If you are going back to training with others you must keep yourself and
others safe. Taking the government guidance to work at home if you can
is perfect for dog training. Make sure you are covering all the
foundations to your training before you go elsewhere – this will help
keep your dog under control and remind them what to do. That way, you'll
arrive with a dog who is more in tune with you.
Contact your training instructor/club for their guidelines on what
you will need to bring along and what protocols they will have in place –
make sure you adhere to the guidelines given
Check what facilities will be available and ensure you prepare accordingly
Gather all that you need – water dish, water, treats, toys, your
dog’s settle mat if they have one, poo bags and anything else relating
to the class e.g. grooming equipment
Take anything you may need for yourself – hand sanitiser, face
covering and gloves in case they are needed (if not in class, maybe if
you stop). Plus, anything to make yourself comfortable e.g. a drink,
perhaps a folding seat, etc.
Make sure you have checked where and when you are meeting and what
the access and exit procedures will be – it may have changed since you
were there last
Go in clean clothes
Clean your handling equipment: collar, lead, grooming equipment, settle mat, tidbit container etc.
Wash your hands before handling your dog and have wipes or gel close by
If you or anyone in your household has symptoms of ill health, stay at home
Take your time to ensure you don’t cause a distance issue
Clean your hands (and arms if they are exposed) before starting
Follow social distancing guidelines and keep an appropriate distance
from the next person – of course, you may need more than this depending
on the training stage and temperament of your dog
Don’t let others pet your dog – there is no evidence that dogs can
get Covid-19 but it is feasible that it could be passed from another
person onto your dog’s coat (like any other surface) and on to you or
anyone else that touches your dog
3. During class
Make sure you keep to social distancing guidelines – it is easy to
get carried away when you meet up with your friends for the first time
in a while
Make sure you do not accept drinks or food from others – use only your own
Don’t allow your dog to share toys, water or blankets with other dogs
Sanitise or wash your hands before and after you touch any communal areas e.g. toilets, gates, fences
If you are accustomed to getting handouts or written homework, it is
likely that the instructors will now be guiding you via email or social
media
Any certificates earned are likely to be sent by email for you to print out at home
Be aware that there may be a limit of how many people can attend the
class, so you may have to go alone with no other family members
Consider spending a penny before you go! Some facilities may have
changed from indoor to outdoor facilities and may not have a toilet
available. You will need to leave your dog in the car if facilities are
available. No one else can handle your dog either prior to, during or
after the class has concluded
Carefully follow any exit rules that the organisation has set down
Ensure safe distances are maintained
Allow plenty of time and space to others who may be exiting or entering
Be mindful that some people may have more problems with their dog than you do, so be vigilant and respectful
5. When you get home
Clean your lead and any other equipment you have used
Change your clothes
Wash your hands and arms if they are exposed after handling your dog
According to the Government "there is no evidence that you need to wash your pets to control the spread of Covid-19. Never use household or commercial cleaning products, disinfectants or antibacterial wipes on pets."
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