puppy/young adult.

So today, she spent close10 minutes constantly jumping at me. Not only the stand-on-your-hind-legs kind of jump, but quite literally soaring at me from a few feet away. Im talking, full body off the floor, her face coming at my face. To protect my face, and to keep from ending up on the floor beneath her, I was turning my back to block the jumps. This way she kind of collided with my back/shoulder, and I was able to keep my balance and protect my face.

During one of these instances, I had to push my arm back to keep her from taking me to the floor, and she got her mouth around my wrist. Luckily, I was wearing a sweatshirt and I was able to pull back quickly enough that her teeth barely grazed my skin (no marks left behind), but she did tear a hole in the arm of my sweatshirt.

Now, I'm honestly scared to return to the house for the next drop in.

For background info, I am familiar with dogs much larger than this one (my own dog is 140 pounds). Ive lived with dogs my entire life, and have been taking care of them for going on 8 years or so. And in that time, I have never been bitten, and never encountered a dog that felt the need to jump at my face while Im standing at full height (5'8"). But I have never feared a dog before this. Even if she wasnt trying to be aggressive, it's obvious that she is not properly trained to interact with people.

So... I guess Im wondering if it's wrong of me to ask Rover to replace me for this booking? I feel like I'm being dramatic or something but I can't imagine 6 more days of constantly fending her off like this. I know they will probably lock my account to "investigate" because sitters have virtually no protection. But honestly, I'm thinking it might be worth it?

2 Answers

Sort by » oldest newest most voted

score:

Heather H.

Absolutely not wrong. Have you called Rover support? They recommend you call them first.

In this case, if they can't help you feel safe over the number you can call, I would message the owner to see if they have a solution to help the dog calm down, be more comfortable, etc.

For future reference (I've been a dog trainer for 12 years and specialize in working with aggressive dogs), I always have dogs in the crates in a client home when I first come in. You can slip a slip leash over their head through the crate, or right when you open the door to control them right away and keep yourself safe.

This dog, it seems should not have free reign with you, because it is absolutely taking advantage, especially since you don't have any weight in the household. It knows it can get away with treating you like this.

If you come over again, I would recommend keeping the dogs contained and getting that one on a leash ASAP. No talking, no petting, no eye contact. Just literally, all business. This dog needs a strong minded handler, not one that comes in with soft, happy go lucky behaviors.

Make sure you are familiar with what Rover offers to protect you, and get that bite checked out at the hospital ASAP. Let the owner know as well. You absolutely need to let them know their dog landed a bite.

As a professional in the dog industry for many years, I don't take successful bites lightly. I always report every single one, because it protects you, society, etc. It is our responsibility to keep the public safe by being honest about things like this. That's just my opinion, and some may not like that answer.

However, I've handled over 10,000 dogs in my 12yr career, and I don't mess around.

Comments

Thanks for contributing such an informative answer based on a wealth of experience.

Deb A.

great info - thanks so much!

Dawn G.

score:

Breanna J.

I agree completely with the first answer, I would contact the owner let them know what happened and if the dog is known to do this and what methods they use to stop the behavior. I would also mention it made you uncomfortable. I just had a scenario extremely similar to this. A German shepherd jumping and biting causing pain but not breaking skin- but painful enough I have bruises all over my arm and hand. It turns out, that is how one of the owners allows her to play….. so I would be completely honest with the owner on top of calling support.

Comments

I'm just reading this story, was wondering what finally happened? Any updates please?

Cindy W.

Q&A Community

Connect with fellow dog lovers and learn from one another

Is it wrong to try and cancel a booking through Rover support because a dog made me feel unsafe?

2 Answers

Comments

Comments

Related questions

Need Help?

Learn More

Need Help?

About Rover