Four Positive Paws

23/08/2024

Force and coercion is not the answer.

When a dog is showing avoidance or resistance to something we want them to do or even need to do to them, using force or coercion is not the answer.

21/08/2024

Thank you for advocating for dogs and their guardians.

We are the voice they don't have when learning is being experienced.

16/08/2024

Welfare and wellbeing is front and centre for me, me dogs and every person and do I work with.

I do not use prong collars, e collars, slipe leads, choke chains, alpha rolls, dominance reduction, startle devices or pain, ever.

Just want to be very clear and transparent about my ethics when it comes to supporting dogs that are struggling and showing that through their behaviours.

Yes, I do work with dogs with complex and multiple behaviours that have become really difficult for the dog and guardians.

It is possible for positive progress without the tools I've mentioned above.

We are the voices our dogs don't have.

There's a strong and compelling narrative that suggests using certain tools can be a life or death situation for certain dog behaviours.

We believe what we believe and it's our dogs that experience the consequences.

I love being able to create positive change in a welfare and wellbeing centred way.

I love working with amazing, dedicated and committed guardians that want to work with their dogs in a way that doesn't need specific aversives tools.

Change is possible 🐾

Wanting a behaviour from our dogs to stop is common. Sadly, there are so many 'trainers' who appear on television or have massive social media followings who will advocate using devices and methods that 'will stop it fast'. Let's be honest, as humans we are often results driven, so I can see why these would appeal to people who don't know why these things should not be recommended and used. The reality is that they can make the situation so much worse.

Suppressing a behaviour doesn't mean that the reasons that behaviour happened aren't still there, just that the dog can't do what they feel they need to in that situation. That can lead to increased frustration, stress, fear - depending on what the driver for that behaviour is. Think of it like a pressure cooker, adding more and more pressure, with no way to reduce that pressure. Eventually there comes a point where the pressure is just too much and boom.

If a behaviour is something we can't live with, there are things we can do without suppressing that behaviour. Manage the situation so that the dog is not in a position to practice that behaviour - for example baby gates to stop them jumping up at arriving guests or finding quiet areas to walk if your dog is uncomfortable with other dogs close up. If there is something you would prefer them to do in that situation keep using the management and then, using kind and ethical methods, teach them what you would like them to do instead. If the behaviour is not something that we can simply train an alternative for - a dog who reacts to other dogs around for example - find a behaviour consultant who uses modern and kind methods to help the dog no longer feel the need to use that behaviour.

Behaviour suppression is never the answer.

Here are links to a couple of blog posts that explore the topic a little further:
https://www.goodguardianship.com/post/the-first-question-to-ask-wtf-what-s-the-function
https://www.goodguardianship.com/post/why-we-should-look-beyond-stopping-behaviour

12/08/2024

This can never be said too many times.

I'm sorry that there are some people that don't have a Garden or anywhere at home a dog can toilet.

An essential toilet break is not a walk.

An essential toilet break needs planning to minimise risk and discomfort.

Leaving dogs at home, creating ways to reduce temperature if the home gets hot like blackout curtains and fans plus cotton sheets can make a huge difference.

If a dog can't be left at home and an outing has been booked, consider cancelling items and staying home and keeping cool with your dogs.

Have Aircon? Doing a short journey? What's the worst that could happen and what's the plan?

Aircon packs up or car breaks down. How do you keep yourself and your dog safe?

Do you know where your nearest vet is if you are away from home?

Dogs suffer in hot weather and some are at higher risk than others.

Brachycephalic dogs, elderly dogs, really are compromised in hot and humid weather.

I wish it wasn't necessary to post yet another hot weather post.

There are still too many dogs suffering unnecessarily.

It is HOT out today!! We were back at the car after a quiet wander by 7 30am and both our dogs were feeling the heat more than I would have intended.

