Effective Date: 17/12/25
At Strawberry Paws, we recognise that the very young and the very old require a more tailored approach to exercise and care. This policy ensures that we protect the physical development of puppies and the comfort of our senior residents.
1. Puppy Exercise Limits
- Growth Plate Protection: To protect developing joints and bone structure, we strictly follow the “5-minute rule” (5 minutes of formal walking per month of age, twice a day) until a puppy is physically mature.
- Service Substitution: For younger puppies, a “Walk” may consist of a short stroll followed by garden play and indoor socialisation to ensure they are not over-exerted.
2. Socialisation and Training
- Positive Reinforcement: We use gentle, reward-based methods to encourage good lead manners and socialisation during puppy visits.
- Consistency: We are happy to follow any basic training cues you are currently using at home to ensure consistency for your puppy.
3. Senior Dog Care
- Mobility Monitoring: For older dogs, we monitor their pace closely. If a senior dog appears stiff, tired, or reluctant to walk, we will cut the walk short and spend the remaining time providing companionship and comfort at home.
- Assistance: We are happy to assist senior dogs who require help with steps or garden access, provided it is safe for the walker to do so.
4. Toilet Training and Accidents
- Puppy Accidents: We understand that puppies (and some seniors) have accidents. We will clean up any mess using the cleaning materials provided by the Client.
- Waste Disposal: Soiled pads or waste will be double-bagged and placed in your outdoor bin.
- Consistency: For puppies, we will prioritise garden “toilet breaks” immediately upon arrival to reinforce your house-training routine.
5. Medication Administration
- Authorisation: We can administer oral medication or supplements to senior dogs or puppies as part of a home visit or pet sit, provided a Medication Consent Form is signed.
- Instruction: Specific dosages and timings must be provided in writing. We cannot be held liable for complications arising from medication administered according to your written instructions.
6. Vaccinations for Puppies
- Safety First: Puppies will only be walked in public spaces once they are fully covered by their vaccinations (usually 1–2 weeks after their second injection). Prior to this, we offer “Garden Visits” only.
7. Health Monitoring
- Both puppies and seniors are more vulnerable to extreme temperatures and illness. We will prioritise their welfare as per our Inclement Weather Policy, often opting for shorter, more frequent garden breaks rather than long walks in cold or hot weather.