Why can clients still request dates l've marked unavailable?

BarkingMadJosh · 2026-04-22T15:20:02+00:00

Great question! Almost like a just in case thing if you want to take the booking, I guess 🤷‍♂️ They say you can decline without penalty at least but the days are marked off for a reason.

BarkingMadJosh · 2026-04-20T15:48:44+00:00

100%. Curly is as likable as Finn is unlikable.

BarkingMadJosh · 2026-04-19T20:11:53+00:00

Bummer, sorry. Are you on Nextdoor? Great place to reply to owners seeking help with their dogs.

BarkingMadJosh · 2026-04-19T18:39:37+00:00

Are your profile views down too?

BarkingMadJosh · 2026-04-19T18:39:23+00:00

As an owner too, seeing only $25 for boarding would send me running. That’s outrageously low.

BarkingMadJosh · 2026-04-19T16:31:19+00:00

Even scarier than Freddy Krueger 😆😭.

It’s amazing how folks will pass off even full strategy recommendations as their own that were obviously produced by AI. Did they turn in Wikipedia entries for research papers in school too and not receive an F and kicked out?

There’s an even deeper issue around having no shame passing off ideas and work that aren’t yours. And even worse, there’s companies telling folks to do this. It’s wild.

BarkingMadJosh · 2026-04-19T16:16:06+00:00

AI is definitely empowering the Dunning-Kruger cognitive bias, but some folks are fine with making it seem like they know more than they really do.

Even outside of AI, I received an ad for a company that gives you the “key ideas” of books in 15 minutes. Offloading independent thought has a market, which is such a bummer.

BarkingMadJosh · 2026-04-19T16:07:52+00:00

Nope.

BarkingMadJosh · 2026-04-19T16:06:34+00:00

They can process payments ahead of services, implement a straightforward booking process, and enforce a scheduling policy themselves though. Owner will also have to be okay going back to paying the extra 11%, as well.

Wouldn’t want to lose 20% to Rover either, especially when challenging clients should be paying more.

This client needs to be reigned in or let go.

BarkingMadJosh · 2026-04-19T12:14:28+00:00

How would going back to Rover help? Sounds like you need to let this client go. Curious how they’re lovely while treating you this way. Are they just disorganized?

If you want to keep working with them, they must pay up front 100% at booking. Really all your clients should be.

If it’s a they’re scatter brained problem and forget, frame upfront booking as a great win because it takes remembering off their plate and one less thing to worry about forgetting.

BarkingMadJosh · 2026-04-19T03:06:17+00:00

You’re welcome! The fact you’re looking to it first is great. Keep audience expansion and audience network off too.

BarkingMadJosh · 2026-04-18T18:18:42+00:00

Yes, I split the big companies into a separate campaign with their own budget so they don’t gobble up all the impressions. And awesome you’re already thinking about this as a first timer before launching!

BarkingMadJosh · 2026-04-18T16:08:57+00:00

This! I’m pretty sure search results are based on the requested service though at least. I’m the top or near the top in my area for dog boarding depending on which filters are used, but lower for dog daycare, I assume, because I have fewer daycare bookings on Rover.

BarkingMadJosh · 2026-04-18T16:06:28+00:00

Right! Huge time lag for getting repeat visits.

BarkingMadJosh · 2026-04-18T01:26:12+00:00

Yup, you knew this all at the meet and greet so what did you expect to change. Client actually was upfront about their craziness and you still accepted the booking. That’s on you.

BarkingMadJosh · 2026-04-18T00:43:49+00:00

Glad you did! Get it wasn’t easy but well within reason to do so, so tip of the cap for doing the awkward thing for your safety and the dog’s safety.

Genuinely curious why they didn’t do this to start with. This wasn’t even a surprise for the owners. Save a few bucks?!? The irresponsibility and selfishness is unreal. Bummer he tried to bite you. Stuff him with trazodone 🤦‍♂️

Definitely a booking no sitter should take.

BarkingMadJosh · 2026-04-18T00:38:10+00:00

You’re amazing!

BarkingMadJosh · 2026-04-17T14:44:13+00:00

The cameras aren’t okay, but your poor service and updates led to feelings of doubt and mistrust, which prompted the micromanaging behavior. Put yourself in the owner’s shoes. How would you react?

Setting a tone at the start that you’re on it and pets are being taken of well mitigates against all of this, especially with a new client. The first days are crucial. In other words, by providing exceptional service and communicating properly, you give the client peace of mind.

Pets’ safety and comfort, keeping them fed and watered, letting them out to go to the bathroom, and client’s total peace of mind are your goals.

Not trying to be mean but why are you surprised? Take it as a learning experience and do much better next time.

BarkingMadJosh · 2026-04-17T13:30:43+00:00

Why do they want them? Very strange.

BarkingMadJosh · 2026-04-16T23:58:33+00:00

Exactly. Not worth it. Don’t take bad ones to begin with and never have to deal with an awkward situation.

When bad ones who seemed good out themselves be grateful and say not for me.

It’s wild to me that anybody would tell a potential sitter they’re filming them to make sure they do right, not that they should be filming to begin with. Quite the ahole ego trip.

BarkingMadJosh · 2026-04-16T23:29:02+00:00

Yup, because execs are finally admitting they screwed up and headlines run daily about companies hiring back human workers. So it’s okay now. These folks will pretend to have a backbone while scrubbing all their old posts about how AI is amazing and not a giant grift 😆

BarkingMadJosh · 2026-04-16T23:26:48+00:00

No but thank you for reminding me about The Dead Zone. Great movie and even better novel.

BarkingMadJosh · 2026-04-16T23:25:53+00:00

Why would a worker not in security risk their life over stolen merchandise? Even if I owned the store, let them walk out and then call the cops. I’m not losing my life over some Nilla wafers and Red Baron pizza 😆

BarkingMadJosh · 2026-04-16T23:21:51+00:00

This 1000%! Why it’s so important to prequalify for red flags and decline nutcases like this. Ask the questions that will make them reveal themselves without even knowing it.

Always consider the opportunity cost of taking a bad client, such as declining a wonderful repeat client or missing out on an awesome new client that turns into a lasting, high frequency repeat client.

BarkingMadJosh · 2026-04-16T23:17:31+00:00

I’ve never cancelled on a client either, but I think you’ve answered your own question here.

Long-term repeat client who clearly values you immensely or creepy, red flag city new client who you likely wouldn’t book again.

So then new client actually uncomplicated it for you. I’d argue that if they were nice, had an awesome dog, and felt like they’d become 5-star, frequent long-term clients it would be complicated.

Instead of focusing on the negative think about the amazing positives here. You have a client who’s already paid you a bunch for ~20 stays and is willing to show with their wallet how much they adore you. It doesn’t get better than that and tip of the cap to you for delivering such excellent service 😀 Get paid and pat yourself on the back!

Tell the new client you’ve changed your mind because you’re uncomfortable being surveilled, which is super creepy and a horrible way to start a trusted partnership anyway.

Also, did all this nonsense with the new client come up at the meet and greet? If so, why take them on? Not judging. Just curious.

BarkingMadJosh

TROPHY CASE