www dogstrust org uk Mission Statement Dogs Trust

www. dogstrust. org. uk

Mission Statement “Dogs Trust is working towards the day when all dogs can enjoy a happy life, free from the threat of unnecessary destruction”

DOGS TRUST REHOMING • Network of Rehoming Centres Where next ? Dublin Manchester Loughborough Basildon (2014)

Dogs Trust Rehoming Centre in West London Developed on the site of a disused farm Set in 16 acres of farmland includes two Grade II listed barns 71 kennels for unwanted and abandoned dogs

Intake of Dogs l l l 4 Types of intake Handover Stray Transfer Return to kennel

Intake of dogs l l l Handover Call Centre Opportunity to be selective depending on current situation at centre Consider breed type (illegal breeds in UK) Behavioural intake assessment

Pre-Intake Assessment l l l Behaviour when handled Behaviour when taken to kennel Introduction to other dogs Handling around toys/food? Essential that taken away from Owner Confirm that dog is ‘owned’ by person presenting dog

Intake of dogs l Handover Questionnaire to gather history

Handover Questionnaire l l l Owner’s details Description of dog; age, breed, colour, sex Background of dog Medical history; neutered, vaccinated, existing health issues Reaction towards– children, dogs, cats, live stock, strangers Behaviour when left; housetrained, barking, destructive Travelling Handling/grooming What dog enjoys Fears/phobias Reason for handover

Intake of dogs l l l l Handover Opportunity to be selective Right mix of dog breeds/types Behavioural intake assessment Questionnaire to gather history Identify popular breeds and select from waiting list Consider location of Centre; Popular dogs in area

Intake of dogs l l l Stray dogs Directly from members of public/abandonment 8 day dogs

Intake of dogs l l l Transfer Internally Externally

All our dogs are…. • Vet checked • Vaccinated Neutered + other medical (consider when dependent on behaviour) • • Microchipped Wormed • Deflead •

Behavioural assessments

7 day assessment

Behaviour assessment

Grooming/bathing

Right frame of mind: Exercise l l l Lead exercise Compounds Socialisation Project Pal programme BMP

Right frame of mind l l Real life room Training Work dog programme Home from Home

Rehoming kennels Location of dogs in kennels l. Pairing is important l. Kennel fronts l. Dressing up kennels l

Drawing attention to dogs

Drawing attention to dogs

Image of dog - Negative

Image of dog - Positive

Promotion of dogs

Case Study – Kane and Tucker

Oakfields • Old Age Dogs home

Promotion of dogs l l l l Website: www. dogstrust. org. uk Presentation in reception Dog parade Open days Dog of the week in local papers TV MRU Walk through town (rehoming map/dog coats)

Stat recording l l l Footfall Reason for visit Review of unmatched owners RTK reasons Reason for intake compared to length of stay

Potential owners l l Homefinding questionnaire (hand written or online) Data protection and authorisation

Homefinding Questionnaire l l l l l Address Type/age of dog wanted Male/Female (females more popular and less) Type of home; owned, garden Who lives at home Children Length of time dog left Other animals in home; dogs, cats, etc Exercise

Match making: Owner to dog Staff l. Personality; mix of people and dog skills l. Customer care vital l. Right approach l. Training: Rehomer training course l

Match making: Owner to dog l l l Staff Personality; mix of people and dog skills Customer care vital Right approach Training: Rehomer training course Understanding dogs Breed traits

Match Making: owner to dog l l l Appropriate dog for family using homefinder/dog’s details Family introduction Introduce other dogs Cat test Home visit Vet reference/registration

PRE-ADOPTION TALK January 07

WHAT IS INCLUDED? • Micro chip – permanent identification of dog. • 4 weeks free insurance from Petplan. • Food starter pack from Wainwrights and details of when and how much to feed. • Collar , harness if appropriate, and lead • Clinical history including age, weight, when they are next due flea, worming, and vaccinations. • Vet check in the last 48 hours. • LIFETIME behavioural support. January 07

