Around one in four UK houses has a pet dog, so it’s no surprise that proprietors are continuously on the search for means to maintain them delighted, healthy and balanced and risk-free. Right here are 10 recommendations, from scent games to training tips
Britain is said to be a country of pet lovers, and the figures back it up: more than a quarter of the public has a canine friend. Pet dogs are a vital part of lots of homes, valued for the business, pleasure and feeling of wellbeing they bring. Below are 10 simple ideas to assist your pet flourish, both in your home and while out and about.
Not all eco-friendly rooms are developed equal. Search for parks that are canine-compatible. Photo: Wagg
1 See a dog-friendly park
If there’s one global attribute of pets, it’s that they love being outdoors– however not all parks are developed equivalent. Take your pet dog to a well-designed environment-friendly area, like the fenced-in dog park in Cramlington, Northumberland. Parks like these give pooches great deals of space for workout and socialising, and they can go off-lead without encroaching on areas where youngsters play.
For those looking for an unique and fun means to appreciate a dog-friendly park, dog food brand Wagg has actually created pet-sized ‘pupnic’ benches , where pet dogs can enjoy free treats at a variety of UK places this summertime. “Picnics aren’t simply for people,” claims Sarah Lyle, brand supervisor at Wagg. “Our pupnic benches will provide pets the chance to delight in a variety of scrumptious Wagg treats in the wonderful British countryside. This includes our brand-new dog chews with flavours such as peanut butter or fish fingers, plus some Wagg picnic-inspired staples– carrot cake anybody?”
2 Go on ‘sniff-ari’ walks
While strolls are an essential component of any kind of pet dog owners’ day-to-day regimen, it’s simple to fail to remember that “walkies” give a lot even more to our hairy close friends than simply physical exercise. Pets have extremely delicate noses with as much as 300 m fragrance receptors (contrasted to human beings’ pitiful 6 m), which makes smelling a psychological exercise that can tire them out and enhance their dopamine, as well.
Instead of rushing to navigate the block, let your canine lead with their nose and quit to smell things. For even more scent stimulation, the Dog’s Depend on suggests gathering safe, interesting-scented items such as lavender, seaweed or old footwear, and spreading them out around your yard or home, enabling your dog to go between the things, nose first.
Excellent social experiences can help pet welfare, so attempt to make them really feel comfortable around other animals and individuals. Image: Jeyakumaran Mayooresan
3 Attempt simple scent games
Scent work has a myriad of favorable impacts on your dog, from helping them become much more confident and less anxious, to improving their natural ability to smell points out. It can additionally enhance the human-dog bond.
Presenting scent-work games based around deals with or playthings can be an enriching activity. This can be spreading their dinner throughout the yard, urging them to seek out biscuits with their nose, or hiding one of their much-loved toys somewhere in the room and obtaining them to find it. Don’t neglect to give them great deals of appreciation and stroking when they find what they’re trying to find.
4 Build in chew time
We all complain when our dogs destroy furniture or favorite footwear, however chewing is a natural behavior that aids tranquil pets by reducing task in their anxiety response system. Trying to stop it would be harsh– as well as practically impossible– so it’s important to aspect chewing time into their routine.
Eating can profit their wellness also. Much like humans, dogs can have issues with their teeth. By giving them dental playthings or chews, you can assist clean their teeth and gums, while preventing dental disease.
5 Use problem feeders and foraging
The majority of canines are food consumed– indeed, the desire for treats can be a powerful incentive. A rubber problem feeder is an amazing tool that provides your pet chances to deal with their natural problem-solving capabilities while consuming. Alternatively, you can develop a” dig box from cardboard and paper, that your canine can hunt around for their food in.
Favorable reinforcement should be at the heart of training. As opposed to confrontational methods, offer your pet dog something they actually such as– such as a treat, plaything or praise. Image: Milli
6 Short, favorable training bursts
Educating your pet dog is extremely crucial, and favorable support needs to go to its heart. The British Veterinary Organization alerts against aversive or confrontational training techniques. Instead, providing your pet something they really such as– such as a treat, toy or appreciation– is even more reliable.
Break it up right into short yet normal sessions so your dog does not obtain overwhelmed, as suggested by the RSPCA The fewer interruptions, the much better.
7 Socialise, without overloading
Good social experiences can help dog well-being, so attempt to make them feel comfortable around various other pets and individuals. Remember to permit your canine to lead: allow interactions occur naturally, as some canines might worry if pressed to satisfy others too promptly.
While you clearly like your fuzzy good friend, keep in mind that not everybody feels warmly in the direction of them. According to a 2024 YouGov survey, one in six Britons are unpleasant around dogs, so see to it to maintain your distance unless called over, specifically when it pertains to youngsters.
8 Quality downtime and undistracted presence
A host of elements can impact your dog’s behaviour, from age and type to individuality and previous experiences. How you treat them likewise plays a substantial duty, with predictable regimens and room to chill being a few of the simplest methods to calmly co-exist.
If they have a preferred spot around your home– under a table or merely an area they like one of the most– the Dogs Trust recommends including coverings or a comfy bed to transform it into an area where they feel tight and risk-free, away from the hustle and bustle of the home.
The Royal Vet University claims your dog must always have accessibility to an awesome, shaded area (both inside and out) and great deals of water, as warmth stroke can influence your pet anywhere. Photo: Joe Caione
9 Heat-smart behaviors
Pets can actually endure in warm autos, yet heat stroke can influence your pet dog anywhere. Early signs of overheating include panting greatly, uneasyness, salivating, increased heart price, and even throwing up or diarrhea.
The Royal Vet University claims your canine must constantly have accessibility to a trendy, shaded location (both throughout) and great deals of water. The PDSA, a veterinary charity, advises the five-second test for strolls. Prior to triggering, position the back of your hand on the pavement– if it’s too hot for your skin to stay there easily for five seconds, it’s too warm for your dog’s paws.
10 Nature outing and brand-new areas
Connecting with nature is as essential for pet dogs as it is for individuals– novel, sensory-rich settings can offer instant enrichment. A simple means to attain this is by taking them on a micro-adventure by bus or train to close-by timbers, beaches or moorlands.
Ensure you’re complying with regional laws and be mindful when in backwoods. The Countryside Code sets out standards for visitors– when it involves your pet, it’s specifically vital to keep in mind lead policies when around ground-nesting birds and livestock.
This write-up has been produced by Positive Information and spent for by Wagg. To celebrate the launch of its new Chews vary, Wagg is introducing six unique ‘pupnic’ benches in dog-friendly parks throughout the UK, across several weekends:
● Heaton Park, Manchester– 25 August 2025
● Birkenhead Park, Liverpool– 30 August 2025
● Llys y Fran Lake, Pembrokeshire– 31 August 2025
● Rufford Abbey, Nottinghamshire– 6 September 2025
● Clissold Park, London– 7 September 2025
Find out even more at: waggfoods.com
Key picture: PK-Photos