What Happens When A Pet Sitter Is Bit? Workmans Compensation. Dog Behavior
Vinny Olito, is a dog behavior consultant with Camp Ruff Ruff and he does dog boarding and training in Staten Island NY
Jena Howard is the owner at Muddy Paws in Woburn Ma
Lori, works for Jena and was the person who was bit.
Often times we discuss incidents happening or even WHAT IF scenarios.
As someone who has been through two workman’s compensation claims over the past 13 years of business,
I understand what it is like as a business owners going through it all.
Today, we are going to examine an actual dog bite that happened just two weeks ago.
Jena posted in my pet sitting group when it happened, and Vinny quickly jumped in to explore the different ways to look at the situation via dog behavior.
It is one of the reasons why I love the private coaching group so much. So many have a variety of background and resources and this was an example of something I didn’t just want to leave as a discussion on the thread that got buried as time went by.
I am honored to have Jena, Lori, and Vinny here today with us to discuss what happened. Lori, the pet sitter will take us through the facts of the dog bite, as she lived them. Jena will tell us what motions were put into action and what she learned as a business owner. Then Vinny will round us out with his thoughts as it relates with dog behavior to this situation.
We are doing this to help you and your staff!
We do this to reflect and help the industry. Never before (to my knowledge) has an incident been documented and publicized for all to learn from. It is all our hopes that you hear what happened, store it in your long term memory, so if you ever find yourself in this position, you will know what to do.
It is important to say that Jena has employees. She does not have Independent Contractors. If she did, this would be an entirely different discussion.
It should also be noted that Lori said that Jena was a “awesome boss” and that she really looks out fir her staff and backs them up. 🙂
What sort of questions should pet sitters ask to help avoid this happening in their business?
Some top questions to set human canine relationships up for success before meet and greets.
1. Does your dog have a bite history?
2. Has your dog ever shown any observable behaviors related to aggression?
3.How does your dog act around unfamiliar humans on leash and off?
4.How does your dog cope when an unfamiliar person walks into your home off leash? On leash?
5. How many humans does your dog fully trust (human network) ? Do you meet unfamiliar humans on walks…”get an idea of how many humans an individual dog trust” I would love to hear things like so many, loves everyone. Red flags for me would be immediate family and or a few friends…red flags, skittish, fearful, leary examples.
Looking for questions to raise red flags to avoid bites and set everyone up for success. These are some questions to ask during your initial phone consult that will get you some red flags and a better feel for a dogs temperament. Of course this is not solution or all possible questing but some good ones…
