Wish him enjoy his life with this dog in his filthy house
@TrottingSitter, really sorry to hear of poor experience. Multiple bad aspects.
We agree with advice, and important distinction, per @WeRPAWsome.
We’ve had one experience of frictional review.
Suggest not interact with pet parent. As appropriate, block them on WhatsApp. Communicate on as-required basis through THS Message. Move forwards positively.
This sounds more like a 1 star experience not 4!
Like most people seem to do on THS, it was more of a read between the lines.. but I essentially said he was reactive on walks and strong on the lead and that the best thing is to keep the pace moving. At the very end I said that future sitters should ensure they’re confident with dog handling requirements and should confirm these, along with cleanliness, expectations with the owner before agreeing to the sit. And I guess that’s the specific section of my review that he wanted to clarify with me
This is crazy! My exchange was no where near that level, but it was still very intimidating and I felt like he was trying to be a bit manipulative, whether intentional or not. Good that at least the owner from your experience is no longer on the platform.
I have blocked him! And you, along with others, are right that I was too generous with a 4 (I know that myself). But I can’t even imagine how he would have responded if I had given him a 3 when this is how he responded with a 4! There is so much info I didn’t include as I didn’t want it to be too lengthy, but he had indoor and outdoor cameras (one indoor camera was definitely turned off but I wasn’t sure about the one in the dogs room which was on the middle floor which I had to walk past in order to get to the bedrooms on the third floor). But even the outdoor camera in the garden made me uncomfortable as I was often out there picking up the dog poo, hanging laundry, cleaning things etc..
I would handle this by not engaging further as there is nothing to gain and there will only be the continued back and forth debating as to who is more right with no agreement forthcoming.
I suggest that should this happen with another host, don’t use ‘half measures’ when you review. 4 stars is not representative of the described conditions of the home and the poor behavior of the dog.
Accept accountability for your own mistake with the treats, it was careless and irresponsible. Consider yourself fortunate that the owner wasn’t honest in his review or that the dog wasn’t sickened by ingesting the entire package of treats and that you didn’t leave something more dangerous within reach of a dog that was described as being the type to go after anything it can reach.
Honestly, it was! But can you imagine how he would have reacted if I actually gave him a 1…
Yes but who cares about his reaction, simply block and move on. He has no power over you at all. There’s no requirement to be responsible for his reaction, simply to be honest in your Review.
Kudos for the honest (even generous) 4
review! Glad to hear you have blocked him and moved on. Each time I read “troublesome experience” type posts on the forum I always have a Takeaway from them. Thank you for sharing your experience. My Takeaway here is if somebody tries to argue with a review I have posted, It will be an immediate block and dropping an email to THS in case the other Party contacts THS to try and retaliate. Also, I will be sure to keep screenshots or history of communications.
Really, you shouldn’t have worried about how he would react if you’d given less stars. I think if this happens in the future, (and I hope for your sake it won’t) give the appropriate stars and honest review and immediately block the owner so you don’t get a reaction. However, I completely understand how difficult it can be with my own experiences.
I’m so sorry this happened to you @TrottingSitter - and thanks to everyone who has popped on with some advice and support. It’s good to see the community standing at your shoulder!
I just wanted to highlight what @MTBer mentioned here about dropping an email to THS - I think this might be a good idea if you haven’t already - and I’m happy to help put you in touch with someone if that would help.
Jenny
I’ve also had this happen, the pet parent went on a texting barrage after I rated the sit 4-star overall and stars docked in several categories, including inaccurate/older photographs and descriptions, completely different sleeping arrangements than discussed, bad neighbors (think an opera singer and instrument tutor), etc. I just blocked her immediately via phone and sent her a message via THS that I would open a THS dispute if she continued. Problem solved! Sending you good wishes for your next sit, it does better! >>>>
4 stars seems generous. That’s a lot that didn’t match