My family has had dogs my entire life (as well as cats, birds, rabbits, guinea pigs, snakes, fish, etc.). My mom volunteered for a dog rescue so we were often a foster family as well. There was never more than a two-week period without a dog in our house. I was a nanny in high school which often came with pet-sitting duties. I had my own dog that I just lost last year (he was 16), but prior to that I took him everywhere with me, including living abroad (I think he had more friends than I did). Over the years I have pet-sit for countless friends and neighbors. I approach each animal individually and get to know their personality and what works for them, and I follow instructions from owners to a T.