Behaviour Introduction Protocol

Home Dog Boarding – Wigan
(In line with Animal Welfare Regulations 2018 – Higher Standards)

 Purpose

To ensure all dogs are introduced safely, calmly, and in a controlled manner to minimise stress, prevent conflict, and maintain high welfare standards.

 Pre-Boarding Assessment (Before Acceptance)

 Mandatory Meet & Greet

All new dogs must attend a meet & greet prior to booking.

Assessment includes:

• Temperament evaluation
• Reaction to new environment
• Response to handler guidance
• Interaction with resident dog (if applicable)
• Interaction with other boarded dogs (if appropriate)
• Body language observation
• Any signs of fear, anxiety, reactivity or aggression

 Dogs Not Accepted If:

• History of aggression
• Severe separation anxiety
• Resource guarding not manageable
• Poor recall/control in enclosed setting
• Signs of unpredictable behaviour

 Arrival Day Procedure

Step 1 – Calm Arrival

• Dog enters property on lead
• Minimal stimulation
• Owner departure kept calm and brief
• Dog allowed to explore environment gradually

Step 2 – Decompression Period

• 15–30 minutes quiet settling time
• Access to water
• No immediate group interaction
• Observation of stress signals

 Controlled Introduction Process

 First Introduction (Neutral & Controlled)

• Dogs introduced one at a time
• Both dogs on lead initially
• Loose lead, calm posture
• Short duration (1–2 minutes)
• Positive tone maintained

 Behaviour Monitored For:

Positive signs

• Loose body language
• Soft tail wag
• Play bow
• Turning away calmly
• Relaxed posture

Warning signs

• Stiff posture
• Hard stare
• Raised hackles
• Growling
• Lip curling
• Avoidance / freezing

If warning signs observed → dogs separated immediately.

 Supervised Social Time

• Leads removed only if calm behaviour observed
• Short sessions initially
• Toys removed during early introductions
• Feeding always separate
• Constant supervision maintained

No dogs left unsupervised together during early stage.

 Ongoing Behaviour Monitoring

Daily monitoring includes:

• Changes in behaviour
• Signs of stress
• Play balance (no bullying)
• Resource guarding
• Fatigue levels

If compatibility concerns arise:

• Dogs separated
• Exercise provided separately
• Owner informed if necessary

 Separation & Safety Protocol

Pet Getaway maintains ability to:

• Separate dogs immediately
• Use separate rooms/crates
• Provide individual walks
• Adjust group structure

No dog will be forced into group interaction.

 Record Keeping

For new dogs, notes are recorded including:

• Introduction outcome
• Behaviour observations
• Any management adjustments
• Compatibility status

These notes form part of the Welfare Monitoring Record.

 Welfare Commitment

Pet Getaway prioritises:

• Emotional wellbeing
• Safe socialisation
• Controlled group dynamics
• Prevention over reaction

All introductions are structured, monitored and welfare-led.