We recently were on vacation for 9 days and used a pet sitter for the second time with our lab (a different one than we used the first time, she didn't let us know of any problems). The pet sitter we used recently left us a LONG note outlining the numerous issues she had with George. Issues we either warned about (he likes to steal things if you don't put them up) and issues we don't have and haven't seen from him. I'm concerned and wary of leaving again. She said that he would jump on her and nip HARD often, and that she could not pet or give him attention without him doing this. She would have to ignore him completely. (He jumps on people he knows to greet them occasionally...something we are working on, but this with nipping is not something we experience). He was restless when sleeping in bed with her, so she kenneled him and he barked (never does this). When she let him out all he would do is chase the cat constantly (again, rarely does this when we're around). He stole a slipper from her and ripped it apart, also stole her glasses and gave them a gnaw. I did warn he likes to take things...mostly the dish towel when we're around. He is very good with "leave it" for us with things he knows he shouldn't have. She also mentioned he doesn't know how big he is...fair enough. He's 1.5 years and 90 lbs. Any ideas how we can help some of these things next time we leave town? Is this some kind of anxiety that he is displaying? Any other thoughts? For what it's worth, we will be using the original pet sitter from now on, but I don't want to scare her off with these issues! Thanks for your thoughts.
Hi @Georgieboy I would ask the original sitter whether she experienced any such problems. If she did, then you know you have a general problem. As a matter of ethics, I would be upfront about the issues the other sitter faced. Your first sitter may be better at handling dogs and be unconcerned about such behaviours. It's better to be honest so that the pet-sitter is prepared. From what you say, you realise that your dog needs additional training. If I were you, I would enrol in an obedience class and ensure I get sit and down stays locked in. If a dog sit stays, then he can't body slam or jump up on someone.
Sometimes, for dogs which love people especially, being looked after by a new person is THE BOMB and is likely to lead to extreme over-arousal and excitement. This, by itself, can cause everything you've listed... I would be quite specific about how/where you want your dog to sleep, with a pet sitter. For example, you should discuss in advance if the dog is used to sleeping in bed with you and if you want the pet sitter to continue this. If there is any doubt about whether they will be able to do this or want the dog in bed with them (and let's face it, it might be asking a bit much), then they should tell you, so you can practise kennelling the dog before you leave and so being kennelled at night is not a new thing for the dog. The pet sitter should not do something at night with the dog which is other than what you have agreed, but you need to talk in advance about what is expected so you're both on the same page. I don't think these things are due to anxiety but probably just over-excitement. It may be that some of the pet sitter's behaviour exacerbated this, although hard to say...
