Knowing when to pause

A dog may communicate differently in an unfamiliar setting from the way they do at home. Changes in participation, movement or interaction need context, with the team considering the whole dog rather than reading one sign as a definite answer.

Making rehabilitation less stressful starts with a conversation about the individual’s needs, the setting and how the session can respond. Ask how pauses are handled and what can be shared before future visits. Your observations remain useful throughout the relationship.

• How will you notice and respond to a possible need for a break?
• What can I tell you about how my dog communicates at home?
• What should we review before the next appointment?

Download the written guide and its questions as a plain text file to read or print. It is general owner education, rather than an individual home rehabilitation plan.