It is only two days in, and already it’s been so challenging. There’s been some other issues which I’ve asked for advice on, and now I’m back. This time about the dog that I’m taking care of, who is really badly behaved. I had asked about the training in our first meeting, and the owner had assured me the dog was well-behaved. However, I have now found out the hard way that the dog has a known history of aggression towards farm animals.
How is it that an owner leaves this out in the description of their animal to someone who is coming to take care of it? I don’t understand. It leaves me with to question those owners who don’t see this as a co-equal exchange and don’t make the effort to hold up their end of the bargain.
I’ve had a really helpful discussion with the THS support services, so this is another airing out of the issue, and seeing if anybody else has any ideas or thoughts about this.
You are missing a major component. Why is the dog exposed to farm animals? I wouldn’t tell anyone that about my dog, because there is no need for him to be near them.
@GTravels, we’ve had one relevant incident. Bad.
THS terms of service includes a statement for aggressive pet behavior.
“5.2.4. ensure that no pets to be left under the care of a Sitter have ever caused a person or animal any physical harm (no matter how minor the injury);”
Suggest reflect on your perceived personal safety; remaining duration of housesit; ability to avoid trigger situation (e.g. farm animals); and pet parent engagement.
Glad to hear that THS MS has been helpful. Remember, your THS dashboard shows an urgent helpline phone number.
Should you consider there to be a material breach of terms then you can serve notice of intended departure, say 24 hours later. Or at end of housesit then you could raise a member dispute (a formal protocol to collate facts and, if appropriate, discipline offending party).
Simple really. It’s either one or a combination of the following reasons.
1- the pet owner is in complete denial over how badly behaved their pet actually is
2- they’re aware of it to some extent but downplay it and don’t share this with a pet sitter because they don’t thing it’s enough of a problem to mention
3- they know how bad the pet actually is but if they’re honest they will have difficulty obtaining a sitter.
It’s sort of like when you show up for an internet date and the person you meet is nothing like the profile description. They’re either being completely deceptive because honesty doesn’t get them any first dates, or they truly believe their appearance hasn’t changed in the past 2 decades since those profile pictures were taken.
The homeowners may well have just assumed that you’d keep the dog on a lead if you were anywhere near livestock - that would a sensible way to manage any curiosity/aggression/urge to chase. Many dogs - even well-trained ones - won’t be able to resist the temptation to chase given half a chance, and farmers are well within their rights to shoot at a dog that is causing harm or distress to farm animals.
If the dog is food-orientated, you could use a treat as a distraction to get him or her safely past, but I would ask the homeowners if they can recommend any alternative routes that mean you don’t end up in a position that you’re uncomfortable with.
Thank you all for your help. I’ve had good open honest conversations with HO. It is a combination of things many covered above. I appreciate this forum thank you.