Initial Meet & Greet Consultation Protocol for Guardians

To ensure a smooth and comfortable introduction for both you and your dog, we follow the steps outlined below during our initial consultation:

Treats and Positive Reinforcement:

• We will not carry treats on our person during the Meet & Greet. The reason for this is twofold:

  • Avoid Encouraging Jumping: We don’t want to accidentally encourage an already excited dog to jump up at strangers.

  • Preventing Confusion: If your dog is nervous or hesitant to approach, offering treats might create confusion or stress, as they may want the treats but feel conflicted about coming closer.

• BUT: We strongly recommend that you (dog guardian) have plenty of small, high-value treats available, ideally in a waist pouch or easily accessible pocket. This will allow you to regularly reward your dog and create a positive association with strangers around and inside your home while also encouraging the good habit of checking in with you (guardian) when people visit your home rather than jumping up at the visitors.
  

• Arrival Notification:
  Upon arrival, we will not knock on the door.
  We will send you (pet guardian) a text/WhatsApp message from our vehicle to let you know we are ready to begin.
  

• Initial Meeting Outdoors:

  • Then you will bring your dog outside on a secure lead, using a well-fitted harness and/or flat collar.
    NOT on a slip lead or choke collar that could tighten and create discomfort should they pull towards us - this could lead to a negative association directly on seeing us.

  • Together, we will walk a short distance up and down the pavement with you and your dog. Keeping a distance of around 2.5m at first.

  • Your dog will have the opportunity to approach and sniff us at their own pace however you will use the lead to manage and prevent (not correct) - an excited dog jumping up. You can use your treat pouch to reward your dog every time they glance / look towards us to create the positive association with us.

  • We will not attempt to touch, stroke, or approach your dog unless they clearly express comfort and interest.
    

• Entering the House:

  • Once your dog appears comfortable, we will enter your home with you. You will ensure your dog remains on the lead during our meeting indoors and until we leave the house.

  • While inside, you will continue to manage the lead to prevent any jumping up as part of helping your dog remain calm during the session. You will continue to reward your dog form your treat pouch when they glance towards us (dog walkers) or when check in with you, as well as for calm behaviour like automatic sitting, or laying.
    

• Lead Corrections and Positive Associations:

  • During the Meet & Greet, we ask that no lead corrections (lead jerking or popping), or any other physical or verbal punishments are used. Instead you will use the lead gently guide to prevent excited jumping (or if applicable puppy biting). This is to ensure your dog associates our presence with positivity and trust.
    (In general, punitive measures are against our ethics and values as a business.)

This protocol is designed to prioritise your dog’s comfort and help us establish a positive relationship from the start. If you have any specific preferences or concerns, please let us know in advance.