My new "nightmare" client (I need advice)

They just called me back.

The owners wife is traveling and she handles the dogs mainly...so, he really had nothing to say except "Wow, that's pretty wild." and "I really can't believe they did that". They're going to start leaving the dogs in the back yard because it is fenced in with a 6ft privacy fence, and there's an e-fence under it so they can't dig under it, they also have access to a back deck and 2 large dog houses. I'm not sure that's the best idea....but again, they aren't my dogs. So, now they just want me to come by and make sure they have fresh water, and spend a little time with them, and they're going to pay me for 2 seperate visits even though I'm only coming by for one for my time and "aggrivation" (his words, not mine, lol).

I'm surprised you rely so much on owner testimony. The dogs may act exactly like the owners say when the owners are around. Get a stranger and a strange car and who knows.

Well, I don't soley rely on what they say, but if the dog has a previous history of doing something I think I'm entitled to know. Sometimes dogs act different with me than with their owners, I'm very aware of this, but this particular dog (Pyr/Lab) had a history of attacking the BDM, and I think the owners should've notified me about that.

Do you have any sort of trial period or temperment test?  Given this experience, I wonder if it might be a good idea with new clients to have say a 30 day trial period during which either of you can cancel the agreement w/no questions or explanations necessary and maybe do a couple trial runs with taking them out alone, in the car, etc. where you can test what they're like.  Maybe you could include some sort of provision that would cover things like what happened to your car, if the car damages something, etc. the owner is responsible?

Just a thought.  Hope things work out. 

BlackLabbie

this particular dog (Pyr/Lab) had a history of attacking the BDM, and I think the owners should've notified me about that.

Definitely! But, for your own safety, I would highly recommend considering some sort of evaluation period/meeting before taking dogs out for the first time. It sounds like you would have figured out these dogs' issues pretty quickly if you'd spent some time observing them at home or walking them around the block. I'd hate to see you get hurt because some owner didn't know his dog had issues, didn't think it was important to tell you about his dog's issues, or didn't think his dog's issues were actually a problem.

I know most behaviorists/trainers have an extensive questionnaire you have to return before they meet with you, and then they usually do a half hour or more evaluation where they see how the dog reacts to various things at home and with its owners. You might consider something similar - the dog's owners are probably wanting to interview you, too, right? So maybe just make the interview at their house so you can "meet" [read: evaluate] the dogs at the same time? 

I usually do a 20-30 minute "meet and greet" when I sign on a new client at their house. This gives the owners a chance to meet me, ask me any questions, fill out paperwork, gives me a chance to meet the dogs and owners, exchange house keys...

I brought Apollo along the first time I met them last week. Neither dog displayed any aggression toward each other or toward Apollo, they 3 dogs actually played around the yard while we talked (we were outside in the yard with them). I asked the owners a series of questions, and said I need to know if there's anything your dogs feel uncomfotable or anxious around. They basically told me both dogs were great in any situation and very social and not aggressive. But, after yesterday, they said, "Yah sometimes the Pyr/Lab attacks the BMD. Sometimes the BMD really has no patience in the car." Ugh. I am going to reconsider my policy about damage done in my car though. This is the first time anything had been damaged, and I want to be covered in case anything happens again.

When I was pet sitting I had a couple of shepards that I absoluately couldn't walk.  They were very close to being unsuitable in home sitting clients but I felt sorry for the owners because I know how hard it is to get someone to take care of dogs like that. 

Anyway, the solution was pretty much what you decided on.  I would go over, check on them, play in the yard, give a snack and go.  It wasn't the ideal or what I usually did but it worked for them. 

BlackLabbie

I brought Apollo along the first time I met them last week. Neither dog displayed any aggression toward each other or toward Apollo, they 3 dogs actually played around the yard while we talked (we were outside in the yard with them).

It sounds like you did enough of an observation to feel comfortable. My dogs get along great 99% of the time too and even when we met with the behaviorist, she said "they seem to genuinely like each other" and it's true. Still, as you said, they should've mentioned that the dogs have fought in the past. Because we know what "can" happen, we don't take it lightly and I'd never want anyone to have to deal with breaking up a fight. When we were on vacation for a week last year and had my SD staying at the house to take care of them, we emphasized that they were not to be allowed together. Things probably would've been fine, but there was no reason to take a chance.

 Maybe a brief questionnaire would help? Something like,

"Has your dog EVER:

bitten anyone? _______ Describe: __________

growled at a person? _______ Describe: ________

growled at another dog? ________ Describe: ________"

That way it would be at least harder for owners to "accidentally" leave stuff out... :-\

 

I think that a JQP dog owner thought nothing of the couple of tiffs these dogs had and probably would not have thought to disclose it.  Same with being a little nervous in the car, if all the dog did was pant a bit they probably didn't think it would matter.  If you knew this stuff in advance would you not have brought them in the car?  Would you not have taken the job?  From what you have said I don't think it sound like either dog was ever aggressive with each other, just some tiffs.  These owners weren't smart enough to think in advance on how there dogs would perceive these situations with a stranger.  However as the professional maybe you should have, maybe in the future interacting with dogs more and for longer periods of time before trying car riding and outings.  At this point it should be chalked up to "lesson learned".   JMHO.

definately a questionnaire would help ask those questions that sound awkward when said, but seem less insulting/harsh when read, yunno? that way you can always just throw them the paper and tell them it's something that you always give everyone! maybe have them fill it out while you take them for a quick walk around the block or something... you could also have a copy of your terms and conditions (if you don't already do that) that would describe any rules you have about scheduling etc, but also about damage to personal property (i can't believe he ruined your car gate, and the owners didn't offer  to pay. wow.)

i guess it all comes down to a) better safe than sorry, and b) you might be a dog lover, but this is also business .

you seem to have handled it well so far. keep up the good work and stay strong! :)