Eddie's Doggy Daycare

Printing Policy 11.14: New Dog Introduction Policy on its own.

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Eddie's Doggy Daycare

Policy 11.14 — Eddie's Doggy Daycare, Paddock Farm, Harlow, Essex CM17 9HP

New Dog Introduction Policy

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Document Ref: EDDC-POL-030 | Category: Dog Welfare | Version: 1.0 Effective Date: October 2025 | Review Date: October 2026 | Owner: Edward Kirwan

New Dog Introduction Policy

Purpose

This policy sets out how Eddie's Doggy Daycare assesses and introduces new dogs to the daycare environment. A structured and careful introduction process is essential for the safety and welfare of new dogs, existing dogs, and our staff. All new dog introductions must follow this procedure without exception.

1. Pre-Arrival Assessment

Before a dog arrives at daycare, they are vetted behind the scenes. When a customer creates an account, they are required to complete a questionnaire based on their dog's socialisation history and behaviour traits. Once this has been reviewed and approved, the dog can be booked in for a trial first day at daycare.

2. Pass Criteria

Once introductions have taken place and a dog's play has been monitored throughout the day, the dog will be signed off by a staff member. To pass, a dog must meet all of the following criteria:

  • The dog must not be afraid, anxious, or stressed in the presence of other dogs or people
  • The dog must not pose a danger to other dogs or staff
  • The dog must demonstrate an ability to engage in appropriate play (Level 1 — see EDDC-POL-026 §9)

A note will be placed on their account stating they have passed their introduction, and a first day report will be sent to the customer.

3. Introduction Procedure

All new dog introductions follow these steps in order:

Step 1 — Introduce when tired

  • Walk the new dog around the property whilst existing daycare dogs are stimulated with games and active playtime. Wait until all dogs appear relatively drained of energy, excitement, or frustration.
  • If any dog appears still over-excitable or out of the control of staff, that dog is not ready to meet others.
  • All dogs should be able to respond to a basic "recall" and "sit" in their current state of mind.

Step 2 — Parallel walking

  • Introduce the new dog by walking very briskly with a loose body and leash up and down a long outdoor area.
  • Bring 1–3 of the most balanced, relaxed, and social dogs to join this walk, having a different member of staff walk them along a parallel line that will gradually move closer to the new dog.
  • At this time, no one allows the dogs to sniff, mark, or stop — this is an active and directed walk by the staff; the dog is a follower.
  • Keep talking to the dog to a minimum. Use body language to stay relaxed, calm, but assertive.

Step 3 — Controlled sniffing

  • After a few minutes of parallel walking, allow the dogs to sniff each other's rear ends.
  • Avoid face-to-face meetings — eye contact at this stage easily leads to conflict.
  • Never allow dogs to meet head-on whilst on the lead — this facilitates aggression and reactivity due to intensified eye contact.
  • After 5 seconds of sniffing, give an easy "come on then" command and break contact.
  • If this goes well, repeat with some more of the existing group.

Step 4 — Off-lead interaction

  • Once controlled on-lead interactions are going well, begin to slowly allow off-lead interactions.
  • If any dog appears nervous, do not rush to this step. Keep repeating controlled social interactions and wait for fluid body movements.
  • It is important not to force socialisation — some dogs are naturally less social and this needs to be understood and accommodated for.

4. Ongoing Monitoring

Dogs are continually monitored whilst at daycare. We apply the Traffic Light Policy (EDDC-POL-021) for unneutered dogs and the Three Levels of Play assessment (EDDC-POL-026 §9) for all dogs. Any undesirable behaviour is fed back to the customer and options regarding their place at daycare will be discussed.

5. Review

This policy is reviewed annually or following any incident during a new dog introduction.

Authorised By

Edward Kirwan — Owner & Company Director, Eddie's Doggy Daycare Limited Document Ref: EDDC-POL-030

Read and understood — staff name & signature

Date