How to handle Entitled, rude dog parents?

Hey! It seems like you're dealing with some tricky situations while boarding this pup with a never-ending list of instructions from the owners. Dealing with all the communication, accidents, and unwanted behaviors like couch-jumping can be overwhelming. It's totally understandable that you'd appreciate some basic acknowledgment or gratitude from the owners, considering the effort you're putting in to take care of their fur baby.

Here are ways of how I've been dealing with them, hope it helps!

1. Be firm but polite: When communicating with the dog parents, make sure to set clear boundaries and expectations while maintaining a friendly tone. For example, you could say something like, "Hey, I understand accidents happen, but it's important to keep in mind that your pup had multiple accidents indoors. Please make sure to provide clear instructions on how you'd like me to handle it, and also let me know if there are any specific preferences or suggestions you have."
2. Request basic manners: You can gently remind the dog parents about the importance of basic manners in communication. For instance, you could say, "Hey, it would be great if you could use polite language in our interactions. A simple 'please' or 'thank you' can go a long way in building a positive relationship and maintaining mutual respect."
3. Provide suggestions for improvement: Instead of pointing out the dog parents' shortcomings, offer constructive suggestions for improvement. For example, you could say, “Hey! So, I've been working on training your pup to not jump on the couch as per your request, but it's been a bit challenging. Just a friendly reminder that couch jumping is not allowed in my home, and I've been redirecting the pup whenever I catch them doing it. Any tips or suggestions you have on reinforcing this training would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!"
4. Set expectations early on: When dealing with challenging clients, it's important to set clear expectations from the beginning. You could say something like, "In the future, it would be helpful to have a meet and greet before boarding to ensure both sides are on the same page regarding expectations and preferences. This will make things smoother and more enjoyable for everyone involved!"

So when you're dealing with entitled or rude dog parents, it's important to keep things friendly and approachable. Just remember to communicate your boundaries and expectations assertively, while still being yourself. You can be professional, but don't hesitate to stand up for yourself and make sure you're respected as a pet sitter.

Hang in there!

This is a prime example of what happens when you refuse a meet and greet. They are not required to say please or thank you. They just want you to petsit their pet since you wanted to pet sit their pet. It's not easy to pet sit pets you have never met before. I would never take a pet in that I haven't met before.