Taking care and protect the dog is imperative. It's also important being alert since some dogs, same as kids, could be unpredictable. The sitter has to be always in control. In second place it comes affection. Make the dog feeling comfortable and loved, playing, petting, walking even talking to it. Satisfying its needs, like proper feeding, rest, walks, will make the dog happy. Senior dogs and special needs dogs will certainly need extra care and attention. When the sitter is able to cover all those aspects, the owner will notice the dog's behavior and certainly will be happy and trusting. When the sitter takes a dog under his/her charge, besides the fact that caring for a dog is a huge responsibility, the dog becomes like his/her own, a family member.