Demon dog from hell?

Others have pretty well covered it, but I just want to chime in and support those saying you're dealing with a very confused and terrified dog. If there's any hint of the annoyance, frustration and anger I read in your post coming out when you're approaching this dog, he will respond to that negativity.

I completely understand if you need to have Rover take steps to place this dog with another sitter for the duration of the stay, and even if you don't, you need to report the incidents (especially if you or your dog require medical care). Your first priority has to be the safety of you, your dog, and this guest.

But whatever you do, keep in mind that a dog--no matter what they have done--is not at fault. At best, a dog has the mental capacity of a toddler; hopefully you'd have no trouble seeing how scary it could be for a toddler to be dropped off somewhere new with complete strangers and left behind. Especially if they didn't even speak the same language. Would you get angry with them for not wanting to be touched, or for hitting, kicking or biting to enforce their space? Or would you do everything in your power to make them feel safe and try to build understanding and trust?

If you decide to keep watching this dog, I recommend giving him space. Don't attempt to approach him. Don't even look at him directly. Keep your movements slow and steady and your voice low. I'd recommend sitting in the same room with him, down on the floor if at all possible, and read a book, work on your computer or watch tv. Periodically toss him treats and talk to him in a quiet, happy voice. Let him get comfortable with your presence and he may start to feel braver. Reward curiosity and exploration. Let him come to you and keep your movements slow. Don't reach over or around him. If he asks for affection, try slowly petting under his chin or down his chest for a second or two and then stop to check in. Watch his body language for signs of discomfort (freezing, turning away, lip licking, whale eye, head lowering, tail tucking, yawning, etc). If he solicits more attention, great. If not, stop. Keep offering treats for any brave and social behaviors. It may take a while, especially since he's already had multiple scary encounters with you, and pushing him too fast will backfire, but if you're able to use really good, smelly treats your progress will be faster. Given your circumstances, I'd encourage you to use the highest value treat you can (baked/boiled chicken, string cheese, hot dog, peanut butter) to make this situation safer for you and your guest.

Um, so you never had a meet and greet? Sorry but it sounds like you really dropped the ball where due diligence goes as a sitter. And maybe it would be good to get some training on how to conduct dog to dog introductions. I'll bet the dog is terrified right now. Even if you are upset, you have to try very hard to keep your cool because dogs don't understand 'pet sitting' and this dog is confused, upset, feeling threatened and thinks it's been abandoned at your house with a stranger. Demon dog from hell is a pretty strong statement to make. This isn't the dog's fault. This was a poorly handled situation on both the part of the owner and sitter. Sorry to sound harsh but it's just the reality. This was preventable.

Never take in a last minute request like that. I have been bitten literally and figuratively several times from doing so. If they bit you at the meet and greet with owner there and in control, they will definitely bite you when frightened when owner leaves. Sooo not worth it!!

Also been sitting 3 years and the only time I have been bitten was at meet and greet was when I didn't heed my own advice. Don't let yourself be stressed into taking a dog you aren't comfortable with if the owner made the poor decision to book last minute.

I'd definitely crate the pup and make sure your pup is safe. Call Rover. Call owner. Ask that they have a friend, family member pick up or arrange for a commercial kennel booking where this unsocialized dog is kept separate from other dogs that you can drop off to...and yes, i have done that before with a dog that got destructive and started chewing floorboards and moldings.

I think I may have gotten a request for this dog.... I am hesitant about accepting. Can you give me more information as in how old the dog is, or the name? This certain one is on medication for behavior and although the owner says he is friendly around other dogs, his profile says No....

I second the Yikes! Is your chihuahua okay?

If it were me, I would do my best to create an environment that is safe for all involved. I would want to place the dog in a separate room, so the dog hopefully won't feel threatened and overwhelmed, and is contained, away from me and my dog.

If he is too reactive for you to safely clip a leash on, to take him outside for elimination, hold one end of a leash in each hand and slowly approach him with your side facing him. Lower the leash just enough to slip it under his chin, but don't lean over him. Slip the snap end of the leash through the hand loop on the other end of the leash and allow the hand loop portion to slide down, forming a loop around the dog's neck.

When feeding him, place the bowl down as quickly as you can, without dropping it, then back away, and don't pick it back up until he's done and has moved away (in case he's food-aggressive).

If the owner has okayed treats, you can try to build trust and respect by going into the room and standing there, tossing treats in different directions. This way something good is coming from you, and in a less threatening way (he doesn't have to approach you to get a treat - safer for you, and perceived to be safer by him). If he knows "sit", and will do it when you ask him to, that will help with the respect part - he has to do something for you in order to get the treat.

It's a shame that you, your dog, and the guest dog have to have an experience like this. It doesn't sound like this dog has had the right upbringing to successfully stay at a sitter's house. And I suspect a traveling sitter would have the same issues (the dog not being able to be handled).

Yikes! Contact Rover Support a.s.a.p. They'll help. Updated response addition:I have not been bitten like that, nor has my dog or any other dog in my care been hurt like that. Rover Support may have additional info. about dog on file, and you understandably may want to find other arrangements for the dog. I'm not sure if a Trainer/Sitter with experience with these type of problems may take it on, or if this dog could stay elsewhere (In either case Rover Support would help reassign the dog and help with communications). On the sitter-to-sitter tab, I found a discussion about this: https://www.rover.com/community/quest...

I think the best thing before you ever watch a dog is to get to the know the dog first and be around him/her for a while before allowing yourself to pet them. I would suggest you give her treats and while giving her treats also pet her at the same time once your comfortable.