Beth's Dog Walker Files: Meeting Anxious Dogs

It's bound to happen when you are a dog walker or dog sitter. Every now and then you may get a client with an anxious dog. The dog might have been traumatized, perhaps has a health issue, or is just naturally have a  timid personality. There are certain things you can do to make sure your meet and greet as well as subsequent visits with the anxious dog goes as smoothly and incident-free as possible.

Give the dog time. Some dogs take A LONG time to warm up to new people. Don't force interaction, even simply petting a nervous dog can spell disaster. When I meet any new dog, I always let the dog lead. I enter the home when prompted and typically let the dog sniff me. I am as gentle and quiet as possible, avoiding eye contact and crouching down to a lower stance (kneeling more or less, not bending or hovering) until I get a feel for the situation.

Sometimes it helps for the first meeting to be at a neutral location. Some pups tend to be more anxious and possibly territorial near their homes.

Normally if someone has a timid dog they will tell you ahead of time, but that's not always the case, so never assume.

I have done multiple meet and greets with anxious dogs before I began watching them on my own to make sure that everybody was comfortable with the situation and that I was the right fit for the family.

Ask lots of questions. Be sure the pet parents can tell you as much as possible so you're prepared to give the best care to the dog. Pay attention to the dog's body language and ask questions about his or her reactions as well.

Here is an incredibly helpful article with even more tips to help you navigate meeting a new pup: How to Meet a New Dog for the First Time. Thanks for reading and let me know which parts you found the most helpful by sending me a comment below!