The humidity is 85% which is definitely having an effect on heat perception here in the UK

It’s likely too hot in many areas for dogs to be safely exercising today. Some tips to stay safe and cool:

*you don’t need to walk your dog Collect some sniffs on a walk by yourself - pick up some leaves, some sticks, bits of loose soil, perhaps some sheep fleece, animal hair on fencing etc … and bring it home and place in a box or two or on some dog towels or in a garden area, and let them sniff. Or pop to a car boot sale, a friends, a neighbours and get a few old baby toys, some worn clothing, other dogs toys or harnesses etc and bring them home for an investigation

*do a toy or sniffs or treat (or combo) search … by placing little tastes or scents in places found the house or garden and let your dog treasure trail at home

*biscuit bob - washing up bowl, bucket, paddling pool etc with water and float some kibble amongst some floating toys and let them enjoy getting them out (do this when they re not hungry to avoid frustration if they re not experienced bobbers!)

*make some cool pastes - you can soak kibble and make a mash, or add water to meat foods, or add flour and water to herbal tea or marmite or peanut butter or yoghurt and place in fridge. Once cool, put smears in a muffin tray or on different plates or bowls and let them investigate the different cool flavours

*keep the curtains / blinds closed!! Less sun in = less heat in. Consider setting up a fan if you don’t get much breeze in the hottest parts of the day

*damp some dog towels and place in fridge or freezer then lay them out in the hottest parts of the day to see if your dogs would like to lie on them

*avoid water play eg hosing, water pistols etc as whilst the dog gets wet, the exercise intensity is creating much muscle heat so they ll be hotter after, not cooler. Also grabbing too much water can cause health issues like low sodium if excessive, which can be really dangerous

*take care with natural swimming - seems a good idea but can be hot getting there and back and again, creates a lot of muscle heat for many dogs to recover from. Also HUGE issues at the moment with blue green algae in many places of the UK which is extremely toxic to dogs if swallowed

*have different sounds on the TV or speakers throughout the day - plenty of relaxing waterfall sounds, rainforest sounds, farm yard noises, classical music, pop / rock and other genres to enjoy … or audio books too!!

Plenty of cool, calm options to have a chilled out but interesting day! Stay cool and safe

(And don’t forget horses / rabbits/ cats / other furries too … give shade, give choice … )

12/08/2024

Collar risks

Sweet 14-week-old Golden Retriever puppy Percy is on the road to recovery after spending some time in our ICU over the weekend! He was an excellent patient and feels better already thanks to some time in our state-of-the-art oxygen kennel. In this photo he had popped his little head out to say hello to our staff during one of his treatments, and we don’t think he could get any cuter!

How Percy ended up spending the weekend with us is an important story that his caring owners allowed us to share to help keep other pets safe. Percy and his big brother were rough-housing, when Percy’s collar got stuck on his brother’s mouth. Percy panicked when he was suddenly stuck, and while twisting around trying to escape he caused his collar to become even tighter around his neck! Thankfully their owner noticed quickly that something was wrong and freed Percy before he lost consciousness. When his owners rushed him to see our ER team, Percy was struggling to breathe, drooling profusely, and very distressed. Radiographs showed that Percy had fluid in his lungs (non-cardiogenic pulmonary edema) caused by the time he spent struggling to breathe. Pain medications and oxygen support quickly helped Percy breathe more comfortably as his body worked to heal from the experience.

The strangulation hazard of dogs playing while wearing collars is a hidden danger that many pet owners don’t know about, but a story we hear with some frequency in the ER. Thankfully Percy’s story has a happy ending, but if his owners hadn’t been there to intervene it could have been tragic. Please, get your pups microchipped so they have a permanent form of identification, and then take those collars off when they’re playing with or interacting with other dogs!

11/08/2024

08/08/2024

Will I have to rehome my dog or have him put to sleep?

These are horrible questions that are regularly asked when a person has come to the end of their teather with a dog that has become unmanageable.

