Last updated May 10, 2022 | Published on May 10, 2022 | Uncategorized
Our services are all designed around providing the best possible care for your dogs and so we follow the guidelines set out in the various pieces of UK legislation covering animal welfare.
With this in mind, we provide the following as standard, adapted as necessary to take into account things such as breed, health and age.
- Walks: Daycare dogs – 1 hour morning group walk; Boarding – at least 2 x 20 min walks per day, (we adapt this according to the needs of each dog, so walks are usually much longer)
- Exercise: As well as out and about on walks, there’s always run-around and ball time in a secure garden area. For dogs that can’t be exercised or no garden is available there will be alternatives provided e.g. toy time, puzzles, short distance ball play.
- Opportunities for socialisation with other dogs and people
- Play: Lots of indoors and outdoors games & toys, some for mental stimulation and some just for fun appropriate to age, breed, health and preferences. This might include treat puzzles; agility (tunnel and cones); ball; rope play.
- Sleep & rest – naptimes and lots of opportunities to just chillout.
- Basic grooming and healthcare – we will provide some basic grooming (with our own equipment), especially on rainy, muddy days e.g. a clean, dry and brush. We will also give your dog a quick check over – coat, eyes, nails, ears, teeth & gums. If we notice any issues we will of course report them to you.
- Feed time (daycare if required, boarding as directed by you). Treats given with your permission.
- Toilet breaks: Daycare minimum: adult dogs – at least 4 toileting opportunities per day; Puppies – as and when they need to go – usually at least once an hour. Boarding, more opportunities.
- Lots of cuddles and attention
If your dog is UNDER a year, we will also provide:
- noise acclimatisation – getting them used to different sounds
- gradual & monitored familiarisation with other dogs and people
Last updated Jun 13, 2020 | Published on Jun 13, 2020 | Uncategorized
13 June 2020
Hi there – we’re just making some changes to the website today. If you could email us at info@happyhounds.co.uk with your enquiry that would be great.
Let us know
- your email address
- Your phone number
- Your postcode
- The name and age of your dog or puppy or cats
- The service you’re initially interested in (daycare, dog walking, cat sitting, dog boarding, or anything else)
And we’ll get back to you asap!
Thanks so much for your interest
Happy Hounds & Cooler Cats
Last updated May 24, 2023 | Published on Jun 3, 2019 | Uncategorized
As British summers can be unpredictable but sometimes VERY hot we are just putting our hot weather plan in place for this year. We will use our judgement on a day-to-day basis, and take into account the needs of individual dogs, but as a general rule the following will apply:
Group walks
When temperatures start hitting 22C (or when humidity makes it feel super hot), we’ll consider shortening the walks to less than 1 hour.
When the temperature hits 24C (or when humidity makes it feel super hot) we will walk the dogs for a shorter period, in the shade, and keep this as quiet & calm as possible e.g. no games.
If the temperature hits 29C+ (or when humidity makes it feel super hot) we will not be walking any dogs, but will offer 2 local garden breaks instead. We may offer very early morning walks instead but we will notify you about this, if that’s the case.
Note re: FLAT FACES (French bulldogs, pugs, bulldogs etc) and ELDERLY dogs – we will put them on garden breaks ONLY when we feel it’s too hot/humid for them to walk. This group will need to be allocated to 1 or 2 of our walkers for logistical purposes, so please be aware it may not be your normal walker visiting.
Please note that where these changes are put in place we will have to ask you to provide enough parking permits to cover the visits.
Adventure day
If your dog is down for an adventure day we will give them a walk in the morning and an afternoon garden break. If temperature exceeds 29 degrees we may give them two garden breaks.
Solo walks
Depending on the temperature/humidity (as above), breed and age, dogs may get a short walk and then company at home.
Daycare
Shouldn’t be affected as we will either give them a very short walk, or no walk at all as appropriate, and just get them playing in the paddling pool all day.
We will try and keep you as informed as possible, but as always our priority is keeping the dogs safe, so please bear with us if we have to change the routine due to hot/humid weather without prior notice.
What you can do
And from your perspective, as you know your dog better than anyone please feel free to make your own judgement calls – if you feel the need to cancel in hot weather we totally understand. If you could please use the normal protocol and try and make those changes via the portal before midday the previous day that would be great.
