Masked shop mannequin helps train RSPCA rescue dogs in Cornwall

A masked mannequin is helping to prepare rescue dogs for the 'real world' at an RSPCA centre in Cornwall.

Most of the 19 dogs awaiting rehoming at St Columb, near Newquay have never seen people wearing face coverings.

Staff say the most timid dogs can find it threatening.

To tackle the problem they have dressed up a former shop dummy donated by a local branch of New Look to help the dogs get used to our 'new normal'.

'Mary' the mannequin is part of a sensory garden that has been created at the RSPCA centre in St Column during lockdown.

It is designed to help the dogs get used to a range of distractions, as well as being fun.

Staff say they now hope to expand the sensory garden at St Columb.

Its maintenance team is appealing for donations of building materials that can be recycled, as well as fake 'life-size farm animals' for a farm-themed dog training area.

The RSPCA is still operating a rehoming service, but COVID-19 restrictions mean that initial assessments with prospective dog owners are now done via video link. 

More information on rehoming a dog with the RSPCA can be found here.