Shiba Inus as a breed can be very protective and guarded when it comes to new people entering the house. They also need socialization early on because they are naturally cautious around strangers.

Next time a dog acts this way towards a meet and greet, make sure you ask the owners if they are like this with new people. Make sure the dog willingly comes to you, without being prompted by the owners!! This is a huge indicator of how they feel about strangers and about you.

Regarding how to deal with an aggressive/fearful dog... I can only give you a few tips, as Erica said that every dog is different from the rest. Try not to make eye contact with the dog, as this is seen as a challenge in the dog world. If you are comfortable with it, get on ground level with the dogs. Dogs love this because it means you're willing to connect. Do not do this if you think the dog will instead bite or redirect on you. Treats are your best friend! If you're able to, bring high value treats like chicken, turkey, and peanut butter.

Hope this helps!

I've been on Rover since 2015 and my business has been growing each year. Summer is my busiest season only because so many people go out to vacation, otherwise most of my business comes from dog walking and drop in requests. It sucks when the summer season dies down, but know that you could offer dog walks and drop ins instead. Also, I would also raise your prices. $20 a night seems abnormally cheap, and I do agree that it might turn off potential clients.

It's a great idea to network at dog parks and pet stores if possible. I have several clients that I met through the dog park or http://Care.com instead of Rover. Many of them have used me for a couple years now. Just keep networking, keep your profile updated, and provide good service. The business will follow.