Please prepare for the hot weather at home. Here are some recommendations:
– cooling mats are a great purchase because dogs can get up and move away from them if necessary
– cool collars and cool coats are available too, BUT must ONLY be worn for 20 minutes as being too cold can have disastrous consequences by sending the body into shock
– if you have a cool coat, then lay it down as a mat rather than leaving it on your dog
– fans will help to keep your dog cool
– keep your dog in a room where it can easily move around to avoid becoming too hot
– always have cool fresh water available. Keep lots of ice so we can add it to bowls after a walk
– if you would like to give your dog a more energetic walk we recommend first thing in the morning or last thing in the evening, however, last year, it was hot throughout the day so if they want to be lazy, let them
– don’t let your dogs lie out in the sun – they love it but it’s not good for them if it’s too hot. They can get heatstroke just like we do.
– short haired dogs particularly fair haired dogs may require sunscreen
– and remember if the pavement is too hot for your hand for 5 seconds, it’s too hot for their feet.
Let’s keep cool!
Last updated Jul 24, 2018 | Published on Jul 24, 2018 | Uncategorized
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Last updated Jul 20, 2020 | Published on Apr 6, 2018 | Blog, dog health & behaviour, Health & Safety, puppy care, puppy visits, Uncategorized
Getting a puppy!
Getting a puppy for the first time is a wonderful feeling. You are gaining a family member and it’s a very exciting process. Everyone in your household is filled with joy when you first bring that puppy home. Us lot here at Happy Hounds agree that this should be a very special time. All that said puppies are also a lot of work. We feel that you should get as much knowledge as you possibly can so that you be the best dog owner. One topic we would like to talk about is puppy exercise. Getting a puppy is a big responsibility, there are rules and regulations on how they should behave in society. There is also information that you as dog owners should be aware of.
Puppy exercise
So were going to talk about puppy exercise. How much they should be getting and how important it is to not OVER exercise them. Puppies need much less exercise than fully-grown dogs. If you over-exercise a growing puppy you can overtire it and damage its developing joints, causing early arthritis. A good rule of thumb is a ratio of five minutes exercise per month of age (up to twice a day) until the puppy is fully grown, i.e. 15 minutes (up to twice a day). When three months old, 20 minutes when four months old etc. Once they are fully grown, they can go out for much longer.
It’s important that puppies (when they’ve had their injections) go out every day. In a safe environment to be able to socialise and explore. Having a decent sized garden is great but puppies need variety in their lives. They are highly intelligent animals that need stimulation and lots of exercise (depending on breed). Before letting any dog off lead make sure you know that their re-call is good and that they won’t run off. It’s also good to know that you shouldn’t exercise them on a full stomach as this can cause them to bloat.
The government recommends that we get at least 30 minutes of exercise each day. This is something that everybody can achieve, and go beyond, on a daily walk. Dogs’ exercise needs vary according to the breed that you have but every dog should have at least one walk a day, often two.
Get walking
There are many social benefits for you and your dog. People who go walking with their dogs are often believed to be friendly and approachable by others. Your dog also gets time to have a chase and play with other friendly pooches. At Happy Hounds we believe that socialisation is very important and something that your dogs should be doing on a regular basis. This is great to start when their puppies, so they get used to it from an young age. This is why group walking or day care is a fun and great opportunity for your dog. They will learn socialisation skills and what it’s like to be around other dogs.
For your dog, walking is essential for its long term health and fitness – keeping the muscles strong and supple and ensuring that it doesn’t get overweight. With one third of our pets estimated to be overweight as a result of their owners’ sedentary lifestyles. Walking is an essential part of being a responsible dog owner. When out walking remember to always have poo bags and pick up after your dog. This will make all environments nicer for us to all be in.
Whilst walking your dog, it is important that you are aware of the Countryside Code to keep your pet safe. Protect the environment and show that you are a responsible dog owner. You are obliged by law to ensure your dog wears a collar and an identification tag stating your name and address (Control of Dogs Order 1992). In addition, cleaning up after your dog is one of the key areas of responsibilities for dog owners. Especially when in public spaces. You can face a considerable fine if you do not.
Don’t forget play and sleepy time
Play time is another important part of a puppies life, playing games is another way to teach commands. Aggression can be fostered if you play tug of war. So make sure you don’t create a competitive environment between you and your puppy. Always remember dogs around children. They are likely to become aroused or frustrated with intense physical play. So ensure children and dogs are never left alone. Only use suitable dog toys that are safe for your puppy.
Sleepy time is also crucial for your pups development, they need a lot of it! They may whine when you first bring them home but it is important to ignore them and let them settle. If you never leave them you will create future separation issues.
