The two most likely scenarios I have encountered are that the dog is stressed, either from separation or something going on in his/her life. Maybe a new puppy or construction in the neighborhood or owners taking a new job and being home less. It might be a boredom thing from a dog who is crated too much during the day. In this case, I would make sure that the dog's environment was as comfortable as possible. and watch to see what might be setting the dog off. You could try playing some classical music to mask outside sounds, diffuse lavender oil or dog appeasing pheromones to calm the dog, provide a place where the dog can get away and try to give the dog lots of stimulation, both mental and physical during the day. Second, is the dog itchy for some reason? Perhaps the dog has allergies to something in the environment or food. If this is the case, the vet can check for allergies and can lead you in treatment. Maybe the dog has fleas or mites that are causing the itching. It would be worth a visit to the vet, and I would do that to eliminate health issues first and foremost.

First of all, look at where you live and what kind of coat your dog has. If you have a dog who is equipped to handle long periods in cold temps, then they mgiht just be too hot in many parts of the country. If you suspect this is the case, make sure you dog has some cool places to get out of the heat. If you have a dog bred for cold weather, let them enjoy some of that snowy wintery wonderland. This is probably best case scenario. Plus, dogs with flat faces have a tougher time breathing, especially in the heat and seem to pant more as well. Second, is the dog overweight? Just like with people, overweight dogs get tired and hot much more quickly. If this is the case, visit the vet and cut down on your dog's food intake. Start making some healthy subs for some of the treats your dog eats. You can also start to increase exercise a little each day. This is in the dog's best interest, as overweight dogs are much more prone to joint issues and can suffer from heart problems too. Third and most serious, it could be a medical issue. Perhaps the dog already has a thyroid or heart issue. Take the dog to the vet, have them tested for everything and you may have to commit to putting the dog on meds to help them live a better life.

Like others have said, rule out medical issues first. My dog, for example, is a great eater, so if he suddenly didn't want to eat, I would know something is terribly wrong and we would be to the vet's in ten minutes flat. However, some dogs are just holding out for better things like soft food and mix-ins. Some dogs are not that interested in food and it is just a part of who they are. A healthy, adult dog won't starve itself. What I would do is put the food bowl down for a set amount of time and when the time is up, pick up the food. You can try this again at the next meal. No treats in the meantime. I've had good luck using a dog's kibble as a training treat and made them work for it. As long as your dog is healthy to begin with, they will be fine missing meals.

Nope, not a sign of gum disease at all. It has to do with your dog's skin and coat color. For example, a black dog has dark colored skin and dark gums almost always. It happens pretty often, even in lighter colored dogs and it might tell you that the dog had black dog ancestry. And a black dog can have pink gums. My black and white dog has a black and pink spotted mouth. Now, if your dog has inflamed, reddish colored gums, foul, sickly breath and dirty looking teeth, those are all signs of dental issues.

Thanks, I thought their site looked a little cluttered or less professional than others and for the price, I could get just as much from one of the other organizations, Word of mouth is super valuable here and I am just looking into my best options to market my business and to be improving.

Right now, I am gathering information, as I am slowly working to become a full time pet sitter, and would like to separate myself from some of the other Rover sitters in my area. I am looking into several professional organization (NAPPS, PSI, Petsit USA) and am wondering which ones are the best.

Thanks! All I was finding was something about sports writers and something about workplace equality, but neither one sounded great. Are you a member of this service? Or are there others you like better? I am gathering information, and am looking for word of mouth yeses and nos.

I was looking at the Professional Membership boxes Rover recognizes. I am compiling a list of all of the professional memberships that may help me to further my career and knowledge base. Does anyone know what APSE stands for? What does this organization do? Does anyone belong to it? Is it worth it? What others do you belong to? Do you have any you recommend?

If you want to find out if your dog likes puzzle toys, try a muffin tin. Hide yummy treats in it and cover treats with a tennis ball. This is something you can do for not much money. I like Kong, the regular and Wobbler. My dog likes when I put peanut butter in the Kong for him. We also have a Westpaw toy that has a large opening. I will often freeze kibble, yogurt, peanut butter, banana *(whatever your dog enjoys) in it and cleaning it out is also rewarding and keeps mine busy for a while. I have tried a Kong ball from Amazon that you stuff treats in little grooves, but I was not super impressed with that one because it is tough finding treats that will stay in the grooves without making a mess.

