Monitoring New Dogs
To comply with the Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities involving Animals) Regulations 2018, we have policies and procedures in place to monitor dogs coming into our care, to ensure they are happy as well as healthy.
All new dogs are closely monitored, especially in the first 48hours to ensure they are enjoying their stay.
When mixing dogs from different households, a supervised trial session of new dogs will take place to introduce the new dogs to each other. This will be recorded, including which dogs have mixed and the relevant behaviours. Dogs that are aggressive towards each other will not be boarded the same time.
New dogs will also have to have completed a familiarisation / settling in time before staying overnight.
Example New Dogs Supervised Trial Session Form
Name of Dog:
Date:
Dogs mixed with:
Observations
Suitable for mixing with the named dogs?: Yes / No
3 night trial undertaken? Yes / No
| Action | Procedure |
| Observe dogs after arrival to identify abnormal behaviour – in particular dogs that are nervous or fearful of contact | Initial introduction of dog to house. Dog allowed to have choice of interaction or private space to acclimatise. When dog observed to be ready for interaction, this will be welcomed and encouraged. Continual observation of dog and interactions with other dogs if relevant and people. |
| Where dogs are fearful or nervous, separation where necessary | Rooms available for dog separation and dog will be monitored regularly. |
| Behaviour of dogs is monitored daily. | Behaviour is observed and records kept of any signs of: stress, fear, anxiety, aggression. |
| Dogs showing signs of distress given suitable accommodation. | Dogs showing signs of distress – for example elderly or nervous dogs are located in a quiet area. |
| If abnormal behaviour is noted | Advice sought from a vet. Owners’ permission sought for any intervention. |