If your dog is that destructive even if not watched for a few moments, I would like to suggest in the future, to try having the sitter tether the dog to them. Also to use a crate anytime the sitter can't watch them. This includes if the sitter wants to take a nap or go use the restroom, or go do laundry, basically anytime they can't watch your dog 100% of the time. I'm not sure if rover will cover the damages, but going forward, these two methods will help avoid further damage to your home.

Great document, I have not so much a question, but more something to discuss... Make sure you find out what the drop off and pick up times are for their dogs. It is important if you choose, to hold the owners to that time. Rover charges per 24 hour increments, so it is important if they don't pick up their dogs within that time frame that they know there will be an extra charge or no extra charge. For example, you have a dog that will be staying with you for one day. The owner drops them off at 10 am on Saturday and is supposed to pick them up at 10 am on Sunday. They call you and say they are going to be late and can't pick the dog up until 2 pm on Sunday. Do you charge extra for that? It is almost another half a day... So just make sure you are clear about your policies with the client and know where you stand.

1. Is he neutered? If not, get him neutered if appropriate for his age and health...
2. He could be guarding you, see if he reacts aggressively towards others when you are not near him? If he doesn't then the answer is, it is you.
3. Don't allow him to pee or poo around that area or building, if he can't mark his territory, it is not his territory to guard.
4. Don't allow him to walk through the threshold of the door first. You are the pack leader, you walk in first.
5. Try covering his cage or pen with a blanket so he can not see out. This MIGHT change his behavior if he can not see other dogs but can only smell them. If this helps, continue to cover until he can be trusted to not react aggressively, then you can uncover. The moment he reverts back to aggression cover up his area again. That will be the punishment he will understand, that when he does an unwanted behavior, the other people and dogs go bye bye. If he doesn't react, he gets to see out.
6. I keep using the term "aggression" for lack of a better word but please understand, what your dog is going through does not sound like true aggression, he could just be acting out for several reasons.
7. Exercise him more if he is not exercised enough.
8. All of these tips could help but are not a cure all solution, the best thing is to keep trying new things until something works. Just know your dog is going through a stage in his life where he will be acting like this, but all these tips might be small ways to help.

You do not have to get one but if you can do the background check it would be better for you. It will help generate more interest from potential clients who see you have the background check badge on your page. I believe it would only improve your dog boarding business.

What are treats on rover ? There is a leaderboard and it is ranked by the # of treats a dogsitter gets. How are treats determined and what does the leaderboard mean or what is it's purpose?

Emma, the most important things to do to get yourself started is:

1) write a great profile detailing your experience and what makes you stand out/ what is special about your skills, what sets you apart, or what you can offer that is above and beyond.

2)set a competitive rate. People on rover charge usually upwards of $20 a night. Think of setting your rate a little lower to gain interest. Once you start getting reviews and clients, you can increase your price little by little depending how in demand you are,

3) have people write some testimonials for your profile, it will help potential clients when they can read what other people have said about your services.

4) for the meet and greets, have your house clean, organized, and be ready to answer and ask questions about your potential client.

5) respond to requests promptly within an hour. Always send pictures to your clients and updates IF they want you to.

Anyway, I hope these tips help, these are just the things I have done to get started and I feel,like they have really helped me. Lately I have been booked constantly, business has been good so I think these little tips have definitely worked :-) feel free to check out my page if you want example. Allison s. In antelope, ca.