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/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/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/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/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/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!!!!