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How many rules do you have for dogs you watch, and how strict are you with them?

So I have on my profile that I will only take kennel trained dogs and that for longer stays I would strongly prefer for them to come with their own kennel. Hey I still have people asking me if I'll take their dog who isn't kennel trained. The reason I ask for this is because if I need to go to work or leave the house for an hour or two I don't feel comfortable leaving a dog out in my house who's unfamiliar with everything. Is this unreasonable? And how much of a stickler should I be over this? I've lost two or three clients already because of this. In my opinion it's just asking for a bathroom accident, as I've noticed that a lot of dogs who are in unfamiliar areas tend to have accidents. And when dogs do have kennels from home they gladly curl up in them for some downtime when they're overwhelmed.

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If that's what you prefer, I'd stick to it! You'll get the right clients, ones who will work with what you ask for.

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I don't feel you are being unreasonable. You are providing a service, but it is your home and you have every right to have and enforce rules. I wouldn't worry about losing the clients, I personally don't have that particular rule, but that's only because I'm home most of the time anyway since I'm retired.

If it is a short-term stay, I will do all my errands before the dog arrives or after they leave so I can be with them 24/7. On a longer stay, I talk to the owners and ask if the dog is ok being left alone for short periods of time. If I do leave, I barricade them in the living/dining room because my previous dog already ruined the carpet, and I only stay gone less than 30 minutes. For returning clients, I know how they act so I may alter my routine.

I do have a rule about no dogs on the furniture. All clients so far have been ok with that.