I also say leash him! Being off leash is an earned privilege that can be earned when your puppy has been taught a reliable recall. Start proofing a new recall word or sound (I use back), in the house with low distractions. Say the word in an excited, happy manner and treat heavily for coming. The first few times, make sure puppy is already looking at you. Recall training is all about setting him up for success, not testing how well he will listen. When he comes, lots of praise and yummy treats. It's a party! As he becomes reliable in the house, take the behavior outside on a regualar leash and then to a long line.It is always exciting when puppy returns to you. Then, you can try it in an open field with no distractions and finally move up to a high distraction setting. Also, when your dog gets a reliable recall and you, for example, take him hiking or to the dog park off leash, call him to you several times, treat and release him to go play again. Otherwise, dogs learn pretty quickly that when you call them, it means the fun is over and he may feel punished. Hope this helps.

I also will add in to take your dog to the vet to have him checked over for any kind of underlying conditions and to work together on an exercise plan. If you can, cut down on the dog's food, and put him on the highest quality food you can afford. A food with more real nutrition and less filler is a good thing. As other have said, add in some filler to the food. Green beans, canned pumpkin, carrots and cucumber are favorites of my dog. Can you feed your dog from a slow down bowl or a Kong Wobbler? If he eats slower, he may not notice a decrease in food. You could also freeze a Kong with kibble, soft food, plain yogurt or canned pumpkin to slow him down and have him work at it. There are lots of puzzle feeders that may work. I also have my dog sometimes work for his kibble. I will take some out and use it for training rewards or have him find it. Your beagle would probably love to use his nose to find his dinner in installments. Make sure you ease him into exercise and that he is capable of doing what you want to do. Don't put him at risk, but walking, trick training and swimming are all great!

Thanks for your reply. I saw someone in a facebook group I am in say that she only sits for people who allow her to bring her own dog and she seems to keep very busy. Obviously, I don't ask people and I understand where they are coming from. If they offer, I jump at the chance. Wishful thinking.

Thanks for your reply. Obviously, I haven't asked yet if my dog can come along, but I have had one or two families who have offered. I just ask because I saw someone in one of the Facebook groups I am in say that she will only sit for families who let her bring her dog along and she keeps busy.

Before i answer, I must add a disclaimer: any dog can be great with children, and even if the breed standard says the breed is not, you will find people who tell you differently. I am sharing personal experience of the most common breeds I saw turned into the shelter when I worked there for not being great with kids. I know these are generalizations and I am not trying to start any type of fight. However, these are the ones I saw with the most issues. With a very young child in the house, I would stay away from the the smallest of the small breeds, like chihuahuas, poms and Yorkies, as these little dogs can often learn that being picked up incorrectly hurts so they nip in response and then get put down. They learn to nip before being hurt and will become reactive to children. Dachshunds tend to have back issues, sometimes caused by children picking them up incorrectly or being dropped. They are top of the list for bites. I am not a fan of min pins around kids, just because they are so energetic and strong willed. I am not crazy about Lhasas and pekes with kids either, just because neither one is especially patient. Now for breeds I do like with kids, miniature (not toy) poodles tend to have a fun sense of humor and are trainable. My first choice would probably be a bichon, as they are usually sweet and biddable dogs. Cavalier King Charles spaniels are great, but have lots of health problems. I like Italian Greyhounds, but they are very fragile, so if this is a look you like, possibly consider a whippet instead. Beagles have a great personality and love kids, but they can be barky and difficult to train or call off a scent. Some cocker spaniels are great with kids, as would be a cockapoo or other small poodle mix. I love Havanese, and they love to learn tricks. Shi Tzus are pretty nice, but can be stubborn and lazy. Honestly, make a list of what all you want out of a dog and then go meet some to see if one clicks. Be patient and don't settle.

I am a fairly new sitter and at the moment am trying to build up my business. For right now, I am pretty open to any job that comes available. However, when I am doing overnight stays with another family, my poor dog is stuck at home with my roommate. My dog is by no means being mistreated, but he isn't getting the care and attention he would if I were home. I am in a rental so boarding doesn't work too well for me. Do any of you only take jobs where you can bring your own dog along? Of course, I would never take my dog into a dangerous situation, but I know he gets along with other pets and has excellent manners. He sheds, but otherwise is clean. Is it too soon to start asking this of potential clients? I want to be the best possible dog sitter, but also want to give my own dog what he deserves. Any insight is helpful, thanks!

I have taught my dog heel, by starting with treats in my hand and continually treating if he stays by my side. Then, I upped the criteria, by not holding the treats by his nose, but I still treat every few steps for walking at my side. I continually asked him to go longer and longer between treats. I added in the verbal when he was consistently walking well and now he has it. I also have been known to stop if he doesn't stay by my side and when he checks in, we go again. I walk my dog on a regular back clip harness and he does great on it. When he is off leash, I taught him a check cue, where he checks in and gets a treat or praise. I have used a hands free leash, as it communicates your cues effectively. Hope this helps.