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How do you tell owners that you can't watch their dog again?

All went well with the meet and greet but during the stay you realize this dog isn't a good fit for your family. Nothing is terribly wrong so you'll see the visit through but how do you break the news to the owners? And, how do you send updates during the stay in a way that doesn't a) make them think everything is fantastic and yet b) doesn't make them think everything is awful?

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What didn't "fit" for you? I have had a couple Meet & Greets go well but during the stay the young dogs were much to energetic for my small backyard and to much "puppy", even though they were over a year old, for my other dogs I pet sit. In one of the cases, the owner used a "no pull" harness but didn't even think about bringing it for me to use so I bought one. I am glad I do have it and have used it for other young energetic dogs on a walk but calm in the house. The owners are told I do like to take the dogs for walks. When the owners came to pick up and wanted to schedule a booking again, I explained their dogs/pups were very sweet but really needed a much bigger backyard for the dog to run and get a lot of exercise.

Evaluate the problem. Do you or your home not offer what the dog really needs? Be honest but don't be negative about the dog, owner or yourself. I hope that helps.

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It turned out that in the house and in the yard, one dog in particular was very assertive with our dog. Not aggressive, but very assertive and our dog started trying to avoid her and needed our help with separation. It just wasn't a good fit and it didn't show in the meet and greet.

We've had others that were aggressive towards our cats- they were easier to just say "I don't think we're a good fit in the future as they didn't get along with the cats"

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I too stay positive, there is always something to like! I do address behavior issues with clients so we can work through them. They tend to appreciate this and it enhances the visits. (Lets face it owners don't always let you know their dogs dig, wet or chew up the pillows!) One poor little rescue I had to turn away because he was a biter and I do have children, but the owner was aware of the problem and wrote a glowing review, I tried to help her find a more appropriate sitter.

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As far as the photos go, just show pictures of their dog in your yard or on a walk. I would not say anything negative in the updates because it might worry or upset the owner.

I would not say anything at this point about not sitting for them again either. I would wait until the next time they ask for a stay and then decline, using the standard Rover message that it was not a good fit. Or you could say that you don't think it's a good fit. Frame the refusal in a way that's not negative towards the dog or the owners, just that the situation is not the best for the dog. I've had that happen, and I say something like, I don't have the environment that's conducive to an enjoyable stay for the dog.

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Like Cari said, I'd stay positive in the updates unless it's something that needs addressing right away, like aggression, injury, illness, etc. There's no need to worry them while they're gone unless there's something they can do or you're unable to provide a safe environment for everyone in your home.

I like to address any incompatibilities when the owners come for pick up, emphasizing the positives and how much you enjoyed their dog (even if that's questionable) but explaining that based on your experience during the stay, you think their dog would be happier somewhere else in the future. I don't like withholding information because often the owners don't really know how their dog reacts when they aren't there. I find it less awkward than leaving the owners with the impression that everything was great than turning them down later, and I think it helps them pick a better match the next time they need a sitter.

In your case, I'd let them know that their dog really wanted to engage with your dog, but since your dog is more shy, neither of them were as happy as they would be if they had dogs around who matched their own personalities better. Their dog didn't end up getting the benefit of a playmate, and yours was uncomfortable with the attention of a more assertive dog. You can even let them know that you think their dog would have a great time with someone who owns a more confident, outgoing dog. Thank them for choosing you and give the dog a happy goodbye, then sigh with relief and reassure your pup that they won't have to deal with this guest anymore as soon as they're out of sight.

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I have had a first stay with a senior low key chihuaua that was great. Then second stay they brought their young border collie. It was only 24 hours, but a very long one. Too high energy for us, couldn't throw the ball enough! and made a mess with drooling wet paws, bringing ball in house. Too much! If they ask again, I will be honest and say cant watch border collie, too high energy.