I have lived experience of dogs behaviour that has felt overwhelming, unsafe, stressful and frustrating.

When we are living with a dog that is practising excessive behaviour it can be a real struggle.

I specialise in fearful, anxious and reactive behaviour with dogs and guardians that are really struggling.

My aim is to support people to keep their dogs in the home, to be able to live safely with less worry and more harmony.

Trust and confidence for dogs and guardians is fundamental. As is feeling safe and having peace of mind that we are doing the right thing in the best way to support ourselves and our dogs.

Feeling out of control, not knowing what to do for the best, confusion with information overload and conflicting opinions can all add to the problem.

Change and positve progress is certainly possible. How long it will take will depend on the individual dog and circumstances.

I have worked with many people that have been ready to rehome and have been able to rethink and reconsider and gained the confidence that life with their dog doesn't have to be so hard.

It isn't always down to the owner. It isn't necessarily anyones fault. Genetics, puppy rearing, breed traits, ancestry of the dogs line can all affect a dogs behaviour.

A big gap in expectations, a lack of knowledge, skills and experience when faced with behaviours that have not been seen before can all influence emotions and actions.

I value continuous education and keeping up to date with all that is involved with dog reactive behaviours.

I recently completed a great course run by Janet Finlay and Michelle Dart . Reframing Reactivity is a course that blends theory with practical evidence based reviews and assessment.

I am proud to have successfully completed this course and enjoyed the support and connection with the group and fellow members.

The value of qualifications, continuous professional development, up to date knowledge, skills and specialised experience rests with each persons individual recognition and appreciation.

I certainly value my own education and expertise and love working with amazing people that want the best for their dog even when things feel hopeless there is often a way to navigate the challenges without using force or punitive methods.

I am proud to have completed my course.

07/08/2024

Reactivity is on the increase.

There are more incidents of dogs and people being injured and needing vet and hospital intervention.

Nobody wants their dog to bite or to get bitten.

When you reach out for help, how do you know that person is a good match for you?

Did you know that dog behaviour and training is an unregulated industry?

How important is it to you and your dog to make the right choice?

As a full member of The Association of INTODogs I am proud to uphold and adhere to stringent and ethical standards.

I have an up to date qualification in Canine Behaviour, Communication and Well being.

I keep up to date with the latest, force free methods and behavioural studies. A requirement of my membership is to submit 40 hours of evidenced continuous professional development.

Ethical standards include professional conduct, an assurance to my clients that they will be treated with respect and compasion.

So what?

It really depends on what is important to people that want the best level of support for their dogs. It depends on the importance of ethics and welfare when making a decision to get help.

It depends on the drive and motivation, commitment and desire a person has to get ethical, force free support.

It depends on how much value is given to getting support from a person that is qualified, specialises in the behaviour, has lived experience of that behavour, is accredited and is knowledge and skills assessed.

I valued all of the above when I sought help for myself and my dog after I had taken a number of wrong turns.

Those wrong turns happened because I believed the promises of quick fixes and didn't fully understand that there were methods that would be a really wrong fit for my dog.

I am really glad I took a step back, advocated for my dog and did more research to find an ethical option.

My dog progressed really well. There was never the threat or suggestion that my dog should be put to sleep or that the only option was to use force or harmful methods.

When we value ethics and well being our dogs can benefit from a positive and progressive learning journey.

When we value education, externally accredited qualifications and professional membership with stringent standards we can have peace of mind for ourselves and our dogs.

01/08/2024

Do you have the privilege of living with a dog, then this group is for you. Whether your dog just needs a little help to settle in, some training advice, or you need some help with behaviour issues, this group offers you the chance to speak to behaviourists and trainers, gather downloadable information, and watch interviews with canine professionals.

!!All for the fantastic price of £35 per year!!!

In a time when money can be hard to come by, costs are rising, and people are struggling, we wanted to help as many people in an affordable and convenient way.

Please get in touch if you would like to join up.

