Would like to be a host, but does this sound high maintenance/difficult?

I have a clean, organized, modern apartment with air conditioning in a popular German university town. I don’t have a car, but public transit is plentiful and there are numerous bikes/e-scooters that can be rented. I also have an e-bike someone could use if they are my height. For pet emergencies I offer to cover Uber Pet or a pet friendly taxi, and could leave a pre-paid card for that.

I have two dogs, both who can be left alone for 8 hours at a time, are free fed without issue, no meds, flexible walk schedule (AMish walk, PMish walk, and a pee before bed). My girl is a small min pin mix, and she may bark at other dogs if they get too close (we’re working on it), but she stops if you pick her up. She has no other behavior issues and loves to snuggle.

My boy is a Galgo, and he was abused and neglected before I got him. He is a gentle giant who loves his familiar people (he will “hug” you by leaning on your legs) but he is scared of strangers on walks and will shy away from them if they get close. He’s good at ignoring other dogs for the most part (he actually loves little dogs but is reactive to larger ones). The people in my neighborhood are all respectful and give each other space, bait he has barked and lunged at bigger dogs that have gotten too close before.

Also, he can be defensive of his resting space. If he is laying down and I need to pass him, I’ll just say “Excuse me!” To let him know I’ll be passing by. If he’s on the couch with me and growls when I move, he’ll usually kick himself off because he knows the couch is a privilege, not a right. We are working with a behaviorist and he has anti-anxiety meds, but he will still sometimes growl when startled.

Would this be a dealbreaker for potential sitters? I thought about offering the person the opportunity to come early or for a short trial trip while I’m still home (I have a pull out couch in the living room and I sleep in a lofted bed) or maybe I go somewhere local for a weekend? What would reassure you? I don’t want to make anyone uncomfortable but don’t want to have to come home mid-trip either 🤔.

Posted Aug 29, 2026, 1:28 PM UTC

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