Taking care of your dog’s mental health

We’re very good at taking care of our dogs’ health – watching out for symptoms or changes in behaviour that suggest something may be wrong.  Problems with physical health are relatively easy to spot and remedy.  But your dog’s mental health is also vitally important and merits equal attention if you’re to be sure of having a happy and healthy pet.

 

Stave off boredom

Dogs get bored – for a number of reasons: lack of exercise, lack of company, inadequate stimulation e.g. through play, and even lack of training. A dog that understands and responds to encouragement is a happy dog.  A ,ot of London dogs are bored

 

Get some exercise

Exercise your dog regularly. It’s easy, especially in winter, to fall into a pattern of walking the dog before and after work, when it’s dark and you don’t go to the park to meet other dogs.   It’s a good idea to buddy up with others so that parks and other wide spaces are still accessible on dark evenings. You should also try to vary walks so that they’re more stimulating and interesting.

 

Loneliness

It’s not a good idea to leave a dog alone, in his own company, for long periods of time. This is not only boring but also stressful too for animals that would, naturally, live in groups.  If you are out at work, consider employing a dog sitter and/or dog walker to take care of your pet and to make sure he is adequately exercised and socialised

 

Dogs need a social life too

Socialisation is an important part of your dog’s well being and Finchley Dog Walker can take your dog out in a social group – to chase and play as well as to learn how to behave around other dogs.  A dog-sitter can also be provided for occasions when you will be out of the house, or even away from home, for longer periods than usual.

When you do have time to spend with your dog, it’s important to bond, to keep and make a connection with your best friend – one of the most rewarding things you can do.  Play is a great way of doing this – both indoors and outdoors.  Playing educational and training games challenges your dog. Teach him simple tricks for which you reward him.  Keeping your dog mentally challenged is important for his health; and you don’t have to do this alone. Look out for local dog training classes, doggie day care groups and dog walking groups, all of which may exist nearby.