Introducing our ‘roadmap for rovers’

With governments across the UK releasing their roadmaps out of lockdown in the coming months, we have today gone out with our own ‘roadmap for rovers’, to help owners support their dogs in adjusting to the ‘new normal’. 

We want dogs to be happy inside and outside their homes, which is why we’ve recommended owners take steps now to ‘change the tale’ for their dogs and ensure they’re comfortable at outdoor gatherings and mixing indoors. Whether you’re planning on marking the end of lockdown by raising a glass at your nearest dog-friendly pub, joining a group walkies session with your pals and their four-legged friends, or simply inviting family over for dinner, our four-stage plan highlights how we can prepare our pups for change.

We’re also keen to help owners manage separation anxiety in dogs who have had constant company throughout lockdown. So it’s important that we act now to help our dogs learn to cope with being left alone to prevent this developing. 

One of the ways we have adapted our services during the pandemic is offering training classes online, thanks to our Dog School team. Both owners and their dogs can still learn through these virtual classes, to equip themselves with the skills needed as normality resumes. Dog School classes give owners a greater understanding of how they can keep their dogs happy and healthy, and avoid the common pitfalls that may lead to problems further down the line.

As the old saying goes, it’s much easier to prevent problems than to treat them.

Our Dog School has already helped around 2,000 owners through classes in January and February this year alone. It’s just one of many support services we provide – for more information visit dogstrust.org.uk