01/08/2024

The trouble with ‘training tools’

Force free trainers are firmly opposed to using training tools that are aversive in nature, including slip leads, electric collars and prong collars as some of the most widespread that are seen.

Proponents of their use will point to how well they ‘work’ – for example we’ll often see people proclaim that using a prong collar has completely revolutionised their walks with their dogs and they go on to say that ‘used correctly’ it’s an excellent training tool. So let's use that as an example to see what the issue is with these tools.

The problem is that it’s not actually really training the dog.

Look at how positive reinforcement is used to train a cue in dogs. When the dog makes the right choice, does the right thing then they get a reward. They like the reward and so are more likely to do the same thing again in an attempt to get that same reward.

Once the association is firmly made and the dog is able to reliably respond to the cue in the way we’d like, we start to fade out the use of the reward. If using treats, the dog might start getting a reward every second time, third time, then randomly so they are never quite sure when the reward is coming (but it might be the next time they do that thing, so they will keep trying). Eventually we are using the reward very little, but the dog is still responding to the cue in the desired way.

Ok, you might say, how is that different to the prong collar?

The prong works by contact of the prongs on the skin of the dog’s neck (remember that a dog’s skin is 3-5 cells thick compared to the human’s at least 10-15 cells thick). This is uncomfortable. Some people will say they tried it on themselves and it was fine – look at the difference in skin, and also remember that the dog has no way to know when the collar is going to be tightened.

I’ve had people tell me that the dog’s neck is the strongest muscle in their body equivalent to the human thigh. Not only is this physiologically incorrect (to say the very least!) it is also dangerous. Think about the delicate structures in the human throat.

The windpipe.
Oesophagus.
Lymph Nodes.
Carotid artery.
Jugular vein.
Thyroid.

All of these are in the dog’s neck as well and are very vulnerable to injury. The result of pressure on the dog's neck, especially firm and rapid pressure like a 'lead pop' (even from a flat collar) can be potentially catastrophic.

Danger and discomfort aside, the fact is that, while these collars might stop pulling while being worn, they fail as training devices because no actual training takes place. Take that prong collar off of the dog, put a normal flat collar back or a harness back on, and see how long it takes for the dog to realise they are able to pull again without the pain?

What the slip lead, prong collar (or electric collar if used to shock the dog when they pull) does is suppress the behaviour in that moment. It does nothing to show the dog what they should be doing or deal with why the dog is actually pulling - which is generally because they have not been taught properly to and so don't really understand what we want from them. And also dogs often naturally move faster on their four legs than we do on our two, so again they need to be taught how to match themselves to the pace that's needed.

The absolute best way to do that is to reward the dog when they do what they want, when they are in the right place for loose lead walking. Yes, this can take time and so the 'quick fix' can seem appealing, but the danger of using anything that the dog actively seeks to avoid is that it could damage their trust in the people around them and have serious consequences for the relationship between you.

Teaching them what we would like them to do and how we can both be comfortable during the walk is so much more effective than trying to just stop a behaviour, and using positive reinforcement and force free methods build their confidence and trust in us.

And no, I’m not expecting people to immediately take off the tools, but what you can do when you become aware of the problems of relying on aversive measures that cause discomfort, pain and fear, is find a force free trainer who can help you see how to show your dog where to walk nicely and comfortably for you both, or find other tools that are not aversive, for instance a harness with 2 points of attachment so the dog can be walked from the back clip but the front clip allows for steering the front end if needed while training is ongoing.

26/07/2024

What's your priority?

What is your priority when walking your dog in public spaces?

What is your priority when you have a dog that needs space because of fearful, anxious or reactive behaviour?

My priority is for me and my dog to be and feel safe.

That is my number one priority.

Blended with that priority is to provide a fulfilling, natural, sensory enriched and mental and physically stimulating experience that matches my dogs skills and abilities.

What does that look like?

