Coronavirus Update 2: Virtual Dog Training – March 30 2020

I’d like to start by thanking my clients so much for all their support. For all those who have continued to attend lessons, it is much appreciated. However, I do know that this is not an option for everyone. For those caring for vulnerable friends or family, key workers or those who live some distance away, attending a one-to-one lesson may be impossible. What is essential is that you keep walking and training your dog.  This latest update will help you to do that, as well as to explore the option of virtual dog training.

One-to-One Lessons

If you are booked in for a one-to-one lesson with me, all training is continuing as normal. I am also continuing to take bookings for future dates. I am fortunate to work outside in optimal conditions for health and wellbeing. A two meter distance can easily maintained from clients while training. My car parking facility is large so we can keep a distance between our vehicles. However, please do not attend your lesson if you feel unwell and cancel as soon as you are able to.

Residential Training

I am continuing to take dogs for residential training. Again, drop off and pick up can be done without close contact. I always keep my kennels spotless – while your dog may not be affected by this virus, this protects their general health. I am also ensuring that I have plentiful supplies of dog food, should delivery be disrupted.

Virtual Dog Training

I already have a successful telephone consultation service, giving training and behavioural advice to clients all over the country. If you would prefer to receive advice by phone, FaceTime, Skype or Zoom give me a ring and we can chat through how this would work. Virtual dog training works incredibly well. My training method, The Tessleymoor Way, is a staged programme centred on consistency. I can teach you these methods on our call and then set homework to do before your next virtual lesson. This method can be used for puppy training, heel work, recall, behavioural problems and dog aggression. Don’t tolerate or make the problem worse while in isolation – call me for virtual dog training instead.

Keep Walking Your Dog

If you are working from home, this is a great opportunity to spend that time when you would be commuting out with your dog. Dogs should not be isolated or confined. Try and keep your dog’s routine in place as much as possible – including time out away from you, so they won’t be distressed when you return to work. If you think you may have to self-isolate, put a contingency plan in place to make sure your dog is exercised twice a day.

Government advice about the Coronavirus is changing daily. I will keep my website and social media updated should I need to make any changes to my services. However, for our own wellbeing, it’s important to keep some structure in our lives. As dog owners we have the perfect opportunity – and the opportunity to perhaps help out elderly neighbours with their dog walking too. Let’s do all we can to stay well and look after those we love, including our dogs of course.

Posted: March 30, 2020