How to give your dog a happy life
Doggy Day Care at the Willows
As pet owners, there’s nothing more rewarding than knowing how to give your dog a happy life. Not only do they become your best friend, but you become their lifelong companion too. Exercise, mental stimulation, socialisation, and lots of positive experiences all help to build a dog’s confidence and this is the ticket to doggy happiness. We’ve shared some hints and tips to help you improve your canine companion’s happiness, health and wellbeing.
If you have adopted a rescue, your dog’s path to happiness might be a bit more complicated. However, a lot of love goes a long way, and in most cases, you will need to be patient when trying to gain their trust and build their confidence. Just like humans, every dog is different with their own story and background. So, work to their strengths, try to find their source of joy, and follow the tips below…
5 Ways to improve wellbeing for dogs
- Food and nutrition
It might seem like your dog lives for mealtimes, but this is partly true! However, what you choose to feed your dog is crucial to their health and wellbeing. Just like us, their diet is very important and will affect their mood and immune systems. It’s essential that your dog maintains a healthy weight. Always check that the food you are buying for them is right for their age, size, and activity levels. If you’re unsure, ask your vet. - Walks and exercise
Dogs need to be active; it’s not only crucial for their physical health but it’s vital for their mental health too. Different dogs need different levels of exercise and learning how to walk properly using a lead or harness is important for their development. - Mental stimulation
Walking plays a big part in your dog’s daily mental stimulation. A dog has up to 300 million olfactory receptors compared to our 5 – 6 million, so scent work is necessary for dogs. All that sniffing around is important and helps them make sense of the world around them. At home, there are lots of ways you can provide further mental stimulation, such as puzzle-feeders, a range of toys, or hiding treats for them to find. - Rest and recovery
Your dog will sleep for a large part of the day, and this is also essential for their health and wellbeing. A well-rested dog will be happier and healthier, as they need time to recover from playtime and exercise. Make sure they have a clean, comfortable padded bed in a dry and quiet space, so they can easily retreat from any noise. Add a snuggly blanket to create a cosy doggy den. - Socialisation with dogs
A confident canine is a happy dog. Socialisation with other dogs is an important part of your dog’s development. It will help them to build their confidence, so they feel calmer and happier in unfamiliar situations and locations.
Why doggy day care is good for dogs
One way to give your dog a happier life is to provide new experiences that offer stimulation and socialisation in the form of doggy day care. At Doggy Daycare at the Willows, your furry friend will enjoy a wide range of mental and physical activities. Grouped with dogs of the same size and temperament, our Doggy Daycare Assistants will closely supervise your dog. We will make sure your dog enjoys plenty of rest after playtime in our purpose-built facilities.
If you have any questions about our doggy daycare service or you’d like to bring your dog along for a visit, get in touch to speak to our team.
Thank you for reading our latest blog, How To Deal With Fleas on Dogs and In The Home.