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How do you deal with territorial dogs from a sitter stand point?

Jenny K.'s profile image

I'm currently doing an at-home stay for a repeat client of mine. This is my 6th time staying with their dogs and I love taking care of them! They have a yorkshire terrier that is as sweet as can be and a chihuahua who is not quite so sweet. She can be a bit territorial over things and generally keeps her distance from me (unless I have treats). Her owners told me this is normal behavior for her with strangers, and it makes sense that me coming in to their home for a few days every other month or so would keep me in that "stranger" category.

Mostly what she does is growl at me if I walk near her while she's eatting, and if I go near her bed or if she's laying down on the bed I'm on she'll yap a bit, and jump off, then later come back on again when she's used to me being there. In general she's just kind of wary of where I'm going and what I'm doing.

She's more accustomed to me than she was from my first stay, but I was just wondering if there is anything I should be doing at all from a sitter standpoint when she acts like this? My general response currently is to respect her space but still assert myself if I need to get around her. Ignoring it completely seems like bad practice, but she is also not my dog. Are there any tips for building a dogs like this trust, especially when you don't see that dog on a regular basis?

Thanks!

3 Answers

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Frances M.'s profile image

As an owner of a Chihuahua I can tell you that is a normal characteristic of a Chihuahua. When you first meet my dog you would think she is so mean but she is really only guarding her territory. Remember you are walking into her house so she is telling you, "hey this is my house what are you doing here." Sit next to her, on the floor and wait until she approaches you and give her treats when she does. Sit on the floor with treats in your fist hidden, that way she will approach you. Don't even call her name. Sit reading a book or watching TV and she will come to you. I take care of another Chihuahua who is just as you described and it took a little time for her to warm up to me. I'm kind of surprised that as often as she's seen you she is still weary of you but some dogs take more time than others. When I have dogs that are standoffish I like for them to see me prepare their food and when I prepare it I mix it with my hands so my scent is on their food. Quickly they will know, "I better be nice to her because I have to rely on her to feed me." Another thing is to assert yourself, and you are already doing it which is a big deal with these little guys. Because they are little and so cute they think they can get away with murder so it's important that you show her you are the leader. Kudos to you for already doing that.

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Shannon L.'s profile image

Yes, I would say giving her space would be a good thing to do. I might also try to gain trust and respect by feeding her by hand. It's more time-consuming for sure, but it's a way of teaching her both that good things come from you and that you are in control of her resources. If you think she might not take the kibble directly from you, or might not take it nicely, you can drop one or more at a time from your hand into her bowl. If she won't go for that, then feed her as you normally do, give her space, and know that at least you tried.

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Laura R.'s profile image

It sounds like you've got it pretty well handled. I understand not wanting to be so passive, but her growls and barks are just her only way of saying out loud "I'm not comfortable with this situation," and of course you want to avoid causing her any more discomfort than necessary. The more you give her space and the less you force her into situations where she feels uncomfortable, the quicker she'll see that you're safe and trustworthy. You can reward her for being calm around you by giving her treats, and I'd encourage you to wait for her to offer you a sit first (not on cue, just on her own) before giving her her meals or treats. You'll bond faster if you have a two way dialogue, and she'll learn that when she communicates with you, you'll listen, encouraging her to engage with you more.

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