🐾 Reset Retreat – Frequently Asked Questions

❓Who is the Reset Retreat for?

The Reset Retreat is designed for reactive, overwhelmed, or misunderstood dogs who can’t just be left with anyone. Whether your dog struggles with reactivity, resource guarding, overstimulation and excitement, or simply needs a controlled, calm environment — this retreat program is for them.

❓What actually happens during a Reset Retreat?

Each dog receives:
✔ 1:1 daily structure and decompression time
✔ Confidence-building through calm activities
✔ Gentle exposure to low-level triggers (where appropriate)
✔ Safety-focused handling with no overwhelm or flooding
✔ Rest, reset, and individualised enrichment

It’s not about “fixing” your dog in 14 days, it’s about resetting their nervous system, so that training and recovery can actually begin.

❓What if my dog is aggressive? Or has a bite history?

Please let me know upfront. I’ve worked with dogs who’ve bitten, bolted, guarded, and everything in between — but honesty is essential for safety. If I feel your dog isn’t suitable, I’ll tell you. If they are, I’ll ensure we have solid safety protocols and trial runs in place before they arrive for longer stays.

❓What if my dog doesn’t like people?

That’s absolutely fine. I work on trust-based handling only — no force, no assumptions. We take things slowly, with your dog’s boundaries respected from day one.

❓Do you accept dogs who are destructive or escape artists?

Yes, but I need to know the details. If your dog chews floors, shreds beds, or clears 6ft fences, just let me know. I live with two Houdinis myself, so it won’t shock me or put me off — but I do need to plan ahead to keep everyone safe and my home relatively in tact.

❓Is this like a bootcamp?

Not at all. This is the opposite of a board and train bootcamp. I don’t use harsh methods, forced pack walks, or compulsion and I certainly don’t lie about being able to ‘fix’ things fast. The Reset Retreat is based on decompression, safety, structure, and recovery — we can absolutely take your dog to progressive places in their behaviour, but it’s about giving your dog (and you) a breather first, so that real change can begin and sink in.

❓Can I book more than one stay?

Yes — if you have a dog who gets stressed quickly in your current environment, we can talk about future stays.

❓What if I’m not sure whether my dog is suitable?

Apply anyway and let me know your concerns. I don’t accept every dog because this has to be right for everyone involved, but I’m always open to having a conversation. If you’re unsure, let’s talk it through. No pressure, no judgment and we can always start with a trial stay first to see how things go. 

How to prepare your dog for their first stay

To help your dog get the most from their Reset Retreat, a little preparation goes a long way:

• Keep routines consistent – Stick to your normal feeding, exercise, and sleep times in the days leading up. Familiar rhythms help your dog settle more quickly.

• Pack familiar items – Bring their usual food, favourite toy, a blanket or bed that smells like home, and any essentials like medication. These comforts provide reassurance.

• Short practice separations – If your dog isn’t used to being away from you, practice short separations (10–30 minutes at home) to ease them into the idea. They will need to settle alone whilst I take my dogs out, as I don’t mix the dogs when they’re here in the initial first few days. 

• Check health – Make sure vaccinations, flea/worm treatments, and any vet checks are up to date. A healthy dog will be more comfortable and ready to learn.

• Light exercise before drop-off – A calm, lightly exercised dog arrives in a better state of mind than one with pent-up energy. They will get a short toilet break and walk when you hand them over. I spend the first couple of hours settling them into their new accommodation, before heading out again later. 

• Stay calm yourself – Dogs mirror our emotions. A confident, positive goodbye reassures your dog that this is a safe experience.

👉 Remember, the retreat is designed to reduce stress, not add to it. A little preparation makes the transition smoother and sets your dog up for success.

What should I pack for my dog’s retreat?

Please bring the following essentials to help your dog feel comfortable and prepared for their stay:

• Your dog’s usual food (enough for the full stay)

• Lead, harness, and muzzle (if used)

• Favourite toy(s) for comfort

• Blanket or bed with a familiar scent from home

• Any required medication (clearly labelled with instructions)

• Vaccination record and your vet’s contact details

• Emergency contact information (your details plus a backup contact)

✅ Packing these items ensures your dog has everything they need for a smooth, stress-free start to their retreat.

What should I not pack for my dog’s retreat?

To keep things consistent and safe for all dogs staying with us, please avoid bringing:

• ❌ Food or treats your dog has never had before (we want to avoid tummy upsets)

• ❌ Rawhide, cooked bones, or unsafe chews (choking hazard / digestion issues)

• ❌ Retractable leads (unsafe in a training/handling environment)

• ❌ Food or water bowls (we provide these to maintain hygiene standards)

• ❌ Excess toys (1–2 comfort toys are fine, but too many can overwhelm or clutter the space, plus we have plenty of toys here too)

• ❌ Large bedding items unless it’s your dog’s special comfort bed, you don’t need to bring large beds as we have plenty here. 

• ❌ Valuables (we cannot be responsible for items of personal or sentimental value if damaged)

✅ Keeping your dog’s packing simple helps them settle faster and ensures their stay runs smoothly.