Ahhhhh cute!
Your dog is an invaluable member of the family and it’s not surprising that they are referred to as mans “best friend” when they supply us with such love and loyalty. This is why they deserve the best when you go away on holiday. After having your love and affection all year round, some dogs can find this separation period difficult, even if it is just a week. To give you complete peace of mind and let you have fun and enjoy your holiday, it is important to know your dog is having fun and enjoying its holiday too!
Preparation is vital when looking for the right dog boarding for your dog. You will want to research all the dog boarding facilities in your area before you make a decision. Make sure you book well in advance to avoid disappointment as they get booked up quick especially around the holiday period. Also all reputable dog boarding facilities require your dog to be fully vaccinated, so make sure this is done in advance and you have all the paper work.
To begin your search for a reputable dog boarding kennel, check with friends and family as good recommendations will really help you to make a decision. Also check with your local vets and pet store to see if there is anyone they would recommend.
There are various types of facilities available offering a vast array of services. You can opt for doggie daycare if it’s only the day you are going away for, while dog home boarding provides a more upscale service offering cage less dog boarding and one on one attention from the pet sitter.
Hanging out at doggie daycare!
Once you have determined which dog boarding facilities you are interested in, make appointments to go around and visit and meet the owners. Make sure the facilities are clean, tidy, safe and odour free. Find out who will be looking after your dog; see how they interact with your dog and whether you feel happy that the person will take good care of your dog. Check the outdoor areas to see that they are fully secure and that they are not too near busy main roads in case your dog does escape.
Once you have chosen the right dog boarding kennels, if possible take your dog to stay there for a few hours on its own before you leave him for the full duration. This way when you do go he won’t feel like he’s been abandoned and it will be like going back to a place he knows. Most reputable dog boarding kenels will offer this service as they will see that it’s important for the dog, owner and for themselves that the dog is stress free and not anxious or agitated during its stay.
Now it’s time to go off and have a great holiday with complete peace of mind that your dog is being looked after just the way you would. You will come home to a happy dog which will be revelling in the enjoyment of having lots of fun and a nice holiday just like you have!
Keeping fit on the mountains dog walking!
Dogs are great animals and lots of fun to own. Unlike most humans they love to run around, exercise and have fun. It varies how much exercise a dog needs by its age, breed and size, however all dogs need dog walking at least twice a day as it gives them the opportunity to socialise with other dogs, relieve themselves and burn off some energy after being cooped up inside all day. Some dogs require a run in the countryside, others playtime in the park and the smaller ones just a walk around the block, whatever the walk, dog walking is a great way of staying fit.
Never underestimate just how important dog walking is for your fitness. Walking regularly reduces the risk of developing heart disease and strokes, high blood pressure, cancer, diabetes, arthritis, and osteoporosis, and doesn’t require a great deal of fitness to get started. It’s very good for your overall well being, if you suffer from mental health problems then dog walking is a great way to boost your self esteem and reduce stress and anxiety. Also it is a low impact exercise so you don’t need to worry about damaging your joints. Dog walking also is a great way to maintain a healthy weight for you and your dog as you will be increasing your metabolism and burning off calories.
Depending on the type of dog you have and its age and fitness will decide on the level of exercise you can do. If your dog needs a lot of exercise than running is a great way to burn off his excess energy and burn off the calories for you. It is a high impact exercise so make sure you have properly warmed up to prevent injury. Running will get your heart working properly and is an effective calorie burner but you will have to build up yours and your dog’s stamina first.
If you have a big dog which needs a lot of dog walking than cycling can be great as you can cover greater distances faster. There are a number of different contraptions you can buy to stop your dog running into the wheels. This is a case of starting off slow and practising until your dog is used to running next to your bike, then you can increase the speed and distances and really get a good workout!
As well as dog walking, your dogs play time can be just as beneficial in keeping you fit. Just simply throwing the ball is a great work out for your arms. Also for resistance training you could play tug with a piece of rope or stick. Everything you do when playing with your dog requires use of the muscles in your legs and arms and also if you get really into it you’ll start running around with your dog too which will be working your heart.
Playing with your dog is a great workout!
Having a dog can be an extremely enjoyable and rewarding experience. Whether you are dog walking, running, cycling or playing with your dog, you will be getting yourself fitter. Your dog is a great companion and provides you with motivation, keeps you company and also ensures that you get into a regular routine of exercising. Sometimes we neglect ourselves with exercise but most people wouldn’t neglect dog walking, which ensures you get exercise too. Whatever form of exercise you are doing with your dog; you are improving your health, fitness and stamina and strengthening your muscles.
A dogs life!
