When a new dog comes to stay, do you have the owner say goodbye and then leave in front of the dog or do you occupy the dog while the owner leaves unnoticed?

I let the owners make that call - they know their dog better than I do, and part of our job as sitters is making sure we're taking care of the owner's needs as well as the dog's. For a lot of people, that routine of coming and going is an important part of their relationship, so doing the same routine they would do at home provides some continuity for both owner and pet. Dogs who are anxious about being separated from their owner are likely going to be anxious whether or not the see the owner leave. Some even panic if they suddenly realize that their owner is no longer where they expected, whereas if they see them leave they have some understanding of why their owner is no longer present. So at drop off, I let the owner and dog part on their usual terms, and then shortly after the owner is gone (usually 10-15 mins) I'll take the new dog on a walk around the neighborhood to help dispel some of that nervous energy and help them bond with me a little more. This gives us the opportunity to come back home fresh, and usually after this the dog stops looking for their owner because their most recent experience in my home wasn't their owner leaving them behind, but coming back after a fun activity without the owner there at all.

Finally (and this is another part of taking care of the owner's needs), my initial stay pictures come from that time right after drop off while the dog looks after their owner, followed immediately by pictures of the dog enjoying our first walk together. This helps show the owners that their dog misses them, but is settling in fine. I send these pictures shortly after the owners leave, since that's often when they're most worried about leaving their dog behind. The dog usually holds still readily as they look out the window or down from the porch and I'm able to get some really sweet shots.

I walk the dog (on leash) around my kitchen peninsula, so they cannot see their owner leave. It seems to help the dog adjust more quickly if they don't watch they walk out the door. We usually go upstairs and play, or if really upset, take a long walk to tire them out and distract them. I just make sure to also use a slip leash in addition to what the PP has provided, in case the upset dog tries to back out of their collar or harness. In a year of sitting, I haven't had any issues with severe separation anxiety with this method, even when I'm told the dog suffers from it.

I'm a firm believer of the owners leaving without a fuss. So when they drop them off, they say good bye and that's it, no petting, or making a big deal of them leaving. As soon as the owners leave I take the dog to the back yard to play and distract them. Some dogs will forget about their owners and some will come back in and sit by the window for a while. Then I will engage them again and ignore, I give them time to settle in. We'll go for a walk, come back, relax and their anxiety level usually subsides. On the flip side, I do the same thing when I take my dogs to the sitter. I pat their heads and tell them I'll see you later and leave. No big deal, even though I am dying inside :)

Laura's method & explanation is great -- and I definitely think it's a great idea to take pictures as they watch their parents leave, then after they have done something fun (I may even start doing that myself!).

Normally, and much like Laura, I let the owner and pet do their thing, watch the owner leave, then go inside. I've come to realize that when I am nervous, the dogs will sense that and become nervous. I think your best bet is watching the owner leave, then attempting to distract them with a fun activity.

As others have said, I have the owner give a brief & upbeat goodbye. Then, I have the dog watch as owner leaves & drives away. I've found that when they watch them leave they don't spend the next hour or so frantically looking for the owner. They know they're gone. Then we go out in the back yard so they can smell around & begin getting familiar with everything. Then back in to settle in with their bedding, treats, & getting acquainted with the other dogs.

I do what the others have said, let the owner follow their usual routine. I ask about this during the M&G so that it's not a surprise for me. Once the owner has left, I immediately take the dog into my back yard and let him sniff around and explore the new surroundings. I like the idea of taking them for a walk, but many of my dropoffs are after dark so that won't always be possible.