Xena, who was often referred to as the people’s princess made such an impact while she was checked into the Hotel. Xena wasn’t just known for her knack in the garden and her remarkable ability to pick up new skills; she was also celebrated in the community for her role in locating a missing dog named Callie whilst enjoying a break from the kennels. With achievements like these, it’s no wonder she left such a lasting impression!
Following some time at the Hotel, Xena went on to find her forever home and getting her to that point is largely thanks to The Rescue Hotel’s behaviour team, whose dedication ensured her breed needs were thoroughly understood and carefully addressed.
Nancy from the behaviour team has described how when Xena first arrived from another kennels, she was very reactive, especially to moving traffic. This is quite common in the herding breed and typically stems from their need to ‘herd’ movement not being fulfilled and so, they tend to find their own ‘job’ to do. Unfortunately, it was clear Xena was also under socialised and under trained for a dog of her needs.
So, Nancy and the team got to work. Xena was put on a behaviour plan, focusing on making sure her genetic needs were being met, which involved working on her impulse control and the slow re-introduction to her triggers such as cars and bikes. The dedicated staff and volunteers at Cardiff Dog’s Home were also instrumental in supporting Xena’s behaviour plan, providing encouragement and adhering to the behaviour team’s advice to help Xena’s progress.
Prior to Xena’s behaviour plan, she could not walk down the lane from Cardiff Dog’s Home as she would be triggered by the traffic on the flyover causing her to react. Nancy describes how over time, the behaviour team got Xena to the point where she was able to adventure on walks with an appropriate outlet for her feelings. They even had Xena taking part in training sessions in car parks and on Penarth Road!
Xena became a noticeably happier and fulfilled dog, paving the way for her to find the perfect family who could carry on her training and support her unique needs. We are pleased to let you know that Xena continues to make progress everyday thanks to the ongoing dedication of her new owners and they have kindly updated us on her progress!
How has Xena’s training been going since her adoption?
“Her training is like a rollercoaster, we have days when she is stubborn and doesn’t listen and days when she is like the bestest dog out there, which she is to be honest. We are still working on her walk on the lead which is slowly improving. Her recall has improved so much when there are no distractions, but her impulse control still needs work which we are putting in or at least trying our best to do so”
What milestones has Xena reached recently?
“Milestones would be her knowing the heel position and us being able let her off lead in our usual walking spot”
What does Xena’s daily routine look like?
“Her daily routine would be morning snuggles on the bed between us, then we would hide her breakfast for her to find it. Then she would have a morning hike approx 40-60 minutes following a brunch puzzle/licky matt and naps while we are at work. In the afternoon she gets her training/play time, followed by naps by the fire. Her teatime is around 6 and she would get another walk around 10 o’clock. We try to book a dog field for her once a week so she can let her craziness out”
“She is very affectionate and gets loads of cuddles and kisses. Although she tests our patience frequently, we love her so so much. I have created an Instagram account for her, so people who miss her at the rescue can track her new life and progress. You can find her as One_beanshort as sometimes she acts like not all the brain beans are there”
A huge thank you to Xena’s owners for sharing an update with us. Xena’s story shows how patience and support can make a real difference, reflecting The Rescue Hotel’s commitment to every dog.