18/08/2026
Bruce’s Confidence Journey — Day 1 🐾
Bruce is a Weimaraner who has been coming to daycare every week for around two years. He’s usually his happy, bouncy, lively self, so when his parents noticed a recent change at drop off, we wanted to understand what was going on.
Over the past few weeks, Bruce has become a little unsure and worried when getting out of the car and going onto his lead. The really interesting thing? It only seems to happen in the car park. Once he’s through the gate, he’s back to his usual, joyful self! 💙
So, Bruce’s parents came in for a chat with H, and together we decided to make a few little changes to his drop off routine.
With Bruce’s parents there, Chris stood near the car so Bruce could see him and understand what was happening. Then came the change…
Chris walked towards our Field of Freedom with a specially prepared bag, filled with some of Bruce’s absolute favourite things. And the most important item of all?... A YELLOW BALLOON!
(One of Bruce’s favourite things in the whole world. 😂💛)
And suddenly… Bruce was pulling to get to Chris!
You see, Chris + a football or balloon = pretty much one of the BEST things in Bruce’s eyes! ⚽️🎈
It might seem like a small change, but we’re already starting to see Bruce’s brain make a new association. Instead of drop-off being about the worry of leaving Mum or Dad, we’re helping him remember that drop-off also means Chris & the RC gang, balloons, fun, freedom and all the things he loves about daycare!
And this is just the beginning. H will be adding more little changes to Bruce’s day plan as we go, because the truth is, Bruce can’t tell us exactly what has made him feel unsure. But that’s what we’re here for. ❤️
To stop. Listen. Help. Adapt. Develop.
We don’t just want Bruce to come through the gate, we want him to feel confident and happy doing it. 🥰
So wish our lovely Bruce luck on his confidence journey!
Day 1 and we’re already one step forward. 🐾💛🎈
