During Lockdown Covid 19 + Preparing for Release.

So, who would have thought we would be here... ? In the Dog house? or should I say, in the house with the dog. Full time, in lockdown. At the very least.. this time will go down in history, infamous, almost inevitable, who knows, I am not one to judge and actually keeping out of that as much as I can, I hope you are too, but that is really the purpose of this particular K9Dreamers 'Dog Blog'. How are we doing?
As well as coping, I want us to prepare for the unlocking and normality!!! 
I would like to flag up a few topics for consideration, thought and application.
Most of this can be done in the safety of your own house and garden.
1. Separation Anxiety - Your dog loves you being at home, why not?
Even now, leave you dog alone for short periods of the day, on return ignore the dog for a few mins, act normal, no big deal. Go put your bag down, put the kettle on... then calmly say hi. They will thank you for this.
2. Socialisation - If you have a puppy or a young dog, socialise as far as you can with sounds, hats, pictures, different surfaces etc. Download a CD with Dog Sensitisation sounds, play at low level and increase.
3. Routines V Flexibility? - Our dogs thrive on routines, as far as possible try to stick to a routine your dog already knows. More on this soon...
4. Enrichment. This is a phrase we use when we talk about bringing an extra level of enjoyment, fulfillment, brain activity and pleasure to our dogs, who need this as much as you or me. They were bred to seek, sniff, search, chase, lick, chew, climb, jump and explore. All of which are relaxing and hugely fulfilling for a dog whatever the breed, moreso for some breeds. In your garden create an obstacle course with hidden things to sniff and find, a mini agility run, use licky mats, Kongs and maybe teach tricks of -Touch, Speak, play dead, catch treats, twists and turns, middle, jump through arms.. you get my drift.. (All on YouTube)
5. Arousal and Over arousal. After all of this input, we don't want our dogs to reach overarousal. (Check out the earlier blog on the Arousal Bucket).
Learn to read and recognise when your dog is getting to 'Threshold'. ie, too excited, to the point when he makes bad decisions, and reacts with 'mouthing, barking , lunging or even snapping'.
Stop the play activity before that point, and let your dog rest and de-stress.
He will love you for this, and it is vital for the young dog.
So, take care, stay safe, chat soo. I am available via my contact details here. 
[email protected]
07814 147638