* Choosing a safe space that is no or low dog dense.
* On lead only spaces if available.
* Enough space to create the distance my dogs need to feel safe.
* Plenty of opportunities to sniff, roll and mooch at a steady to slow pace.
* Prioritising the quality of the walk over the quantity (distance and duratio)
A comfortable, well fitting harness and 5 meter lead.
* Somewhere that is familiar to me and where I also feel safe.

We love our WISE Walks. Walks In Safe Environments.

08/07/2024

How safe do you feel on your walks?

How much space and distance does your dog need from other dogs and people to feel comfortable enough to cope without a significant reaction?

I regularly see dogs out on walks that are having a big reaction to another dog or person and there is no adjustment to distance.

When our dogs are barking, lunging, growling, snapping or cowering and trying to make themselves look smaller they need our help immediately.

When our dogs are behaving in this way they are not being bad or naughty, they are not coping and neeed support.

Dogs behaving in this way are struggling and will not get used to other dogs and people by being made to face their fears or to sit while the person or dog passes. The emotion doesn't change for that dog.

If a dog is made to 'face their fears' and this happens multiple times the likely outcome is for the dog to feel worse, escalate behaviours, shut down and pretty much guaranteed to no longer trust the other end of the lead.

The relationship between our dog and ourselves may start to break down and trust can become a bigger issue at home and on our walks.

Punishing a dog for reacting to another dog or person is not a smart way to make changes to how the dog is feeling.

Imagine being scared of spiders and being hit or shouted at. How would we feel about the spiders and the person punishing us?

If our dog barks, lunges or cowers, we can use that as a base line to gauge that we are too close and need more space.

Repeated reactions, multiple times per walk is simply reinforcing the unpleasant experience for us and our dogs.

Every dog is individual and one walk and trigger isn't the same for another.

It is absolutely possible to improve walks that have become unpleasant.

Keeping safe is a basic need for us and our dogs.

Just because we feel safe or think we know our dog is safe doesn't mean our dog is feeling safe.

Some simple steps can be put in place to enjoy walks more from both ends of the lead.

Those first simple steps can then provide respite and relief and enables us to do the more in depth work for safer walks.

If you are struggling with your walks and your dogs behaviour on those walks grab a complimentary discovery call to find out more about finding a positive strategy you can use for real life that gives you peace of mind.

You can book a call via my website - link is in the comments.

02/07/2024

Living with a dog that struggles to cope on walks can be a struggle.

We might feel embarrassed, frustrated, sad, disappointed or isolated.

When dogs react with big communications it can be frightening or be a shock if we haven't experienced that before.

There are lots of layers to consider when we live with a dog that isn't how we thought our shared lives would be like.

The behaviours won't go away by themselves.

What we do and how we behave will have a big impact on our dogs behaviours.

It isn't as simple as making our dogs get used to other dogs, making them face their fears and expecting them to feel more comfortable and able to cope.

How would we feel if we were made to face our fears of things like spiders, snakes, public speaking?

Would we continue to trust the person making us face our fears?

There are different types of fearful, anxious and reactive behaviour. Our dogs express themselves in different ways. Some are loud with big movement while others may be quieter and less expressive.

Some dogs can cope better than others or may be more or less tolerant.

Individual dogs will have individual triggers in different contexts.

What is your biggest challenge with your dogs behaviour right now?

30/06/2024

There’s nothing wrong with our relationship, it’s the behaviour, that’s the problem.

Behaviour can change at any time.

We may discover behaviours that we find challenging really early on, within days or weeks of our dog arriving.

We may start to notice changes in behaviour gradually and they may become more obvious and consistent over time.

Sometimes the behaviour change can be sudden or happen relatively quickly.

Why is our dog behaving the way they are?

This can be confusing when we feel as though we are meeting all of our dogs needs and yet, we experience behaviours that range from frustrating to worrying to feeling fearful and every emotion in between.