BASIC LEGAL OBLIGATIONS OF KEEPER • Dogs must wear collar and tag when in a place to which the public has access (can include garden) • Dogs must be kept under control in public places • Muzzle if necessary – rehoming centre will advise • Byelaws usually prohibit fouling of footpaths and public spaces – pick up after dog • Microchip details are kept up to date. January 07

ADOPTER’S EXPECTATION • Adopting a dog requires commitment and work from the adopter. No dog will be perfect and all will need understanding and training. • Behavioural assessment should give indication of how we expect them to behave at home. • Don’t expect too much too soon – the dogs have sometimes had a tough start in life. Every dog will need time to settle into a new environment- going home is stressful. • Don’t expect the dog to cope with too much either! Keep their lives simple when first at home, very quiet walks so they don’t have to cope with too much and gradually build up to busier walking areas. • Every dog will have had varying experiences of being at homepositive, negative, or not at all! It’s up to you now to show them in a kind and fair way, what is expected of them in their new home. January 07

Settling In and Training • Settling in to new home • The first night • House training • Leaving the dog alone • House rules • Lead frustration • Socialising with other people, visitors and children. • Other training- name, recall, sit, Training classes- Dog School. January 07

Dog School • Welfare focused – Reward based training and up to date advice. • Professional - Qualified, experienced staff. • Practical – Prepare them for the ‘real world’. • Fun!!! – Building strong relationships by sharing good experiences. – We want owners to have a great time with their dog.

What is Dog School? • A free induction, and five 50 minute training classes. • Maximum of 6 dogs, minimum of 2 coaches + volunteers • £ 50 for the course, £ 40 for Dogs Trust dogs • Puppy classes, Adult classes and Rescue dog classes • Skills for life • Getting your dog to come back you – every time! • Being handled by the vet • Meeting people and other dogs politely • Walking nicely on lead

Behaviour, Breed traits, Body language! • Natural behaviour- sniffing, exercise (physical and mental stimulation!), and socialising with other dogs (if appropriate). • Breed traits- give appropriate outlet for! • Body language- try to listen to what your dog is communicating to you. January 07

Extras • Grooming, handling, vet trips • Car travel • Kennel Cough

LASTLY • Remember to give the dog a fair chance to settle in, but if the rehoming does not work out we always take the dog back – about 10% of rehomes do not work, so there should be no guilt attached to returning the dog. • Within the first couple of days you will receive a phone call from Dogs Trust to ask if the dog is settling in alright or if there any problems. They will give advice if necessary. • Call us at an early stage if there is a problem or you feel you need advice – don’t be shy about it, it’s what we’re here for. Early advice and a bit of work can usually save the situation. • ANY QUESTIONS? January 07

ADOPTING FROM DOGS TRUST All our adopters receive…. • A pre-adoption talk • Free advice for life • Free collar, lead and food sample • 4 weeks insurance • Microchip

After care l l l Vet phone Post adoption visit/Support Behavioural support / advice We guarantee to take back any dog Training classes – Dog School

Dogs Trust Shared adoption Scheme- Hooch Dogue de Bordeaux with hip displaysia • Bad start to life, in kennels for 5 months l l Part Foster Scheme

DOGS TRUST CASE STUDY - HOOCH • l • Happily rehomed with loving family and new playmate Tyson Hydrotherapy twice a week Loved by everyone

DOGS TRUST Canine Care card - MICKEY l • • A twelve-year-old Cocker Spaniel Owner had him since he was a 10 weeks old She suddenly passed away, and her daughter was unable look after him

DOGS TRUST CASE STUDY - MICKEY • l Luckily, his owner carried the Canine Card Mickey is now happily rehomed with Rehoming Centre Manager Richard Moore and is enjoying a nice retirement!

Thank you l richard. moore@dogstrust. org. uk