The Woodfield Foundation

The Woodfield Foundation are a small rescue in North Yorkshire dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating dogs from Romania. They wanted to do more to prepare their dogs for life in a pet home, particularly through the winter when the weather is poor. As a result of coming on the programme, they have created a ‘home room,’ where dogs who have grown up on the street can receive training in a home environment. Here they will teach dogs obedience skills and how to settle.

As with every rescue, keeping dogs calm and happy during their time in kennels can be challenge. Since coming on the programme, Woodfield have improved the enrichment they provide; this includes non-bowl feeding and the introduction of new enrichment toys and games. They have also introduced a formal ‘siesta time.’ During the busy hustle and bustle of a kennel day, it can be hard for some dogs to get the 17 hours of rest and sleep they need. ‘Siesta time’ gives the dogs a relaxing, lights down, music on, break during the day to chill out, which helps to reduce stress behaviours such as jumping up and vocalisation.