Having a solid trusting and trustworthy relationship is the foundation for our dogs to feel safe.

This won’t fix a behaviour immediately but without it it will be more challenging to navigate progress.

We can benefit from considering our own behaviours, how we behave around our dogs and how we communicate and interact with them. This is not about blaming ourselves for our dogs behaviours or criticising and judging ourselves. It is an opportunity to reflect and consider how we feel and the impact it may be having on our dogs.

It is human to feel the emotions we feel when we experience challenging behaviours.

Our tolerance can wear thin when we are living with a dog that behaves in a way that makes life much more challenging.

We need to make decisions and choices that are influenced by our dogs behaviours that may go against our beliefs and values. That can be a big ask and a significant stretch.

Challenging behaviour can challenge our relationship with our dog.

Discovering options and opportunities that work for us and our individual dogs can help to reset and stabilise the relationship.

When our relationship is on an even keel we provide a platform for ourselves and our dogs to unpick and unpack what may be causing the behaviour and what we may need to do to support stability and progress.

Just like any relationship, there will be ups and downs, stretches and demands, fulfilment and enjoyment.

We can be overstretched, run out of resources, reach breaking point and then we catch a break and we feel able to continue and can see our dog through a different lens.

Our dogs depend on us for everything. They have few choices in their lives and anything we can do to make our own and our dogs lives and relationship better is a plus.

Whether our dog is presenting a few irritating behaviours or multiple complex, highly stressful or worrying behaviours, we can always reflect on our own behaviour and make adjustments to support our dogs.

It may not be easy or simple, it may be beyond where we are at in the moment or after a prolonged period of living with the challenging behaviours.

Getting the right help and support can make a big difference. Providing relief and peace of mind, being heard and understood, being able to relate to a person that has the skills, knowledge and lived experience of challenging behaviours in our dogs can be a real game changer.

This is why I decided to specialise in fearful, anxious and reactive dog behaviour.

I have walked the walk and have experienced the emotions that can put a strain on the relationship with our dogs and our lives.

It isn’t easy or simple but it is very rewarding. Choosing to work with a person that has felt the feelings that accompany fearful, anxious, reactive behaviour means that, right from the start there is a connection, empathy and compassion.

I offer a free discovery call that provides an opportunity to discuss where you are at now, where you would like to be and how we can address the behaviours for a better quality of life.

Discover more and book a call via my website Four Positive Paws

29/06/2024

Why I advocate for walks on lead.

There are many Dogs that struggle when off lead.

The stress and consequences when a dog doesn't recall, when a dog bolts towards all other dogs or when a dog chases wildlife. Is it worth the risk?

Dogs need to be dogs?
Dogs don't mean any harm?
Dogs must be able to run free?
It isn't my problem if your dog doesn't like other dogs?
I know it is an on lead area but nobody takes any notice of the signs?
You should train your dog to be off lead?
He loves to chase the Ducks, Squirrels, Deer and always comes back eventually?

A lead is a simple and effective way to support many Dogs that lack skills or confidence in a public space.

Nobody is entitled to walk a Dog off lead in a public space if the dog is behaving in a way that causes problems for other dogs,people and livestock.

It is wonderful to see a skilled dog walk off lead.

Some Dogs have natural social skills, some dogs have learnt how to be able to walk without bolting up to unfamiliar dogs, some dogs read body language and communication and are able to make good choices about whether or not to approach another dog.

For the dogs that are not naturally skilled, are not yet able to recall (before they reach the other dog), lack social skills and confidence, are too young, are overly boisterous and too rough, the use of a suitable lead can be a game changer.

The lead provides security and peace of mind.

We love using a lead that is at least 5 meters long so that it can be lengthened and shortenend as needed. This enables a dog to sniff and roam and is not restrictive.

A standard length lead is rarely long enough for flexibility in many environments.

We prefer not to use a flexi lead because there are a number of risks with the lead getting caught up and the way the action and the mechanism work when the lead needs to be shortened.

