There’s a lot to think about before getting a dog, and then lots to prepare them – and yourselves – for once they arrive. We’ve got lots of advice and training options to make sure that you, your dog and your family are as prepared as can be for your lives together
Being prepared is a useful life skill
Himself spent a happy half hour moving the few remaining logs from one side of our log store into the other, already nearly full, side. We burn logs in our wood burner for heat during the winter, so we need a good supply. These logs we are currently storing will be used during autumn and winter 2021-22.
We’re getting a new delivery of logs this week. We won’t be using the new logs until the autumn/winter of 2022-23, that is in about eighteen months. Why, you may ask, are we getting them delivered now?
These new logs have been cut over the past few months. Logs need to season, to dry out to below 20% moisture content, to be perfect for burning. So, getting them now allows the time for the drying out process to occur. Burning fresher cut logs with higher moisture content means that they don’t burn as easily and they produce much more debris and soot. (Himself will be happy to subject you to a long lecture about the perils of burning new cut wood, if you want.)
Hence our forward planning. We are being prepared, just like a good scout.
Do your homework and forward planning for your dog’s benefit
It’s important to be prepared to help your dog, too. My favourite type of email to receive is the owner who wants to find out about training because they are planning to get a new puppy and want to be prepared.
Prepare yourself and your family for the changes you need when you get a dog – setting aside time to take them for walks, to train them and play with them.
You need to be prepared on walks. Always carry treats and to be ready to take action if people or other dogs come running up.
Prepare your dog for being left alone when you return to work after lockdown.
Make sure your dog is prepared for vet visits, by handling them every day for the first year they are with you and practising our specific vet and groomer handling tips.
Be prepared to help your dog out if they get scared of something or someone.
And be prepared to book some training to help you if you hit problems.
Just be prepared!
We are re-starting in-person classes from May. Check out the website for details. You’ll also find details of the 121 help we offer for training and behaviour problems, as well as information about our increasing number of online self-study courses.
Prevention is always better than cure.
Be prepared. Be a scout.
Keep training and stay safe,
Carol
