It's one of the most common complaints in housesitting forums: arriving at a sit to discover the pet has serious behaviour issues that were minimised, glossed over, or simply not mentioned at all.
Common scenarios:
- • “He just needs a bit of redirection” = reactive/aggressive to other dogs
- • “She's a bit nervous with strangers” = won't let you near her for days
- • “He doesn't like being alone” = severe separation anxiety, destroys furniture
- • “She can be vocal” = barks/howls constantly, neighbours complaining
- • “He's protective” = guards food, bed, or rooms aggressively
A note on other pets: This guide focuses on dogs because they're the most common source of undisclosed behaviour issues, but cats and other pets have their own surprises – litter box avoidance, nighttime yowling, aggression with handling, escape artistry. The same principles apply: assess, communicate, document, and be honest in your review.
Why homeowners minimise problems
Before getting frustrated, it helps to understand why this happens:
- 1They're used to it. Their dog has always been like this. They've adapted. They don't see it as unusual anymore.
- 2They're embarrassed. Admitting their pet has issues feels like admitting failure as a pet owner.
- 3They're worried no one will come. If they're honest about the challenges, they fear they won't find a sitter.
- 4The behaviour is context-dependent. The dog is fine with them, so they genuinely don't see it as a problem. With a stranger, it's different.
- 5They genuinely don't know. Some pets behave differently when their owners leave. The homeowner may not realise.
This doesn't excuse dishonesty, but understanding helps you respond more constructively.
Your immediate response
Step 1: Assess the situation
Before reacting, understand what you're dealing with:
- Is it manageable with adjustments? Some issues just need a different approach – avoiding certain situations, changing routines.
- Is it a safety risk? Aggression towards you, other people, or other animals is serious and changes the calculation.
- Is it causing harm to the pet? Severe anxiety that causes self-harm or distress needs addressing, not just managing.
- Is it affecting neighbours/the property? Constant barking or destructive behaviour creates problems beyond just your comfort.
Step 2: Contact the homeowner
Always communicate, but how you do it matters:
- Start with facts, not accusations. “Max has been barking for four hours when I leave the room. Can you tell me more about how he normally handles being alone?”
- Ask for their advice. “What works for you when he gets like this?” They may have management strategies they forgot to share.
- Be clear about impact. “I'm concerned because I haven't been able to leave the house in three days.”
- Document with evidence. Video of the behaviour helps. “I've recorded what happens when I try to walk past other dogs – can I send you this?”
Common issues and how to cope
Reactivity to other dogs
The dog lunges, barks, or becomes uncontrollable around other dogs.
Coping strategies:
- • Walk at quiet times (early morning, late evening)
- • Scout for other dogs and cross the road before they get close
- • Use high-value treats to redirect attention
- • Keep distance – most reactive dogs have a threshold
- • Ask the owner about specific triggers and management
When it's too much: If the dog is too strong for you to control, or if walks have become genuinely dangerous, this is a safety issue.
Separation anxiety
The pet destroys things, barks constantly, or shows extreme distress when alone.
Coping strategies:
- • Practice very short departures, building up gradually
- • Leave background noise (radio, TV)
- • Don't make departures dramatic – just leave quietly
- • Exercise well before you need to go out
- • Ask about calming aids (anxiety wraps, pheromone diffusers)
When it's too much: If you literally cannot leave for any errands for the entire sit, that's a significant lifestyle restriction that should have been disclosed.
Fear of the sitter
The pet hides, won't eat, or shows fear around you.
Coping strategies:
- • Give them space – don't force interaction
- • Sit quietly in the same room, ignoring them
- • Let them come to you on their terms
- • Use treats strategically (toss towards them, don't hand-feed initially)
- • Keep routine consistent – predictability helps anxious pets
When it's too much: If the pet refuses to eat for more than 2 days, or shows signs of genuine distress, contact the homeowner first to discuss a vet visit – unless they've explicitly authorised you to go directly. Some pets are just fussy; others need medical attention. The owner knows their pet's history.
Aggression towards you
The pet guards resources, snaps, or shows aggressive behaviour towards you.
This is different.
- • Do not try to “train through” aggression during a short sit
- • Manage by avoidance – don't approach while eating, don't touch the bed
- • Contact the owner immediately with specific examples
- • If you feel unsafe, this may warrant leaving the sit
Your safety comes first. A pet that has bitten or seriously threatened you is not something you should be expected to manage.
When leaving is the right choice
Leaving a sit early is a last resort, but sometimes it's necessary:
- Safety risk: The pet has bitten you, or you genuinely fear being bitten.
- Gross misrepresentation: The situation is fundamentally different from what was described – not minor variations, major deception.
- Health impact: The stress is affecting your physical or mental health significantly.
- Unmanageable conditions: Despite your best efforts, you genuinely cannot provide adequate care.
Before leaving: Always try to give the homeowner time to arrange alternatives. Leaving pets alone is worse than a difficult sit. Work with them to find a solution, even if that solution is you leaving once backup arrives.
Writing the review
This is where many sitters struggle. The sit was hard because of undisclosed issues, but you don't want to be mean.
- Be honest but factual.
“Max is a lovely dog but has significant reactivity to other dogs that made walks challenging. Future sitters should be comfortable managing a strong dog around triggers.”
- Flag what wasn't disclosed.
“The separation anxiety was more severe than described. I couldn't leave the house for more than 30 minutes.”
- Help future sitters.
Your review should help the next person know what they're signing up for. That's not being unkind – it's being helpful.
- Balance it.
If there were positives – lovely home, responsive owners, beautiful area – mention those too. A balanced review is more credible.
For more on writing honest reviews that help the community, see our Honest Housesitting Reviews guide.
How to prevent this next time
- Ask direct questions. “How is he with other dogs on leash?” “How long can she be left alone?” Don't accept vague answers.
- Read between the lines in reviews. “Challenging but rewarding” is often code. Look for patterns across multiple reviews.
- Ask to see the pet on video call. Watch how they behave. A dog that barks frantically at the camera might be anxious.
- Ask: “What's the hardest thing about caring for them?” This question often draws out honest answers.
- Trust your instincts. If something feels off in the conversation, it probably is.
The bottom line
Undisclosed behaviour problems are frustrating, but they're also an opportunity to demonstrate your skills. Experienced sitters can often manage situations that would overwhelm beginners.
That said, you're not obligated to accept misrepresentation. Communicate clearly, document issues, and be honest in your review. Future sitters will thank you – and maybe the homeowner will learn to be more upfront next time.