Our walks can be safer with the use of a lead and there are lots of spaces for well skilled dogs to enjoy.

Enjoy your on lead walks and don't feel pressured to walk your dog off lead.
Feel free to share your pics of your Dog on lead enjoying a favourite walk.

28/06/2024

Arrival day and beyond

When our new dog arrives it is an individual experience for us and our dog.

The planning will certainly be helpful.

Having an open mind and being flexible will help navigate when plan A goes to plan D.

When we have read the description of a dogs behaviour and have discussed the dog with the rescue we may not experience the same behaviours from the get go.

Why is our dog not behaving as described?

Was the rescue or previous home honest?

Dogs can only be described as seen in the context, conditions, environment and situations they are observed in over a period of time.

A new home can present new behaviours. These behaviours are often related to the changes the dog is experiencing and how our dog copes with these changes.

Our dog may have been described as good with cats, children and dogs. This description may have resulted from a long term observation of the dog or it could be relatively short term.

As humans, we experience different emotions and behave differently in different contexts.

A social extrovert may enjoy being around many different people in a variety of situations.

An introvert may be selective about the people they socialise with.

Can we say that a person is good with people?

It depends on the context, personality, life experience, social skills, emotions, how safe we feel, the company we are in, our environment and our ability to make choices.

Can a dog be good with all dogs, people and cats in any situation, environment or context?

Being prepared for our dog to behave differently to how the dog was described can be helpful.

Being open minded and giving our dog time to adjust can make a big difference to our dog and for us.

The difference between descriptions, expectations and what we experience can range on a scale from mild to significant.

Whether our dog is our first dog or not, this dog is an individual dog, even if the dog is the same breed we have always lived with we may see new and different behaviours for the first time.

What can we do to set our dogs and ourselves up for success?
Take thing slowly. Don’t be in a hurry to invite people round to the house to meet the dog, take the dog out for walks, have lots of high energy or demanding interactions, engagement and play.

A new home for a dog is a big deal from the dogs perspective.

Consider the pre-arrival experience. The dog does not know why they have found themselves in a new home with new people.

What was the dogs transition experience? Did the dog have a long journey from overseas? What was the departure experience? How was the dog handled during the journey? Did the dog feel safe?

It is easy to underestimate the impact a re-homing can have on our dogs.

Arrival day is full of unknowns and can be overwhelming for many dogs.

Our own perception, aspirations and expectations can be way off even with our best intentions.

We may expect our dog to fit right in, get along with our resident dog/cat/children/family members.

We may expect our dog to toilet in the garden, sleep through the night, enjoy a walk, play with toys, enjoy their food and settle if we leave the home.

In reality, our dog may not be able to do any or all of these. Our dog may arrive in a stressed, nervous, anxious state. Our dog may be over the top, over excited, over stimulated, vocal, unable to settle.

When that moment is experienced it can feel pretty worrying. What have we done?

We may feel disappointed, angry, frustrated, overwhelmed, out of our depth, scared or worried.

Some breakdowns in re-homing can happen very quickly because of this gap in expectation and reality.

I have experienced dogs that have lasted 24 hours or less in a new home. Some dogs last longer, a week or a month, six months and beyond before they are relinquished.

Taking care of our dogs is a huge responsibility. Researching, planning, considering contingencies can all make the difference between our dog staying in their new home for the long term or bouncing back into rescue or via a private re-home.

Very few of us will go into an adoption or homing a dog from a private guardian with a ‘what happens if things go wrong’ mindset. I guess a little like a marriage, few people marry with separation and divorce in mind, hence some hesitations with a pre-nuptial agreement in place.

The dog that arrives on day one is rarely the dog we will experience on week one, month one, year one and beyond.

There is no set timeline or time frame for our individual dog.

The most compassionate thing we can do for our dog is to give them the time and space they need to adjust to their new home, environment and experience from their perspective.