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| commented answer | Will Rover show the time of a request on their website? How do I set quiet hours? I'm having trouble finding it on the website and in the app. |
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| commented answer | Why doesn't Rover let Sitters share info about dogs? I'm sorry to hear that! I've had that too where I reconsidered dog sitting. I agree with Serina that insisting on a M&G is essential. Also I don't take dogs that are not crate trained. It's made a HUGE difference for the better. |
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| commented answer | How do you handle last minute (less than 24 hour notice) bookings? I totally agree. I've never taken a same day booking from a new client. The M&G is essential to make sure it's a good fit :) |
| commented answer | What should I do if owner never returns. Absolutely! I've declined stays a few times because they seemed suspiciously like an abandonment situation. |
| commented answer | What is the ratio of problem dogs you have had? That's great, thanks for the help! Things have been better :) The only issue I have now is with crating dogs. The owners assure me their dog is crate trained but in practice that is not the case. I have a dog now that pants & drools in the crate, she is obviously stressed in the crate :( |
| commented answer | What is the ratio of problem dogs you have had? So true. I work really hard on my profile & wish the owners would too. |
| commented question | What is the ratio of problem dogs you have had? Absolutely. I'm learning to read between the lines during meet & greets. Thanks for the tips on retirees, I haven't had any yet so it's good to know to look out for that. |
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| commented answer | What is the ratio of problem dogs you have had? Right. I was just trying to keep the headline short. I guess I should have put What is your ratio of dogs that have displayed behaviors that were outside of the expectations the pet guardian set for you? :) |
| commented answer | What is the ratio of problem dogs you have had? Yeah meets are essential. Many times mine go on for over an hour. Could you give examples of "tighten supervision & revoke freedoms"? I'm curious if you have some good tactics :) |
| commented answer | What is the ratio of problem dogs you have had? Right. I was just trying to keep the headline short. I guess I should have put What is your ratio of dogs that have displayed behaviors that were outside of the expectations the pet guardian set for you? :) You are totally right when the owners want to rush off it's not a good sign :) |
| commented answer | What is the ratio of problem dogs you have had? Thank you for the insight. I see my issue is with taking young dogs & yeah pee pad placement can be confusing for pups. |
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| asked a question | What is the ratio of problem dogs you have had? I've had about 10 owners book with me, with some repeat bookings. 90% of the time if the client does a meet & greet they book with me. 8/10 dogs have severe problems. I don't feel the owners are being as honest as they should be about these issues. I always ask at the meet & greet before booking-house training, aggression, crate training, and my favorite special quirks. Every dog seems to have an object they love, hate, or fear. It's so cute, I've heard all kinds of things exercise balls, rubber bands, empty boxes, water bottles, paper etc.. I know dogs are going to be more nervous & need more potty breaks in a new environment. So if an owner says their dog gets 2 walks a day I figure one walk when they first get there then 3 more for a total of 4 the first day & 3 every day after. If they say they're crate trained I still prepare to do some gentle encouragement like leaving treats in the crate during the day to get them comfortable. Some examples I was told a puppy was pad trained as long as first thing in the morning I took her out of her crate & carried her to her pee pad. She started dripping immediately when I picked her up, so I'd have a pad right outside her crate. Other than first thing in the morning she went everywhere but the pad. On the balcony, on the couch, in the kitchen, in the hall, in the bathroom. She didn't understand when I said "Stop!" when she started peeing on the floor. She'd continue to pee as I carried her to her pad, then be annoyed I was keeping her on her pad. To me this means a dog is not pad trained at all. I was told a dog was house trained. Despite numerous walks he peed on the couch. I wash everything with enzymatic cleaner, including the sofa covers. I was told a dog was house trained & crate trained. Despite numerous walks, every hour during the day, he peed everywhere in the house. When I told him "Stop!" during the act he was completely bewildered like he didn't know what he was doing was wrong. He'd go in his crate without much encouragement but start whining in the night. A young puppy I could understand this behavior, but not an adult dog. It's not like the owners are telling me there's a small problem; they're telling me "Oh no, he's 100% house trained!" An accident here or there from any dog I can understand. When it's most of my clients most of the time I just wonder if everyone else is having the same experience? Any chance it's the area I'm in, Los Angeles? I'd really like to hear the details other sitters are having with dogs ... |
| answered a question | What is your (real) cancellation policy? Luckily I've never had a cancellation. I would stick to my cancellation policy for the most part. I would make some exceptions. I have a repeat client who is always on time & books well in advance, if he had to cancel I'd make an exception because I know it's not going to happen often. With first time clients I wouldn't make an exception because I don't know if they're going to cancel often or if it really is a one time thing. It definitely would make a difference if I had to refuse another stay to keep a spot open for them. I love animals, this isn't just about the money for me. The inconvenience to myself & another client is the problem. I am more lenient if I don't have to refuse anyone. |
| answered a question | Has anyone else seen this scam? Yes I've been having this happen to me as well. I also was on http://care.com & none of the requests seemed legit. I changed my profile on care to not give out any of my information but I still get odd requests like that. You can complain to http://care.com & also try filing a complaint with the CFPB. If they get a lot of complaints they'll take them to federal court. http://www.consumerfinance.gov/ |