What Does a Balanced Day Look Like for a Dog?
We spend a lot of time thinking about how to keep dogs busy.
More walks.
More toys.
More outings.
More activities.
But wellbeing isn’t about filling every minute of a dog’s day.
It’s about balance.
Movement
Dogs need opportunities to use their bodies.
That might mean:
- Walking
- Playing
- Exploring
- Running
- Moving around the house or garden
But not every walk needs to be a workout.
A slow walk where your dog spends half the time sniffing one patch of grass can still be incredibly interesting to them.
Sniffing
Dogs experience much of the world through scent.
Allowing your dog to stop and investigate can turn a familiar walk into an enriching experience.
Sometimes the best thing you can do is simply stop rushing them.
Mental stimulation
Dogs also benefit from using their brains.
This might involve:
- Searching for treats
- Exploring somewhere new
- Learning a new skill
- Playing with an enrichment toy
- Following their nose
It doesn’t need to be complicated.
Social time
Different dogs enjoy different kinds of social interaction.
Some love other dogs.
Some prefer a few familiar dog friends.
Some would choose human company every time.
There is no rule that a happy dog needs to be friends with everyone.
Understanding your individual dog matters.
Human connection
For most family dogs, spending time with their people is hugely important.
And that doesn’t always mean doing something exciting.
A cuddle on the couch counts.
Following you around while you make dinner counts.
Sitting beside you while you answer emails counts.
Sleep and quiet time
This is perhaps the least glamorous part of dog wellbeing - but one of the most important.
Dogs need time where nothing is happening.
No training.
No toy.
No walk.
No entertainment.
Just rest.
Balance instead of constant stimulation
This philosophy is also how we think about daycare at Oodles and More.
We don’t believe dogs need to spend an entire daycare day at maximum excitement.
We aim for a combination of activity, enrichment, social interaction and quieter moments.
Because a good day doesn’t need to be the busiest day.
More than play, a balanced day.
