We're Almost Ready - Are You?

 We've spent the last few weeks doing introductions. We have several new comers to our daycare and I want to keep an environment that promotes secure confidence in our extended pack. Our Christmas crew this year is comprised mostly of  'newbies' to our daycare. There are many unfamiliar areas that will seem more comfortable with a few pre visits.  It's a given that new comers need to find where they fit within the pack. Where there's more than one dog, there is always a hierarchy.  When dogs have figured out where they fit in that system, their visits are more fun filled and the days run much smoother for everyone. Yes, including my day.
During introductions there is so much conversation that happens. I find watching dogs communicate interesting. Who's lip licking, who's yawning, who's tail is where? Who really just wants to play?
(so come on let's go!) Who wants to be left alone? (so 'bug off!') Who is not listening? Who's being a bully? Who's being protective? When do I need to step in and give a reminder? When can I back off?
Knowledge of dog communication is powerful and I am always trying my best to listen to what appears to be an invisible silent language.
We are full over Christmas. We wont be booking any more until Jan. 4th 2023
So I set aside these past days for introductions.
Maya and Lou are the newest to RK9Korner. I based their introduction days around their mom and dad's availability. We arranged one dog at a time and built up from there.
They were amazingly well behaved!

Maya meets Frankie, calm in a small space while waiting to go out.

 Maya is a very confident girl who likes her space and loves her sister. Two traits that require my full attention. The 'pathways' from room to room in my house can get crowed during full visitor time. There will be lots of body contact and it's important everyone feels comfortable and safe. Maya is learning that her sister is safe here and she can relax her vigilance. 
In order for me to safely open the door to let everyone out there needs to be a calm atmosphere. Lady May often leads the way as she has the disability and sometimes I need her outdoors and settled first. The others need to wait and remain indoors. Excitement leads to misunderstandings so this is an important practice we preform over and over with all visitors. Maya has been outstanding in her acceptance of this small space and now happily moves to her position to wait. Good girl Maya!

Sir Frankie meeting the Lovely Lou behind the kitchen gate. Great gate practice Lou. Well Done girl!

I also have many gates within the house and some are noisy to manoeuvre. They swing in many different directions. New comers need to be familiar with those sounds and feel comfortable when they hear the rattles of gates latching and unlatching.  With a full house, the dogs are required to enter areas calm and slow. There is not enough room for being rambunctious. Practice happens even when we're not going in or out. Just following the pack becoming comfortable with being bumped and rubbed against. Or simply having to wait while someone else arrives or leaves.

Suzy's mom, helps to introduce Suzy to the bigger dogs.

I always take into account the personality and play manners of each dog before introducing a visitor. After a few visits, Sir Frankie, Lou, Maya and of course Lady May were all familiar and comfortable  with each other and the routines. 
Suzy Q will be a Christmas visitor as well. Her mom (dog trainer) came along to help out with her introduction to some of the 'Christmas Pack'. Suzy loves to meet new buddy's and can easily get missed under their long legs when zoomies kick in. Noticing when and where she is, helps to eliminate any stumbles or misunderstandings. Thank you Kathi for a day of your time!

Sweet little Sage meets the Lovely Lou and sister Maya

Often times going outside requires a few dogs to head down to the basement door while I get some dogs out the front door. It means being alone down stairs until I walk around the house to the outside basement door.
Our fifth Christmas visitor will be the Sweet little Sage. She's been out of town since the summer but fell back into our routines like a pro.  She has learned very well how to communicate with other fur buddies and had no issues meeting and being alone with Lou and Maya. Such wonderful cooperative girls. Well Done!

After a bit of bed swapping the Lovely Lou settles on the crate.
Lady May and sister Maya choose fluffy mats.

Having a familiar comfortable area to sleep is important to all dogs. I usually try to arrange a sleep over before one is actually needed. Fortunately, Lovely Lou and her sister Maya needed a sleep over. It only took them a short while to decide which bed was their favourite and they settled easily for the night. Lady May always gets first dibs on the beds and this night she chose the mat beside my bed. There are still 3 empty spots. We're ready for a Christmas sleep over.

Sage meets Sir Frankie and gives him a run for his money with a game of tug.

A fabulous introduction between Sage and Frankie. The energy between these two was so familiar.
It was like seeing Hazel's visits again. I videoed these two doing zoomies around 'Cora'
After a brief, "Hi, how are ya?' 'They ran off into full blown 'Cora' zooms.  If you have 5 minutes and want a giggle take a look here. The Stand off - https://youtu.be/Ey3xPCQspmo

On a couple of slow days we had drop in visits from little Ruby and another drop in from Henry and then Lupin. It was a great opportunity for Ruby to re meet with Maya and Lou. This visit went far smoother then the initial visit. I can happily report Ruby is now just fine visiting on Maya and Lou days! Yay Ruby! Good girl for listening when Maya speaks!

Ruby - "Is your sister gonna bite me?
Lou - "Naw, she's all bark!"

Henry had an opportunity to have one last playday with Sir Frankie. The winds were chilly and the ground was frozen. It didn't stop these two from doing zooms around 'Cora' and their soccer ball antics. Frankie and his mom will be leaving town after the holidays. We'll sure miss Sir Frankie and wish them well on their future travels.

With no winds the -24 C temps are almost tolerable
Sir Henry - "Seriously? You're moving away? Well that sux!"

The last of our drop in visits was from little Lupin. She's  2 1/2 years old now and was over the moon to meet with Sir Frankie. Unfortunately the severe winds and blowing snow made outdoors play almost impossible. Still they did their best to do a bit of running around and then headed right back indoors. GOOD! That's where I want to be as well.

Wearing a snow suit allows a bit longer outdoors time but not much!

Indoors where it's warm is the place for us. 

Toasty warm and relaxed Frankie and Lupin great buddies
Future playmates when Frankie visits again!

We're all set for Christmas now. Just 5 more sleeps and Santa Paws Arrives!!
I hope you're all ready for it.
We sure are!
Merry Christmas every one!

5 More Sleeps? Yahooo!