Companion Conundrums Sensory Haven - Coming Soon!

Companion Conudrums is expanding it’s services this October.

What is the sensory haven?

The sensory haven is an indoor space that has been thoughtfully designed by clinical animal behaviourist Becka to provide a calm, safe space, not only to support dogs in developing important foundational skills, but also to provide owners with a calm, relaxing environment where they can decompress whilst feeling supported and at ease. Behavioural challenges can place strain on the relationship between a dog and their owner, leaving both feeling frustrated, overwhelmed or disconnected. the sensory haven has been created to provide a supportive space where dogs and their owners can reconnect. With busy lifestyles, many owners are pressed for time and struggle to prepare enriching, stimulating or species related activities for their dog, the good news is that we do it all for you, all you need to do is book and attend the session.

Why is this service important?

This service is targeted towards dogs with behavioural challenges who often struggle to regulate their nervous system which can result in a dysregulated stress response. These dogs may struggle to regulate their arousal level, process information, learn, make appropriate behavioural choices, and recover from stressful experiences. Chronic stress not only impacts emotional state, social interactions and behaviour but can also have significant consequences for your dogs physical health such as the immune, gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, endocrine and neurological system functioning. However, there are several other dogs that this service may benefit (see below) and all dogs are welcome! We will also be providing a Foundational Skills Programme to support you in training your dog and assist your dog in building essential life-long skills (scroll to the next section on this page to read more).

What can I expect during a session?

You will be asked to complete a questionnaire before your first session to affirm safety and to ensure that you and your dog get the most out of your session. Sessions will be undertaken and observed by a qualified clinical animal behaviourist, allowing the dog's individual preferences, dislikes, and potential sources of discomfort to be identified, a holistic plan for future sessions can then be created for each dog. All dogs will be provided with the opportunity to engage in appropriate species-specific activities, including exploring, sniffing, licking and chewing, as well as opportunities to rest and decompress if they choose to do so. The sessions will focus on allowing each dog to work at their own pace, with choice, agency and control incorporated wherever possible. The sessions also offer an opportunity for owners to learn how to identify early signs of discomfort, fear, frustration, stress or emotional dysregulation which could develop into unwanted or challenging behaviours. Owners will also be supported in learning appropriate ways to respond and prevent situations from escalating. 

What do the sessions focus on?

Sessions will focus building the following essential foundational skills:.

• Building confidence

• Fostering resilience

• Supporting dysregulation of the nervous system

• Emotional regulation

• Nurturing optimism

• Encouraging independence

• Opportunity for choice and agency

• Opportunity to display normal species specific behaviours

• Encouraging problem solving

Who may the session benefit? 

The sessions may be particularly beneficial for: 

• Puppies during the early socialisation period (subject to appropriate vaccination requirements)

• Adolescent dogs between approximately 6 and 24 months of age

• Dogs who may benefit from confidence building prior to neutering

• Senior dogs and dogs experiencing cognitive decline

• Dogs experiencing behavioural challenges, including anxiety, fear, frustration, hyperactivity or reactivity

• Rescue dogs who may benefit from a predictable and supportive environment

• Dogs with exercise limitations who require lower-intensity enrichment and stimulation

• Excitable or easily overstimulated dogs

• Dogs and owners experiencing difficulties with the human–animal bond

My dog displays aggressive behaviour towards humans, are they still welcome?

Yes, we welcome dogs with behavioural challenges to visit the sensory haven, in fact, we want these dogs to visit to help build their foundational skills which can asssit with reducing aggressive behaviours. The sessions are held by a clinical animal behaviourist who will observe your pet’s behaviours and body language closely at a distance, our sessions are hands off unless your pet initiates contact and risk assessments have been put into place to protect all humans and animals in the sensory haven.

My dog has a health condition, are they still welcome?

Becka is a registered veterinary nurse, although she will not be undertaking her nursing role at the sensory haven, she has utilised her knowledge to produce safety, infection control and risk assessment protcols to protect dogs, she will also prepare each session holistically to meet the needs of your dog and their physical and/or emotional ailments. However, even with these protocols, we can never be absolutely certain that dogs with reduced immunity such as those on chemotherapy or puppies with underdeveloped immune systems. If you are concerned about your pet’s condition, please do not hesistate to contact us to discuss it further and we will do our best to assist you on a case by case basis. Dogs with infectious disorders are asked not to attend sessions until they have been free from signs of illness for at least 7 days. We will also cater for dogs with allergies and dietary restrictions.

Are there any requirements to attend?

For the safety of all dogs and humans visiting the sensory haven, we request that all dogs are up to date with vaccinations and flea/worming treatments.; sadly, we are unable to make any exceptions to this policy.

How long are the sessions?

You will be able to book a session for either 30 or 60 minutes. Shorter sessions may be preferred initially for nervous or fearful dogs to allow them to acclimatise and prevent them from feeling overwhelmed in a new environment.

Can the sessions be shared?

Yes, sessions can be shared with other dogs from the same household or with friends/family. There is a small additional cost for multi-dog sessions.

Is referral required? 

A veterinary referral will not be required for dogs attending confidence-building or preventative advice sessions. Owners who wish to bring their dog to simply experience the environment as an enjoyable, enriching activity will also not require a referral. 

However, a referral will still be required for dogs undergoing a behavioural assessment where sessions at the site form part of their assessment or behavioural modification plan. 

What will the sessions cost?

We are currently reviewing the cost of our sessions, we aim to keep the costs fair and affordable. We are also hoping to offer discounted rates for memberships or sessions booked in blocks (these may be preferred for behavioural cases who will require several sessions to build their foundational skills.

Can I leave my dog for the session?

No, dogs must not be left unattended and owners must be present for their allocated session at the sensory haven. Although Becka will be at the site during sessions, her role as a clinical animal behaviourst is to observe your dog and support you with creating foundational skills and in understanding your dogs behaviour.

Where is the sensory haven located?

The sensory haven will be located in Georgetown St Saviours, we will provide further details soon!

Is parking available?

1 and 2 hour parking is available nearby with a parking disc, alternatively longer stay parking is approximately a 5-minute walking distance. We ask that you ensure plenty of time to park prior to your booking since lateness may result in a shortened session and may not be subsidised.

How do I book a session?

All sessions will require advanced booking via a booking link, this is to ensure safety, particularly for dogs who have behavioural challenges; no walk in’s are allowed, so you know your pet will be safe and can enjoy their allocated slot. Advanced bookings also allow us to maintain high standards of hygiene with infection control protocols in place. If you are interested in booking a session, please email enquiries@companionconudrums.com with your contact number to register your interest and be added to our waiting list.