Do you have a routine which helps your dog?

We do and although it may be hard sometimes to keep to it - who doesn’t want to sleep in occasionally? - it helps us with the dogs especially if we are introducing a new one.

Recently we were delighted to welcome Leo a Swiss Shepherd to join our little pack here in Old Idsworth. He had some what of a chequered past and lived in several homes by the time he arrived aged 7. Therefore, it was inevitable that there would be a settling in period for him and for our current dogs Buddy and Barney. Can you imagine the shock he must’ve been feeling to suddenly join us here and have to cope with all the new experiences of not just a new family but also living in a pack and meeting lots of new dogs on a daily basis.? We knew we had to help him and also help Buddy and Barney accept a new permanent pal. I thought it might be helpful if you had a little idea of how we went about this.

After the first introduction, usually a lengthy walk on lead we then supervised some offlead time in our secure garden. Then into one room, keeping new boy on a house line so we can show him where to go and what to do - after all he didn’t know us either. He settled down quickly and we then went back to our routines. Regular walks, fed at the same time and then taken into the garden afterwards to be clean. Naturally this fitted around the classes and regular training sessions where we gently exposed him to new things- roughly one new thing per day for 3 weeks. This included Vet trips and meeting our groomer. He has also been swimming and some urban training walks with our ambassador dogs.

Today we welcomed another dog in for a few days and by sticking to the same routine, we have all 4 happy together in the garden. Now we still have to keep aware but by sticking to our routines we know what we have to do and the dogs are more relaxed. It’s not easy but routines help and take the pressure off

Need help, we have a couple of spaces for some 121 support in September so why not get in touch for a chat.