I have been thinking about this lately - the choices of daily activities, and the options available for our dogs when we can't always be there. I'm 36 (some days I feel that old and others I forget and still feel 18!) I have had dogs all my life. My parents had four greyhounds when I was a newborn...explains a lot about my obsession with that breed :)
Back when I was a child and teenager everyone with dogs walked them on a lead and maybe occasionally let them off at a park/field/wood. If you went on holiday you would have two options - boarding kennels or asking a relative/friend to look after them.
Although those are still the same today, the options for exercising, socialising, training and being able to leave our dogs when we are away is growing.
You have doggy daycare centres, dogs can go for the day while you are at work - this is a great option for dogs who love to play and socialise with other dogs. It is also a fantastic option for dogs who do not like being left at home all day too.
You have enclosed fields that you can hire for your dog/s. These are a really good option for dogs who are learning recall, dogs that don't have the best social skills or simply dogs who want to play and run around in a safe environment and owners don't have to worry about bumping in to other dogs or livestock like you would in a public field.
Then of course you have dog walkers like myself, and this too can offer variety. I have personally chosen to offer one on one individual walks, so if you have one dog.. or two or three in your household, they will be walked by themselves. In my 10 years of experience as a dog walker I have found that this is not only a good and safer option for some dogs but also for myself as their walker. I like to feel like I have full control in my surroundings and by walking a solo dog or dogs that know and live together already you can encounter less issues.
As I outlined on my "services" page this can suit many dogs for a number of reasons.
Then when you need a night away or a longer holiday, our dogs have lots of options too.
You of course still have boarding kennels, which may suit some dogs, and they vary from being very basic to offering a bit more luxury.
There is home boarding - your dog/s can stay in someone else's home while you are away. Many pet care companies offer this service, the home boarder must have a license through their local council and be approved to be able to board dogs in their home.
Then you have housesitting which is a service I can offer here at Jasper Tails Petcare. I have been housesitting in clients homes for the last 10 years and I can safely say with confidence this a great option for many dogs. I have an up to date police check, and come highly recommended by clients past and present.
Dogs get to stay in their own home, eat their own food and treats, keep to their usual routine and daily walks can be kept exactly the same as they would if you their owner was home. In some circumstances I will be with them more than the owners so they get lots of attention and as many cuddles as they want. This is a wonderful option for dogs who do not like to travel, be in an unfamiliar environment, suffer from separation anxiety.. the list could go on. Also an added bonus is your home gets looked after, so you don't have to worry about leaving your dog/s or your home while you are away.
Just like us, every dog is individual, yes different breeds have their traits and requirements but they are all unique. So I think it is very important to figure out which options suit our dogs the best, what suits one dog will not necessary suit another. I know from having my own dogs over the years that I have had to cater to their own personalities so they can enjoy life to the full because after all that is our responsibility as their owners. If you can not treat your pet like a family member then you simply shouldn't have them in my opinion (but that is a blog topic for another time..)
Compared to 20/30 years ago our dogs today have so much choice and that can only be a great thing.
Feel free to contact me to discuss any requirements for your pet, when you can't always be there for them info@jaspertailspetcare.co.uk
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