How do you build trust with pet (-s) you sit for?

We are in a pet-loving community, but I am sure we have different experiences on how to build trust with pets on pet-sits.

Sometimes we have a handover with HO where we can introduce ourselves with the pet, other times we must enter the home of a pet without - as a stranger.

I’ve so far done cat-sits with homeowner present, so not so much anxiety yet. On other sit a few years ago, I used my dads trick of having a few dog treats in my pocket when entering. Makes one more popular - at least with some. :smiling_face:

I must say that entering the home of dog (-s) without homeowner present is maybe what si would be most anxious about.

Do you have any tips or histories you can share? :dog::cat::rabbit:

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I find it is best to not try too hard to force a bond or contact. If a dog or especially a cat seems wary at first, I just let them approach me on their terms. We just go about our business not paying too much attention to them.

Most dogs seem good to go right away, even when we are meeting them on our own after the hosts have already left; some cats may remain a bit aloof the whole time, yet I can tell they are comfortable around us. In these cases, I just let them keep their distance if that is what they prefer.

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I agree. It has to be on the animal’s terms, let them decide when they’re ready to introduce themselves. Read the room. If a dog or cat is friendly and inquisitive right off the bat then you should have no problem forming a bond quickly. If however, they are nervous or hesitant around you just ignore them and don’t make eye contact or approach or invade their space. I find being at their level, so sitting or even lying still on the floor and still not making eye contact helps. Nervous dogs will usually cautiously approach to sniff you etc… just stay still and let them do their thing, they’ll quickly become more confident around you. Dogs that display more aggressive or defensive signals (growling/barking/snarling/raised hackles) will need a similar non confrontational approach but will require more patience and possibly diversion tactics such as treats /toys or games and exercise. With such nervous dogs it would be best for the pet parent to be around to show their dog that you’re welcome in the home and a new member of the pack.

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Before you unload the car or unpack cases (ie before you create havoc and noise), just pop the kettle on and sit for 30 minutes and watch tv with the dog while giving it a stroke, but only if it wants you to, if it doesn’t want a stroke let it be, just talk softly to it occasionally, until it comes to you. It is probably used to the background noise of the TV, so instead of sitting with a stranger it’s more familiar to them.

In the UK the likelihood is the dog will greet you warmly and want affection, and be flat on their back for a tummy rub straight away. For more timid dogs, bribery can help, but only with the specific treats the dog is used to, or you could give it an upset stomach if they are too rich for the dog.

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