Getting Back Out There
Hello, and welcome.
In just two short weeks - as long as the data allows - we’ll be meeting up in small groups once again. As Linda discussed last week, this might leave you feeling anxious at the thought of “real life” socialising.
While we want to ensure we’re only doing what WE feel is comfortable, it’s also important we don’t forget the personality at the other end of the lead - our dog!
Not only have our dogs missed out on many social opportunities over the past year but they lack the ability to understand why. They’ve not been keeping up with the bulletins or listening to Boris unveil each new plan - they just know that you, their human, has stayed constant.
As you start to expand their social circle again - through dogs or people - you may find they don’t respond as they did pre-pandemic. Your social butterfly might be cautious about engaging and may look to you for reassurance more frequently.
Even with dog or human friends they’ve held for some time, make sure they have space and the choice to engage or not. Pack some high value treats and reward any brave interactions they decide to make.
It’s important that during these first few weeks and months we take things slow. Think, “short and sweet”!
“Short” - so it’s not overwhelming them, and “sweet” - so they felt positively about the social experiences you shared.
Until next time, enjoy these small steps back towards real life.
Caroline