Calm Down! Step-by-Step to a Calm, Relaxed, and Brilliant Family Dog by Beverley Courtney

Author:Beverley Courtney
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Beverley Courtney
Published: 2016-01-01T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter 4

What do I do with this mat now?

Lacy relaxes on her mat while I enjoy coffee and a good book

Let’s look now at what you can do next. You have taught your dog a game with the mat which she looks forward to and engages in with enthusiasm. You have built this up in stages with clarity. Now we can take it on the road!

Coffee with a friend, or Sunday lunch at the pub

Now you’ve got this working smoothly at home, start taking it out of the house to new places. Keep your first trip fairly short. Start by going to a place you already know.

Let’s say you’re meeting a friend at a café. There are plenty of good cafés that will allow dogs - many welcome them. The same goes for pubs. In fact you’ll find internet resources that list dog-friendly eateries. I have a printout of dog-friendly venues for my locality that I keep in the car. If I want to stop somewhere for a meal or a break, I can go straight to a suitable café or hostelry, without having to go in first and ask if I may bring the dog in.

Even those who don’t want dogs inside are usually happy for you to sit at an outside table with your dog.

Treat your dog just as you would a toddler, and set out on your journey well-equipped. Bring her mat, really good treats, chews, a filled food toy, a favourite teddy bear ... Be sure you have plenty of things to distract her with. It will really help if your friend is willing to allow you to focus on your dog whenever necessary.

1. Give her a run or an exciting game beforehand so she’s ready to settle down.

2. Choose a spot to place the mat where your dog won’t get trodden on. Avoid high traffic areas, such as near the main door, the toilets, and the kitchens. These places are too busy.

3. Then simply reward your dog with good things as soon as she puts herself on the mat. You’ll have her on a lead, of course, but make sure it’s loose enough for her to be able to find a comfortable position, while you have the handle firmly in your hand.

Never tie your dog to a table or chair - that’s far too risky. Just have the lead on your wrist then you’ll be aware straight away if she’s getting agitated for any reason. Maybe when your dog is as experienced as Lacy is, you can attach the lead to a suitable fixed point - like a very heavy chair.

On this first occasion you may spend more time making sure your dog is content than chatting to your friend. But this is insurance! Next time will be much easier. Once your first trip has been successful, you can try different places. Soon your dog will be able to go anywhere with you - settling down and amusing herself without annoying you or anybody else. This is one good reason for having a small, easily transportable mat.

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