I have posted here that I have sat many large reactive dogs. But it is easier with small friendly dogs. I had a reactive dog last, we had gotten it as a rescue puppy, 10 weeks, but it turned out to be alpha. Great dog, had it off the leash way too much, but it would jump in and out of the dog run. But when she turned 3, she became very dominant to puppies. All of sudden. It happens. So I spent her whole life dealing with that. And yes, I do sit reactive large dogs, but prefer small easy dogs in my older age.
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We have sat with dogs that are reactive but want to know what precautions are taken. Shocked collar, harness, etc it’s not our fun sits for sure. Although one of our favorite dogs was abused and was reactive to other dogs on a trail. Not to humans. We knew to step off trail and wait—he was fine. One such pup that reacted—I will not return because there are so many pets in the neighborhood —it makes it hard to walk the pet and watch for kids and pets. I wish the owners would get professional training for the dog and them because it is a shame.
Amenities—the bed. I think this may be when I feel under-appreciated or the HO believes they are doing us a favor, We have slept in some good beds—but the majority of the time—the bed is like an afterthought. If HO is wanting to exchange care for their home and pets —at least provide a above average bed,
I have had some really nice guest suite beds. Lovely blankets and linens. Spacious showers, though too many gizmos to know what does what. And I have had the “cot”.
I was on a recent sit in the Thousand Islands. A mastiff and an old shepherd mix. They were hardly walked. It was a nice neighborhood but a bunch of Amish going by with their horse driven wagons. If anyone thinks I am a frail senior, you should have seen me holding back this 150 lb mastif while he lunged for those wagons. Never again. It was quite the week. Though beautiful with the fall colors.
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I had to chuckle re: “small, easy dogs” . Most of the dog bites in the US are from Chihuahuas !
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I was talking about managing them on a leash. As I mentioned, I was on a sit with a 150 lb mastif that went after the Amish with their horses. I was wrapping the leash around my waist.
Where is the source that says the tops bites are from chihuahuas? The AKC list each year is generally topped with pitbulls, dalmatians, and standard poodles.
I will not sit with reactive dogs and after a recent THS experience, will not sit with dogs. I spoke with the owner at length and he also wrote a lengthy and detailed welcome guide for his Australian Shepard, saying he was the friendliest dog, not at all aggressive with humans or other animals and even saying “his number one flaw is he is probably too friendly.” Well upon arrival, the dog would not even allow me into the house, he growled, bared his teeth and went into attack mode. I was stranded in the hot garage for hours and even tried to be introduced with two of the host’s friends (incl a former roommate). It was evident this dog was not “friendly” and I believe would have attacked me if I had entered the house. In the end the dog had to be boarded but the whole thing shattered my confidence and I will not sit with dogs again.
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Did you raise a member dispute ? Or report the aggressive pet as these are not permitted on THS .
“ 5.2.11. not have any inherently dangerous pets (such as venomous snakes or constrictors, primates, wolves or wolf hybrids, non-domesticated cats, alligators), banned dog breeds, or any animal with a history of attacks on pets or people;•
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Wow. I have never had that experience, even with guard dogs. People not so good, but dogs love me.
Wusses live to fight another day.. ! I can just imagine my
Epitaph.. “He bit off more than he could chew and now is nothing but old bones!”
Very wise to know your limits ! My wife usually reminds me if I forget!
You’re no good with a broken body!
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Wise decision. I am a professional pet sitter and will never sit certain breeds again, including Australian shepherds. I took care of a trio of them while a client was away and was scared stiff on every visit to their home. They were extremely nervous, snappy when I put on their leashes, I was warned to steer clear of other dogs on our walks, and they all just seemed super reactive. They were all on Prozac, which I happily dispensed (lol) - but I could only imagine how high-strung they would have been without it! Some of the breeds I’ve cared for left me seriously wondering why anyone would want such a dog, I don’t get it! I probably took care of those three dogs a handful of times and, looking back, realize I should have said no after the first time / but they were my neighbors at the time and this was my livelihood. I shudder when I think of all the risks I took! It’s such a relief doing THS for pleasure only, never feeling pressure to take on risky sits.
Just as an FYI: I was bitten by an Akita who I walked every day but one day got too close to his face accidentally and got bitten on the face. Very close call, as all I needed was a tetanus shot. But I also had a horrendous incident with an intact male rat terrier, whom I took out in the fenced yard every day. I had brought along a friend’s five-year-old on my daily dog walks one day. She was playing with the other dog at this house, not bothering the rat terrier at all - but all of a sudden he started mauling her. I just saw so much blood. The little terrier was out for the kill!! It took throwing a branch at him for him to finally let go. I was in such a panic and went into shock, but we both screamed enough that a neighbor came running over, called 911 and the ambulance whisked off the poor girl to the children’s hospital. Ultimately she didn’t have to have surgery on her hand or arm or leg, but she still has awful scars to this day. The little terrier had bitten her down to the bone and the doctors had to do many scans to make sure nothing would be permanently damaged.
Needless to say, I am still traumatized and when I see or hear about a terrier I wouldn’t dream of sitting for one. Maybe a little Yorkie, several of whom I’ve taken care of, but definitely no rat terriers! The girl, on the other hand, never lost her love for dogs and is now in her early twenties. Happily, she appears to have fully recovered - but I have not! By now, I’m limiting my pet sitting business to mainly cats.
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You can see my reply to OP, but unfortunately there’s always a risk with dogs that they can suddenly turn on you. I think we all know “gentle” breeds like labs and Goldens who have turned on their own family members. So we all put ourselves at some risk when we take on dog sits.
Many dogs do not like young kids’ sudden and frequent movements and (sometimes) noisiness.
Even with my own dog, I’m extra careful when anyone’s kids are anywhere nearby in public. Personally, I would never have young kids around unfamiliar dogs if I were pet sitting. That’s taking unnecessary risks.