Behaviour Policy

Home Dog Boarding – Wigan, Greater Manchester

1. Purpose

This Behaviour Policy outlines how Pet Getaway manages canine behaviour within a home boarding environment to ensure:

• Safety of all dogs

• Safety of visitors and household members

• Compliance with licensing regulations

• High welfare standards

• Calm, controlled group dynamics

We operate a structured, welfare-led approach — not an informal “see how they get on” system.

2. Behaviour Assessment Prior to Boarding

All new dogs must attend a Meet & Greet assessment before acceptance.

During this assessment we evaluate:

• Temperament

• Social behaviour

• Response to correction

• Signs of fear or anxiety

• Resource guarding

• Reactivity

• Play style

• Body language awareness

Acceptance is based on suitability for a home environment with other dogs.

We reserve the right to decline any booking where safety or welfare may be compromised.

3. Owner Disclosure Requirements

Owners must disclose:

• Previous aggression

• Biting history

• Reactivity to dogs or people

• Resource guarding

• Separation anxiety

• Excessive barking

• Escape attempts

• History of destructive behaviour

Failure to disclose relevant behavioural information may result in:

• Immediate termination of boarding

• Early collection required

• Refusal of future bookings

• Loss of payment

Full transparency protects everyone.

4. Behaviour Expectations During Boarding

Dogs must be:

• Manageable on lead

• Safe around adults

• Socially appropriate (if boarding with others)

• Not excessively destructive

• Not persistently aggressive

Minor play-related corrections between dogs are normal.

However, the following behaviours are not tolerated:

• Repeated aggression

• Escalating conflict

• Biting

• Persistent mounting despite redirection

• Unmanageable reactivity

5. Behaviour Monitoring

All dogs are monitored daily for:

• Changes in temperament

• Stress signals

• Social balance

• Over-arousal

• Fatigue

• Withdrawal behaviour

If behavioural concerns arise:

• Dogs may be separated

• Exercise routines adjusted

• Stimulation reduced

• Owners informed

6. Separation & Management Measures

Pet Getaway maintains the ability to:

• Separate incompatible dogs

• Provide individual rest areas

• Feed dogs separately

• Adjust group combinations

• Modify enrichment activities

No dog will be forced into unsuitable interaction.

7. Aggressive Behaviour Protocol

If a dog displays serious aggression:

1. Immediate separation

2. Safety secured

3. Owner contacted

4. Behaviour documented

5. Early collection may be required

Where necessary, boarding may be terminated without refund if safety is compromised.

8. Stress & Anxiety Management

We recognise that boarding can be stressful for some dogs.

We manage this through:

• Calm structured routine

• Controlled introductions

• Quiet rest periods

• Avoidance of overcrowding

• Limited stimulation

If severe separation anxiety is observed and cannot be safely managed, owners may be required to collect early.

9. Welfare-First Approach

Our behavioural standards exist to:

• Maintain calm group harmony

• Prevent injury

• Reduce stress

• Protect vulnerable dogs

• Meet higher standard licensing expectations

We prioritise safety over booking volume.

10. Right to Refuse Service

Pet Getaway reserves the right to:

• Decline future bookings

• Terminate current boarding

• Refuse entry on arrival

Where behaviour presents a risk to safety or welfare.