I walk the dog (on leash) around my kitchen peninsula, so they cannot see their owner leave. It seems to help the dog adjust more quickly if they don't watch they walk out the door. We usually go upstairs and play, or if really upset, take a long walk to tire them out and distract them. I just make sure to also use a slip leash in addition to what the PP has provided, in case the upset dog tries to back out of their collar or harness. In a year of sitting, I haven't had any issues with severe separation anxiety with this method, even when I'm told the dog suffers from it.

I raised my rates twice in the year I've been a http://rover.com sitter, and am now the most expensive in my area, yet continue to get the most business. I am also a dog trainer, so my clients are happy to pay extra for someone who is very knowledgeable about pets. I offer a rewards program, where after 12 nights, they earn a free one. I also offer multiple dog, and extended stay discounts. I have had some people not book with me because of price, but that hasn't slowed me down. My prices, while higher than others, are absolutely fair for the attention and care their pets receive. I love all of my clients!

I had this happen to me with a dog on another dog Boarding site. Owner was a last minute booking, didn't provide food or even a leash. I sent updates and never heard back. He was late by 4 hours to pick up, and when I eventually got ahold of him, he asked to extend the stay and he paid immediately. He was "late" picking up his dog the following night, and texted him multiple times with no answer. Called the company, and they said to wait it out and call if he didn't pick up by the morning. Didn't hear from the owner for two days, and eventually found out he was in a car accident from girlfriend. I sent my request for pay for the additional days and she flipped out, saying all I thought about was money. I assured her that was not the case, and it turned into a crazy scene with her threatening me. Eventually they sent someone else to pick up dog, and they accused me of not feeding him, and abusing him. I guarantee he didn't ever have as much attention or love as he did with me, and even gave him a bath free of charge, because he smelled so bad when they dropped him off. It was not a great experience, but I really just feel bad for the pup. I now require meet and greets.

We have a non toxic (for pets), pest control come once a month and spray outside. Our first floor has laminate flooring, so it's very easy to keep clean. Upstairs has carpet, which gets professionally cleaned twice a year, but I keep the house immaculate and have not had a problem.

I've never had this happen on http://rover.com, but have on DogVacay. I seem to get all the weirdos from that site. I keep all my communication on the platform they found me on (as someone said before to keep a paper trail), and they usually disappear.

I'm new to http://rover.com as I said earlier, and I don't think I completely understood how it worked until a few inquiries. I also, used to accept a request the moment it came in. I figured out that just because someone makes an inquiry, does not mean they are ready to book. I had many of them that reached out to me, and then I never heard back. I asked http://rover.com if that was normal, and it is. Many people contact multiple sitters, in the event they don't reply, or price shopping.

I only joined http://rover.com a little over two weeks ago, and I'm already full for Thanksgiving, and almost full for the month of December. I'm really happy with the response I've received so far. Surprisingly, many of my requests are not for the actual holiday, but for work trips, with a few vacations scattered in.

Marking is a potty training issue, and has nothing to do with hormones. Supervision is the only way to stop this behavior. Making sure the area is cleaned using a pet cleaner is important, so the smell won't entice him to continue to potty there. Anti Icky Poo or Nature's Miracle Urine Destroyer are the best enzymatic cleaners that disintegrate the scent molecule that draws the dog to that spot.