[toxicmerc]

I'm a dog walker for a small puppy.
It hasn't gotten used to walking yet from what it's owners tell me, so yesterday I took it out and after a while it went to the bathroom.
It was a bit resistant at first, and kept pulling in the direction home, but it was alright.

The next day, I let the dog out of it's crate and it starts barking at me and nearly nips me when I try to go near it!
I tried giving it a few treats, but it still wouldn't let me close enough to put the leash.

What do I do?

Thanks in advance guys!

[cigwyllt]

Sounds just like my dog. For me he is an angel but if someone else tried to come near him, especially if I wasn't around, he would be terrified. How old is he and how long is he in the crate for at a time?

I know you are employed to walk him but I think it would be wrong to force anything at this stage. If he was my dog I would rather you spent the time building up his trust rather than forcing him to walk. Ask if you can feed him and play with him in the house rather than walk him when he so obviously is scared of you.

I would hate to think of my dog being terrified by a stranger in my home while I was away from him.

[Todd]

you need 2 bond with the pup. Let him out and sit down on the floor and hold some treats. Put the treats on the floor and let the dog have them. Gradually move them closer and closer to you until the dog will eat out of your hand. After petting for a while take him out and bond and be very firendly with a high pitched, kind voice. This should help. Don't make direct eye contact with the dog because this can make the dog feel threatened...

[cigwyllt]

There are lots of ways you can bond with the pup but before you do that you need to know that the owners are happy for you to do it. There is no quick fix that will make the puppy walk with you tomorrow. You need to be firm with the owners and tell them that their pup is scared and you will not be walking him, only bonding with him for the time being. If they are not happy with that and if you are a dog love you will walk away from the job.

[toxicmerc]

Originally Posted by Todd

you need 2 bond with the pup. Let him out and sit down on the floor and hold some treats. Put the treats on the floor and let the dog have them. Gradually move them closer and closer to you until the dog will eat out of your hand. After petting for a while take him out and bond and be very firendly with a high pitched, kind voice. This should help. Don't make direct eye contact with the dog because this can make the dog feel threatened...

Okay, thank you for the tip!

Does anybody else have any others? I'm going to see him tomorrow!

[Todd]

Originally Posted by toxicmerc

Okay, thank you for the tip!

Does anybody else have any others? I'm going to see him tomorrow!

What time are you going to see the dog? If the owners will allow this maybe consider fedding the dog breakfast or a meal yourself. This is a very powerful bonding experience to be honest. At least some of the time you are there. Explain the situation to them.