When you work all day it is hard to know what to do with your dog. You could leave him in a crate or enclosed in a room in your house but is this really fair on the dog. The majority of people work nine till five or longer, therefore your dog is left for at least eight hours on its own. This can cause boredom, isolation, behavioural problems and even depression, not to mention that they can’t hold the toilet for that amount of time. This means you will come home to a lot of mess in your house and also this is extremely uncomfortable for your dog and could cause bladder problems.
The best solution for your dog if you are out at work all day is dog daycare, this is a new phenomenon where people are opening up their homes to look after other peoples dogs when they are out at work. The following points prove just how important dog daycare is.
- Your dog will get to interact with lots of other dogs which is vitally important for pack integration. This is even more important if your dog is a puppy as many of the behavioural problems that we see in dogs occur because they are poorly socialised when they are young.
- Dogs that integrate just with their owners and no other dogs or people can suffer from anxiety and fear biting. This can also cause separation anxiety and cause the dog to be a nervous wreck when it does eventually for some reason have to be apart from its owners. This is very unfair on the dog as it will be suffering all sorts of negative emotions which are unnatural and wouldn’t be apparent in the wild.
- Dogs love it! They get to go to dog daycare on a regular basis so they make friends with the other dogs and look forward to going every time. What would you prefer staying at home on your own all day or meeting up with your friends and having fun, it’s the same for your dog!
- Protect your home – if your dog is at dog daycare having a great time, he won’t be at your home, bored, causing him to chew and destroy the furniture and toileting around your home.
- At dog daycare your dog will get walked at least once a day where they will play with the other dogs and have a great time.
- On the dog walks at dog daycare your dog will get basic dog training to work on his recall, use of commands and walking on the lead. If you are in the process of puppy training this will help to reinforce that training on a regular basis.
Dog daycare is obviously more expensive than leaving your dog on its own but is worth every penny as you will return home from work to a happy and content dog and not feel stressed and worried that it’s on its own. Also it will teach your dog to be well socialised and fully integrated with other dogs and stop separation anxiety and aggression to other dogs.
Dog walking can be a tremendous stress reliever and bring immense happiness when dog and owner are at one. However some people dread dog walking as it can be a nightmare from start to finish, if your dog pulls and is trying to run away. This is why it’s vitally important to train your dog and ensure that you and your dog have a walk you’ll both enjoy.
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Walking in beautiful Richmond Park
Pulling on the lead
This sounds pretty simple but a lot of dogs if not trained properly can turn dog walking into a very tedious task for the owner as the majority of the time is spent being dragged along by their dog and their arm being wrenched out of its socket.
A simple tip for this is to start as soon as you leave the house by showing your dog who is in charge of the walk and who is walking who. He needs to understand that you control the walk from the speed to where you go. It’s important that you don’t let him pull at the end of the lead. The end of the lead and the loop should go through your right hand so you’ve got complete control in case he breaks loose and your left hand you should hold firmly towards the bottom of the lead, about a foot from the dog’s neck. This way you have complete control of how far away from you he is and he won’t be able to stray too far ahead or lag behind. If he tries to wander or pull hold him firmly and when he does start to heel give the lead some slack so he knows he’s doing it correctly.
- Using commands
The most important command when dog walking is “heel”. This should mean stay to my left side and heel obediently. Before you even start dog walking get your dog to sit, then when you begin to walk say heel in a firm voice and make your dog walk at your left side. If he tries to pull or run, stop him, make him sit and try again. Repeat this process until he starts to realise what the command means. You can also use treats to praise him when he is doing it correctly.
- Use your voice
Remember to use your voice when you are dog walking, this is one of your most important tools. Your dog knows your voice and will know when you’re happy or angry with him. Continue to praise him when he is doing well and use a harsh tone when he misbehaves on the walk. Voice commands work much better when dog walking than simply yanking at the lead, as he won’t know what that means.
Finally always remember to pick up your dogs poop when out dog walking, it is only courteous to other people and there can be a big fine attached. Remember to always leave the house with spare poop bags and dispose in a dog bin which can always be found around dog friendly parks.
Home dog boarding
Traditionally when people went on holiday they would leave their four legged friend in a kennels, however in recent years there has been a new phenomenon which is dog boarding in someone’s home. This way your best friend is treated much the same way it is at home, with the entire one on one care and attention it has grown to love. This alternative to kennels is a much preferred option nowadays giving the owner total piece of mind when they leave their dog.
Pros of home dog boarding
- A home from home environment, your dog will live in the home of an experienced professional pet minder who will provide love and care for your pets and treat them as if they were one of their own. Your dogs stay will be fun, exciting and, most importantly, your dog will be in a safe and happy environment.
- Your dog will receive at least 2 walks a day by a professional dog walker as part of a pack or individually. Dogs will be kept on the lead unless consent is given.
