How We Work
New clients are asked to complete a very detailed questionnaire and
also for their vet to complete a form about the dog's health.
Asssessments for most new clients and their dogs are over the course
of a morning, as a workshop format, along with a few other new clients
and their dogs. We have found this is a very valuable way of
introducing new clients to the way we work, as it gives them a great
introduction into dog communication. Watching other people's dogs as
they are assessed is a very interesting experience, as without
emotional attachment, it is easier to observe the communication and
body language - and therefore learn more easily. Each dog is very
much an individual, and are treated as such. Initial introductions
are carried out with a fence in between the dogs who are free to
express themselves without owner influence. During the assessment your
dog will not meet other client's dogs, only our specially trained
teaching dogs.
Dogs with other issues such as chase, prey and people issues are not always assessed in our workshop format but may be individually assessed.
Most dogs can join our socialisation groups straight away - we have
two groups, Naughty but Nice and Shy Guys. It can sometimes take a
few one-to-one sessions with us and our teaching dogs before a new dog
can join in the groups, as we always tailor each dog's rehabilitation
to their particular issues. We have a kind, gentle and positive
approach and seek to rehabilitate dogs so that they can enjoy the
company of other canines again.
At our socialisation groups you will both learn how to react (or not react!) to situations that previously you would have found difficult to cope with. During the group sessions, we work with the dogs mainly off lead, allowing them to interact naturally under the watchful eye of the teaching dogs. We tailor the groups to the needs of the dogs attending: for example, we match nervous dogs with gentle, kind, confident dogs. Group sessions are carefully planned to be mutually beneficial to all dogs attending, your dog will not be 'flooded' or faced with situations they cannot yet cope with. We also do some on-lead exercises at the end of each group session which reinforce calm behaviour and aid self control. Our groups will help improve your dog's communication skills and will also help you to see what your dog is saying to the other dogs and vice versa.
On occasion, we may ask that a dog be muzzled - this is something we will discuss with you at the time.
Beama helping a Schnauzer with his 'meeting and greeting' skills!
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 Beama playing with a whippet puppy |
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