Local advice for boarding/finding a sitter for a reactive pup?

Submitted by dsarky t3_10q5tj3 in washingtondc

Hi everyone!

Hoping to get some advice for any other pet owners in the district that may have a reactive dog. I have a small (14 pound) 7-year-old dog who, in recent years, has gotten progressively more reactive. Before anyone comes for me -- between dog trainers, behavioralists and vets, we've tried everything and spent thousands of dollars to address the issue, but it looks like the root of it may be neurological.

If you know the dog's triggers, it's rarely a problem. He's also good with other dogs, and is so sweet otherwise. My best friend has watched him loads of times with no issues at all, but I don't feel like I can keep imposing on them any time I go out of town. Rover doesn't let you search by people who are comfortable with this, so I'm turning to reddit --

Anyone either have experience with a boarding service or can recommend a dog/housesitter that will take on a reactive pup? Thank you!!

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giscard78 t1_j6o06ys wrote

Contact a bunch of people on Rover and do meet-and-greets with them. There’s usually enough people on the app you’ll find someone you and your dog click with. Good luck.

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d_hor t1_j6oxdnk wrote

this - we have reactive pups and I basically made a message template talking about the dogs and their particular quirks when reaching out to Rover sitters, and have found a few that have been great. I filter on Rover sitters that only board your dogs and that have a yard. You'll be surprised at how many sitters have experience with reactive dogs/have vet tech experience/etc

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bunaiscoffee t1_j6o5xi0 wrote

I’ve dogsit for folks through rover for 6 ish years. I’ve dealt with highly reactive/anxious pups. If you spend some time on rover, I’d suggest that route. It’s better than boarding as your dog has some extra needs plus kennel cough and other shit can be avoided this way. Plus your dog can stay in their environment which may help. The cost difference is minimal and totally worth it.

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NPRjunkieDC t1_j6o1e3q wrote

They pick up if you live centrally.

https://k-9divine.com/

Your dog might like the option to run out and get tired or just lounge around .

$40/day

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descartes127 t1_j6o3c2d wrote

Avoid the Colby’s place. My poor doggo got sick there. (The cold thing that was going around)

Probably not a lot they can do about it, but we still aren’t gonna go back

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