- The pet sitters home will have a secure garden and your dog will be with a professional dog minder at all times, so you can rest assured that they will be in very safe hands.
- Your dog’s routine in terms of feeding, walks, medication, and bedtime will be followed like it is at home.
- Most pet sitters (www.thedogwalkeruk.com) offer a preliminary meeting so you can go and see the dog boarding facilities and meet the resident dogs if there are any.
Cons of home dog boarding
- Exposure to disease: Most, but not all, home dog boarding require your dogs to be vaccinated before you drop them off. Always make sure your dog has been vaccinated and has up to date flea treatment.
- Cost: Home dog boarding can be expensive. It may be cheaper to have a friend or relative stop by your home and check on your dog, but home dog boarding would definitely be a better experience for your dog.
The comfort of home dog boarding
Pros of Kennels
- Security: Most boarding kennels have double gates to keep dogs in their enclosures. This means that if a dog slips by a person when their kennel is opened, they are still enclosed by an outer fence. One of the easiest ways to lose a dog is to have your dog stay at somebody else’s house. Somebody could leave the door open, and your dog will be gone. Boarding your dog at a kennel should give you more peace of mind.
- Supervision: If you board your dog at a kennel, you know that somebody will be there during business hours. Some kennels have 24 hour staff. It is reassuring to know you can call and check on your dog anytime the kennel is open. If you leave your dog home alone, it will not be supervised, and may be destructive.
Cons of Kennels:
- Many dogs find kennels extremely stressful: they are put in a cage and don’t receive the one on one love and attention that they are used to at home.
- Exposure to disease: Most, but not all, kennels require your dogs to be vaccinated before you drop them off. Always make sure your dog has been vaccinated for kennel cough (Bordatella). Kennel cough is highly contagious and can be spread through a shared water bowl.
- Cost: Kennels are expensive. It may be cheaper to have a friend or relative stop by your home and check on your dog.
Why Dog Daycare?
The vast majority of us do not have the privilege of staying at home all day every day to spend time with our 4 legged friends so more often than not they are left on their own during the day. This is a common problem, especially with city dwellers, where many do not have a garden or enclosed area which their dog can have access to during the day. When dogs are left on their own all day and no dog daycare is provided this can result in a number of behavioural issues, such as:
- Excessive barking
- Chewing of furniture and soft furnishings
- Whining
- Toileting in the house
- Sickness
- Anxiety
- Depression
Dogs require mental and physical stimulation and that is why dog daycare is a great service, providing your dog with daily walks and pack integration which is vitally important to your dogs overall well being.
Hanging out at doggie daycare!
New Dog Daycare in South West London
4 Paws in the park (www.thedogwalkeruk.com) is a great new premium dog walking and pet service, based in a family home in East Sheen, London, providing a modern and preferred alternative to kennels. 4 Paws in the Park offers a range of pet services to make your life happy and stress free. They include: Dog walking, dog boarding, dog daycare, pet feeding and pet taxi services. 4 Paws in the Park is here to help you reduce the stress, guilt and anxiety associated with time away from your pet. This is achieved by professional pet carers providing your pet with mental and physical stimulation to make it a happy and stress free animal. They service the following areas in South West London: East sheen/ Mortlake, Richmond, Putney, Barnes, Kew, Ham. They will consider other areas on request.
Dog Daycare offers:
A home from home environment, your dog will spend the day in the pet sitters home, often integrating with other dogs, and will be treated just the same as the pet sitters dogs, as one of the family.
Your dog will receive at least 2 walks a day as part of a pack or individually by a professional dog walker. Dogs will be kept on the lead unless consent is given.
Your dog will be with a professional dog care minder at all times, so you can rest assured that they will be in very safe hands.
Medication can be administered with the owner’s consent, so if you have an elderly or ill dog they can receive their medication during the day if you are not there.
Having a rest after playtime
Tips when looking for the right dog daycare
- If it is a good establishment they will offer a preliminary meeting where you can go and see the premises and the dogs they look after
- When visiting check that they have a fully secure and enclosed outdoor space so your dog can run around and not escape.
- Find out how many walks your dog will get a day
- Observe if the handlers and sitters are animal people and have a genuine love for dogs and are not just interested in the money
- Check how many dogs they take in at one time and if the facilities are big enough.
- Check if they will pick up and drop off or whether you will have to do this
- If they are transporting your dog find out what form of transportation they use.
Dog walking in Richmond Park
There are some amazing walks in Richmond Park where you and your dog will definitely have great fun this autumn.
- The stunning view of Pen Ponds from the edge of Sidmouth Wood is delightful for dog walking. If your dog enjoys water, this is a must as the 2 manmade ponds are great for a swim on a hot day. Just be sure to be careful of wildfowl and you are in full control of your dog at all times.
