Rapid weight gain over a short period of time is often the cause of illness such as Thyroid disease, Cushing's Disease, bloat, heart disease and liver disease among others. The best thing is to have your dog examined by your veterinarian to determine the cause of the weight gain.

This is a "human" thing. Not all dogs want to play with toys. As long as your dog is happy, enjoys walks or being outside in the yard that is fine.

I do not feed wet food but the dry food I feed is Purina Pro Plan Sport. I have one of the top show dogs and have been feeding this brand for many years to all of my dogs. They seem to like it. I have dabbled with others such as Eukenuba and Royal Canin but my dogs prefer the ProPlan.

Rabies is a required vaccination in NY. Just the same, I ask owners to show current written proof from the Vet. of the following vaccinations from the owner: Rabies, Distemper, Parvo, Leptospirosis, Bordatella, Canine Influenza.

Yes training is beyond the scope of what Rover offers, but yet Rover asked if one does dog grooming (a rather huge liability for that, particularly if the dog is injured by scissors or a hot clipper blade).

How do people feel about Rover offering Dog Training? I am not talking about Dog Training for the OTCH at Obedience Trials (although what is incorporated for competitive obedience at the lower levels is basic training for any dog)-what I am indicating is Basic Good Manners. ie Come when called, walking on a loose lead without pulling etc. I do see they are asking for people who have experience with Dog Grooming. So perhaps Rover may consider offering training.

I am so happy that people have brought the issue of dog behavior up. I had commented (not in this section) that owners tend to lie about their dogs behavior. What I received was a backlash of answers for example: a dogs behavior is par for the course; this is part of the job. Sorry , but I don't think a person's dog should destroy my house either, especially since there is no Rover insurance. I do ask lots of questions (and owners need to complete a lot more information) before taking on a dog to board with me. However, as you say, there is no way of knowing if the dog boarded with someone else and demonstrated destructive behavior in their home as well. I show dogs and I know people will not necessarily tell the truth particularly with an aggressive or destructive dog which they own. But, I will also tell people I will not take on their dog again if I don't care for their dog's behavior. If enough people ask that Rover set up a dog rating for sitters to use; maybe it will happen. We also don't know if the dog was ever with another sitter and is simply being passed from sitter to sitter b/c of it's behavior. Maybe we need to contact the founders of this company.

Does the 13 week old dog act aggressively towards other dogs when you walk him? Or is it just his house mate? I will say that neutering may not necessarily help. The issue is a behavioral one as you know. However, I do believe that male dogs who are companion animals and not show dogs (show dogs, may in the future be used as breeding stock; although not all are used in one's breeding program.) should be neutered. We have too many dogs born today that can not find homes. For now I will say that when you are giving attention to the other dog, have this dog in his kennel. Bring your dog to a canine behaviorist who can assist you. If this behavior continues it can lead to dire consequences for your dog and possibly other dogs in your area.

I had a dog boarding with me who broke my screen door. I was nearby when this happened. I know that Rover does not reimburse for damages. I did speak to the owner about this. but they refused to pay for the door. A new door will cost me $1750.00 as I have priced this in several stores. I think Rover needs to state for any owner; that they must pay mandatory compensation to a sitter if there are any damages done to the sitter's home. Many of the owners do not tell the truth with regard to their dog's behavior and training.