That is a good idea! Thank you.

Thank you! My partner talked to her - I was at work when she showed up - and had an honest discussion

Thank you for the advice!

I am sitting for a dog that was very well behaved during the meet and greet, and who her owner said would be fine with my dog. By all accounts, during the meet and greet, my dog was worse behaved.

BUT now that she is staying with us, this dog is actually quite neurotic. She resource guards, she lunges for my dog out of nowhere, and she has even snapped at us/ bared her teeth on occasion. I am trying some training techniques that are helping, but it is not my responsibility to train this dog. Mostly, I do not feel that she is safe around my dog, and I absolutely cannot leave them alone together. This dog is not crate trained - luckily mine is.

I will be explaining this behaviour when her owner returns, but if the owner reaches out again, how do I decline? What kind of things do you say to a client you do not want to become a repeat client, while still maintaining professionalism? This dog would obviously be better in a home where there is no other dog, that much is abundantly clear.

Have you tried distracting him with an activity? I know this is not a permanent fix, but it might buy you some quiet time. A kibble ball would be my suggestion, unless the puppy resource guards.

I would say as soon as your vet allows, especially if your puppy is a female. If she's in heat, she can't go to dog parks, or interact with other dogs. She could be in pain, uncomfortable, and bleed. If there is no need for her to go through this experience, and for you to have to deal with it, I don't see the point in delaying. My dogs were all neutered at six months and they recovered well and are very healthy. (2 girls 1 boy)