Dog walker woes

[KeeperBoy]

Back story- I started a new job 2 weeks ago that has longer hours than I would like. We had to hire a dog walker 3 days/week. The dog walker is experienced and we like her. I came home early last week to see her in action. She adores Boo and Boo is fine with her. My issue is the dynamic between her and Keepers.

The last two times she had visited Keepers will not go in his crate for her. He is crate trained and FINE going in his crate for David, myself, and both of my parents. I think the issue is that he just doesn't take the dog walker seriously. He jumped up on her which is something he has NEVER done with my husband and myself, ok maybe once in a blue moon, but he knows better and it really hasn't been an issue. I tried to tell the walker to put her foot down with Keepers but she is still having a hard time with him. I just don't know what to do. I feel like she wants this job, and we trust her, but her and Keepers just aren't clicking. It's only been two weeks, but it seems to be getting worse, not better. Ideas? Should we start looking for a new walker? Have a meeting with the current walker? I really don't want someone looking after the pups if she doesn't like them both, but I don't want to seem like a crazy dog mom.

I think the other reason I am so upset today is that she referred to the dogs in her note today as "the boys". Boo is not a boy.

[AussieGirl]

Boo is certainly no boy - I'm sure that it was just a mistake. Is it possible that she is a little nervous around Keepers and he is picking up on it and testing her because of it? Is it possible for you or David to go with her a few times to back her up with Keepers and show him he must be a good boy - that Mom and Dad will back the doggie sitter up (sorry I am having a little giggle to myself because it so reminds me of a little child testing their limits with the new baby sitter - probably something you have been on the receiving end of). I also suspect that you are feeling a little guilty about the amount of time you are having to spend away from them and that is part of the reason it is upsetting you so much please don't beat yourself up - you do and give so much for them both. They WILL adjust and they WILL be fine.