- The 12km Tamsin Trail is one of the most popular walks and definitely worth checking out for dog walking. The walk will take you past many of Richmond Park’s highlights including the Isabella plantation and Pembroke lodge. For more information on walks: http://www.richmondparklondon.co.uk/walks/.
George thinks hes one of the deer!
Best viewpoints in Richmond Park
- View 1: St Paul’s Cathedral from King Henry’s Mount
King Henry’s Mount offers an unbroken view all the way to St Paul’s Cathedral in Central London. This is a protected view by law, so no buildings can be built to obscure this view and all trees must be cut back.
- View 2: Looking South towards the North Downs
Immediately after Pembroke Lodge gardens is a small bench with a lovely view south over Twickenham, Kingston and on to the North Downs.
- View 3: Central London from Sawyer’s Hill
Follow the road leading down from Richmond gate towards Roehampton gate. After approximately half a mile there is a lone bench by the side of the road offering spectacular views of the London skyline from the Wembley Arch to Canary Wharf.
Professional dog walking
Dog walking in Richmond Park
If you don’t have the time to get out enjoying the walks in Richmond Park this autumn, don’t let your dog miss out! There are plenty of professional dog walking services in the area which offer semi regular or regular dog walking in Richmond Park. 4 Paws in the Park (www.thedogwalkeruk.com) has an excellent reputation and is highly recommended. It is a premier dog walking and pet service, offering dog walking as well as dog boarding and doggie day care.
Rutting Season
Richmond Park is traditionally a deer – hunting park and still has 300 red deer and 350 fallow deer inhabiting it. During the autumn there is a rutting (breeding) season where you have to be particularly careful when dog walking. The red stags and fallow bucks compete for females. At this time, the large males roar, bark and clash antlers in a spectacular way in an attempt to fight off rivals and to attract as many females as possible. The young are born mainly in June, and are hidden by their mothers amongst the bracken and long grass. Females and their young are very vulnerable and sensitive to disturbance at this time. While dog walking, ensure that you keep your distance from the deer at this time of year, especially the stags. Also keep your dog on a lead if you do have to pass deer closely. As long as you use common sense and don’t disturb the deer, there is nothing to worry about and you and your dog can continue to enjoy the glorious walks of Richmond Park all year round.
Stag in the snow in Richmond Park
What a happy dog!
Too Busy to Walk The Dog?
Are you out during the day and worry that your dog is left on its own? Would you like a pet sitter you can trust to look after your dog when you go away on holiday? Do you have a new puppy that can’t be left on its own or an elderly dog that needs his medication? Do you want your dog to get more exercise and integrate with other dogs? Whatever the reason, 4 Paws in the Park offers premier dog walking services to help owner and dog.
Why Dog Walking Services?
It is very important that dogs receive mental and physical stimulation to keep them happy and stop behavioural problems developing. Dogs left on their own all day can experience boredom and isolation, resulting in a number of different behavioral issues (such as excessive barking, chewing or digging). Dogs are pack animals and need social interaction. They love meeting other dogs in the park and will run, play and socialise with them whilst getting great exercise.
London’s Premier Dog Walking Service
4 Paws in the Park is a premium dog walking service, based in a family home in East Sheen, London, providing a modern and preferred alternative to kennels. 4 Paws in the Park offers a range of pet services to make your life happy and stress free.
They include: Dog walking, Dog boarding, dog day care, pet feeding and pet taxi services. 4 Paws in the Park is here to help you reduce the stress, guilt and anxiety associated with time away from your pet. This will be achieved by professional pet carers providing your pet with mental and physical stimulation to make it a happy and stress free animal.
All 4 Paws in the Park dog walkers are professional and fully experienced in walking dogs in packs. A maximum of 5 dogs are taken per walk and dogs are fitted into the relevant pack depending on age and fitness. This ensures that full control is maintained at all times.
4 Paws in the Park dog walking services involves your dog being picked up and dropped off from your home. Your dog will receive a full hour walk and can be fed, watered and cleaned on return. You will come home to find a tired, happy and content dog.
4 Paws in the Park are flexible and try to fit in with their customer’s different requirements. The dog walking service can be booked in on a regular basis or when required.
- George thinks hes one of the deer!
Why choose 4 paws in the park?
- Fully insured and registered with NARP, (The National Association of Registered Pet Sitters).
- All 4 Paws in the park staff have had CRB checks and have years of animal experience.
- 4 Paws in the Park will always fit in with yours dogs routine and are as flexible as possible to your needs.
- 4 Paws in the park provide a free one hour preliminary meeting.
