dogstrust.uk

1. www.dogstrust.org.uk

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

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

4. 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 75 kennels for stray and abandoned dogs

5. Intake of Dogs SOP • 3 Types of intake • Handover • Stray • Transfer

6. Intake of dogs • Handover • Opportunity to be selective depending on current situation at centre • Right mix of dog breeds/types • Behavioural intake assessment

7. Intake Assessment • Behaviour when handled • Behaviour when taken to kennel • Introduction to other dogs • Handling around toys/food? • Essential that taken away from Owner

8. Intake of dogs • Handover • Opportunity to be selective • Right mix of dog breeds/types • Behavioural intake assessment • Questionnaire to gather history

9. Handover Questionnaire • 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

10. Intake of dogs • 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

11. Intake of dogs • Stray dogs • Directly from members of public/abandonment • 8 day dogs

12. Intake of dogs (SOP1) • Transfer • Internally • Externally

13. All our dogs are…. • Vet checked • Vaccinated • Neutered + other medical • Microchipped • Wormed • Deflead

14. Behavioural assessment

15. Grooming/bathing

16. Right frame of mind: Exercise • Lead exercise • Compounds • Socialisation • Work dog programme

17. Right frame of mind • Real life room • Training • Work dog programme • Home from Home

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

19. Drawing attention to dogs

20. Drawing attention to dogs

21. Image of dog - Negative

22. Image of dog - Positive

23. Promotion of dogs

24. Case Study – Kane and Tucker

25. Oakfields • Old Age Dogs home

26. Promotion of dogs • 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)

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

30. Potential owners • Homefinding questionnaire (hand written or online) • Data protection and authorisation

31. Homefinding Questionnaire • 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

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

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

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

35. PRE-ADOPTION TALK January 07

36. 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

37. 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

38. 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 home- positive, 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

39. 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

40. 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. Dog School

41. 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

42. 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

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

44. 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 are 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

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

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

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

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

49. DOGS TRUST Canine Care card - MICKEY • 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

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