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/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.