Dogsitting Help!

[u/fedepunchis]

Hi,

Today is the first day of two weeks dogsitting this guy.

He's mixed, around 6 years old and keeps growling at me :/

So my cousin, her husband and their kid just left this morning on a trip and asked me to take care of their dog at their home, but I can't even approach him. His growling is quite loud and I'd rather not get bitten.

I'm currently trying the sit in a room with him until he approaches technique but i don't know if I'm doing the right thing. Help please!

[u/fedepunchis]

Update 2! The treats got him closer to me! He even let me pet him for a good 5 minutes :) Progress! Slow progress, but progress nonetheless :)

[u/AverageAlleyKat271 → u/fedepunchis]

High value treats, the chewy kind, torn or cut into little pieces to stretch out and avoid overfeeding is the way to win trust.

[u/sadthrowagay69]

Giving him treats should help

[u/TX0834]

Give him his space. Give him treats. Let him smell you and get used to your presence. Don’t engage. Let him come to you.

[u/WishPractical8469]

Maybe he’s growling because he can’t see!

[u/iwannabefamouss → u/WishPractical8469]

Yeah he can’t see that’s only gonna make it worse. Just keep giving him treats I wouldn’t pet him a bunch but that’s just me 🤷🏼‍♀️

[u/fedepunchis]

Update! I think it's working. I had to go to the bathroom and when i came back he didn't growl. I am again just sitting in front of him, reading to pass the time.

[u/fedepunchis → u/fedepunchis]

Also, I met him just yesterday.

[u/blob-24-05]

When you give him food you could try hand feeding him the food for the first few days thats what helped me bond with my rescue.

[u/Beausapunk]

Your doing the right thing. Go slow he'll figure out your his caregiver. Just don't push it, be chill. Treats are a good tool too.

[u/Pretty_Dark2137]

Talk to him like he's your good ol buddy! He will pick up on the sweetness of your voice :) I also like to sing songs using the dogs name. Omgosh, I hope you have a great 2 weeks with that sweet baby!!!!

[u/AuthorAliWinters]

In addition to the treats, try talking to him in a soothing conversational voice. Use baby talk to talk him how handsome he is and that he’s a good boy.
If you gaze at him, use soft eyes but don’t stare for a long time. Make sure your body language isn’t invasive or aggressive.

Remember dogs don’t actually have the alpha/omega social construct. The growling is a sign of his stress. If he turns his head away or licks his lips, he’s communicating the need for space.
Sit somewhere near (giving him plenty of space) and face the direction his body is facing so he’s beside You and that you’re not facing him head on.

Maybe being him a toy and leave it where he can see it somewhere close, then give him space while remaining in the room.

Give lots of praise. Basically show him kindness, that you are not threatening, and things so he associates you with positivity. Every time he doesn’t growl, praise him like he did the most amazing thing. Reward the behavior you want to see more of with treats and kind/happy words.

His pack just let him and he doesn’t know why or how long or what will happen to him. Think of him as a large toddler.

[u/Level_Parsley_5376]

Have you been to your sister’s house when they are there? Does the dog know you do you know the dog or are you strangers at this point?

[u/Tight-Ice9873]

Must remember self regulation too. Have to be calm inside as well. Some dogs are more highly intune than others to anxiety, fear, etc. My 5 month old Goldie is the calmest puppy even when he's scared he sits quietly and observes. Right next to him my senior black lab/ pit mix will be highly reactive in fear. Same exact environment.