When we are pet sitting behaviorally-complex dogs, there’s always an introduction process in place. Note that all animals are not robots, and we cannot guarantee their behavior with 100% accuracy. Even “always friendly” dogs can and will bite given the right circumstances. Recognizing this reality keeps EVERYONE, human and dog alike, safe and comfortable.

This week, we’re going over a quick list of what we look for when we are pet sitting dogs with any kind of bite history in their behavioral record.

  • Fully in-depth history on the dog: We don’t want you to feel the need to hide your behavioral history. We are able to care for these dogs, though we will need to be able to know the extent of past bites, the most recent event, the most severe, or similar. Careful intake screening by canine behavior consultants are included in our Meet & Greet process for dogs with these histories.
  • Environmental management strategies in place: It is not fair to the dog, the staff, or you as a recipient of pet sitting services if your dog’s entire routine and world change for pet sitting. We want to see glimmers of “normal daily life” in the pet sitting routine. Examples can include regular periods of confinement for rest, if that is to be used, or that the dog wears safety gear on part of their daily walks, so it’s not brand new to them.
  • Careful use of treat rewards: Being a skilled “R+ paradigm” based business, we understand that coercion, suppression, and fallout are possible with ANY kind of training and management approach—including use of treats in the wrong context. Ensuring rewards are not used as “bribes” is essential for handler and dog safety alike. Our Comfortable Pet Introduction Package reviews this with you prior to intake.
  • Back up planning in place: As mentioned in last week’s blog, we complete thorough intake and planning with ALL pet clients, regardless of history. Ensuring our what-ifs are in place are crucial for safe handling.

Looking for pet sitting in Kalamazoo in time for the holidays? We’re at the LAST possible minute to intake new behaviorally-complex dogs into pet sitting bookings—reach out to us NOW if you’d like to get set up with Cloud 9 Kalamazoo’s Comfortable Pet Introduction Package to have your pets prepared for services.