I'd come up with a contract. also agree on times and enforce a late charge after 15mins past the agreed time and after a half hour, they have to reschedule on my time. People will take advantage as much as they can, as I have found they seem to think its not a real job to pet sit. Set times that will control drop off and pick up times, like being open for drop off and pick ups between 9 am & 9 pm, anything after/before that can be considered an additional day!

Come up with a contract and have them sign when they drop the dog off, that way there's no confusion. I've had a issue with this and the owner didn't care what-so-ever, even when I asked what they wanted to do I received no response. We had tons of damage due to this one dog. Poop smeared on the walls, rugs ripped up, storage bins torn apart, door jambs scratched and bitten, pee on couches, ripped curtains, deep scratches on walls, and even a totally busted door frame( due to him trying to open a door that was locked with a chain lock.) I finally came up with a contract that clearly shows it and they have to sign it or the deal is off. You'd be surprise how many people could care less when things like this happen.

I've had client who used bark collars and asked me to use them too. I didn't instead I watched the dog closely and when they would bark I would spray them with a water bottle. It surprises them and shows them it's an unwanted behavior, in a humans and easy way.

Use a baby gate to keep them separate, do everything separate, walking,feeding ect. Once we had a huge dog act up so bad I had to actually call their owner for an emergency pickup.

Of course! I tend to send them home with a doggie thank you bad full of treats and toys!

Separate feelings.. Either at different times or in different rooms. Sometimes they will even get fed in their kennels only and then taken straight outside when they're done.

This is why I charge a daily rate. I had the problem of people dropping their dogs off at 5 am and picking them up the next day at 1130 pm. In my book, that's two full days not an overnight. I also had to start saying I do not accept pick ups or drop offs before or after 9, as people were insisting on picking up their pets at u reasonable times like 1am after they get off the plane.

I used to require meet and greets, but now I tend to do it for either larger dogs, dogs who aren't neutered or for extended stays. Usually everyone gets along if that's the energy I send out into the universe.

We tend to throw a ball down the stairs and our dogs run to get them, gives them a work out without too much effort on my part

I usually greet the clients outside in the front yard where it's more of a neutral meeting place, that's where I introduce myself to the client and dog. The. I will have my dogs go outside to meet them or I will do a one on one with each dog to get them acclimated and see if they get along. This is usually done through a glass door so they can see each other first. If they seem to want to meet then I will take off the leashes (indoors) but keep on harnesses in case I have to grab anyone. Also have a spray bottle with water on hand in case a fight breaks out. It's an easy and humane way to catch them in the act and show them it's a no-no

When this happens I ask for a photo and full name and contact information of the person who is picking up or dropping off the dog. I also write in my profile that I will not open my door to someone I do not recognize, nor do I release a pet to someone without prior authorization from the owner. It's for the pets safety and my own.

Tug of war, quick and easy trainings, hiding treats and letting them try to find them and cuddles, lots of cuddles!

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.

Pale colored gums are a sign of emergency! Change of weight, demeanor, energy level, poop pattern/texture, and change of eating patterns may be signs of illness.

Collars may cause trachea collapse, I'd stick with nylon harnesses.

I feel as though sometimes they get confused on where to go. They may think outside is play space and inside is poop place, which is opposite to what we want them to think. Try shortening outside time and maybe try taking them to a specific place and ask them to go poop and pee. It may train them to go in that area. when they poop or pee in the house, Tell them no and immediately take them to their poopie place outside!

Try to get the dog to relax. Coughing isn't too bad, in a way it means they're still breathing even though they're having some difficulty. Relaxation, massage, and cuddles are the best!

This is tricky. I would leave that to the professionals. If not, make sure you have great lighting and only clip a tiny amount, as it's not necessary to cut right down to the quick.

I would choose one that your dog enjoys so that every time he needs to be brushed it doesn't make it super unpleasant.

I would just sweetly ask that they do not touch the dog, as you are trying to train him/her. This is the best way to let them down easy, makes it seem less rude then "hey don't touch my dog" and if they can't respect that then you can be more stern or walk away. Sometimes when my dog jumps up on someone I tell him to get down and I hear "oh it's ok, I love dogs" and then I usually say something along the lines of "we are training him to sit when he wants attention." This usually works well

Just put a towel or blanket over it, just like you would with a human and a heating pad. Don't forget to turn it off at night.

Yes, actually we should always trim these nails as they may catch onto fabrics and could even pull the toe right off! Sometimes it's best to have these claws removed during neutering/spaying.

Showering with your pet should be just fine. I don't think there's anything wrong with it!

At one point I was watching 11 dogs, my 3 included! It was amazing to see so many personalities meshing so well together! I loved every minute of it!