It’s widely known that busy dogs are happy dogs.
Just like us humans, a bit of stimulation and exercise goes a long way, benefiting your dog both physically and mentally. A healthy balance of variety and routine will keep your dog entertained, warding off boredom and the dreaded naughtiness that comes with it.
Here are some simple and cost-effective ways to ensure that your dog stays in high yet well-behaved spirits.
Check out those beauty spots
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If you have a car, becoming a member of the National Trust would be a great motivator for you to get out into the countryside with your dog, giving you free entry to more than 500 parks, woods, beaches, gardens and estates across the country – plus free parking at the vast majority.
Monthly membership costs £6 for individuals, £10 for couples, £10.50 for two-parent families and £10 for single-parent families. And you can pay that on a rolling basis if you want to, rather than paying for the full year in one go.
Different National Trust venues have different rules about short-lead, off-lead, etc., but all the information you need for any individual venue will be on the National Trust website.
Of course, there are plenty of non-N.T. beauty spots as well, and you’ll probably know some already. As long as it’s green and full of open space, your dog will love roaming around it.
Have a stash of dog toys – and keep it on rotation
Dog toys tend to be inexpensive but, as many owners know all too well, they can wear out quite quickly – especially the favourites!
As such, it pays to accumulate a variety of toys that your dog knows and loves, perhaps with a backup each. The key thing here is to keep these in regular rotation, storing away the ones not in use, so that your dog doesn’t just become bored by them all.
This will ensure the longevity of the toys and, more importantly, it will keep things lively – battling against monotony but also stimulating your dog mentally by reintroducing them to firm favourites that they haven’t seen in a while.
Other than toys, long-lasting chews also work to keep your canine friend busy and entertained. The best part is that they’re edible, so you don’t have to worry about them swallowing small pieces of chews. Just like when choosing the best dog food for your furry friend, you should also be as careful about picking the right chews and treats for them. Go for low-calorie, high-protein chews made from quality ingredients.
YouTube for dogs…
If your dog is the type who enjoys watching TV (not all are), there are entire YouTube channels dedicated to dog-friendly viewing, which are well worth exploring.
Let’s say you’re working from home, for example, and you need to keep your dog quietly entertained while you get on with your tasks for the day. Pop them in front of the telly or a tablet that’s playing a seven-hour wildlife video specifically for dog interaction, and you might just be on to a winner.
Hire a pro dog walker
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Being a pooch parent can be exhausting, especially if you have a family and/or demanding job. There’s not always an hour or two to spare for taking your dog out, and even where there potentially is, it’s easy to forget.
That’s where professional dog walkers can help out massively: they take care of the outdoor exercise when you don’t have time. They’re well worth the fees, given how invigorated your dog will be as a result – not to mention better-behaved and more restful in the evenings.
Speaking to a reputable dog walking service provider like Rachel’s Dog Club will not,only put your mind at ease, but also ensure that your pooch is as happy and stimulated as possible in a welcoming environment.
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