I vacuum.... A LOT. I find that makes a huge difference. I make sure to do the couches too. You can sprinkle baking soda or other household powder deodorizers on the rug, let it sit and then vacuum it up.

I also have central air and every once in a while, I will run the fan (no air or heat) and the circulation makes a huge difference. Do that before company.

I don't know why this is confusing to so many people. It is just like any business model. It is a high demand day and some sitters want it to be worth it in order for them to work during that day. I myself give up a lot of holiday weekends and trips for Rovering and I like that it is a little more worth it. That being said, I usually reduce it for regulars or whoever asks. So... just ask before you get angry about what you don't understand.

I would definitely increase your price for the sole reason that you are loosing money and potential future clients. I actually do the opposite for that reason - for stays over 3 nights, I increase my rate $5.

I have only had good experiences and if they contact me directly through my phone/email, I immediately send them to the rover site. Gives me peace of mind and I have yet to have a problem. I have lost some potentials but I assume that is because they just found someone on the map closer to them once they got on the site. That's the only downside.

I did find a wonderful dog walker one craiglist that is saving me hundreds. I moved to the suburbs and because of the new commute, it would have left my dog alone 10+ hours a day. So I needed a dog walker, but there was no way I could afford $15 a day. So I went on craigslist and posted a listing generated towards high school kids looking to make $30 bucks a week. I got a response from a 15 year old kid who is too young to get working papers, but his mom wants him to have some responsibility and this was perfect. I asked that our first meet up was also with his mother and everything was great! He has come every day, fills, a log and the best part is that its $30 bucks a week for me and he's a happy camper making some nice side change for 30 minutes of his time. I do give him a little extra at the end of the week if I have a Rover. It's been great!

I am still suffering from my mistakes. This is more about customer service though. I was way to flexible and accommodating to a couple of parents that now I feel as though they take advantage of me and it is too late to really stand my ground. For instance, I feel that once you offer to pick up or drop off a dog (whether it is because their house was on my way and it makes sense, or because they were in a bind, or because I wanted the dog gone before another came, etc.) they then EXPECT it every time. I had to actually put in my profile that I did not do drop off and pick ups, but it was too late and my regulars weren't really reading my profile any more. I declined a couple of times and they got spiffy with me, mainly because I had done it a couple of times before and it was just expected I would cave. Mind you, they knew what they were doing - they would book with the impression that they were picking him up then always last minute ask that I drop them off. I made it very clear that it was hard for me (Boston winter/parking bans and loosing spots), but often they would have no intention of picking them up in the first place (they would ultimately lie about their plans). It got very very frustrating and put me in a bad position to tell people no. And no one wants to say/hear No, especially when you have had a great rapport otherwise.

Moral of the story - people will take advantage of you so be careful how flexible you become. You are not people's personal assistants!

My dog is Jack Russel Rat Terrier mix and he is unlike any other Rat Terrier that I have ever watched. I don't know if it is the Jack in him, but you would assume that he would be off the wall between the two breeds. However, he is the most mellow little guy and just wants to be right next to you. He is very loyal and will never run away but because he loves people SO much, I will find that he will ignore my commands to stay when a person is near. He HAS to say Hi and then melts at their feet. People crack up.

I have watched two rat terriers and they were pretty much the same dog, haha. They are both vocal and a little skitish. They especially don't like men, so you might see that common thread. They have never lunged or bit, but do get nasty towards strangers, even kids so watch that. They are just protective. They have a napoleon complex going on. They are super loyal to the owner though and love to cuddle. Once they get used to the stranger/male, they will sit with them.

They do bark at surprise noises, leaving and entering. They are also extremely stubborn and don't listen to commands when they are in their watch dog mode. One is an absolute whiner and keeps us up at night, but it is only because he is spoiled and used to sleeping in the bed! He is really a sweet heart but they are tough sometimes and not a good dog if you like to host or want your dog to be around people alot. Just my experience! But then again, look at my dog! The complete opposite temperament.

I live in Boston but just bought a house 25 minutes south of the city. What is the best way to let my clients (I have a couple repeats) know and any tips on keeping them as customers? I am willing to add pick ups and drop offs but I don't want to seetm desperate! Also, is the best way to contact them through past inbox exhanges?

Anyone else struggle with this? I have such a strong following here that i am sad to start over...