Author: Country Boarding Kennels

Autumn has arrived and it has transformed our forests and woodlands into a pallet of rich reds and smoky orange hues. Autumn is a beautiful time of year especially for many dog walkers who use this season to better connect with nature and become more mindful. In this article, we have highlighted three mindfulness techniques to practice this autumn on a dog walk. However, if you are in a public place, please also take care to be in control of your dog at all times.

1. Autumn Forest Breathing

This autumn, when you next find yourself at a dog park why not practice some forest breathing? Forest breathing originates from Japan and is known as the ancient practice of walking through a forest gently and consciously, with the focus of engaging all five senses. Breathe slowly whilst listening to the sounds of the birds and rustle of fallen leaves as you gently walk through the park. Remember to breathe slowly and really connect with the natural environment around you this autumn. Forest breathing is a great way for dog walkers to destress this autumn and to become more conscious and connected with nature.

2. Conscious Walking

This autumn, many dog walkers will also be practicing the science of conscious walking. Similarly, to how mindfulness brings your focus back to the current moment, conscious walking is the tradition of increasing your awareness to the natural environment around you and helping you to recognise the emotions you feel when you walk. It is a walking meditation originating from ancient Vedic and Buddhist beliefs and practices.

These mindful exercises are targeted at generating certain outcomes to help rejuvenate our physical, mental, and spiritual wellbeing.

Three benefits of conscious walking exercises consist of a person feeling^:

• Energised
• Peaceful
• Less detached from nature

Technique:

1: Maintain a straight back.

2: Slightly bend your neck.

3: Open your chest.

4. Straighten shoulders

5: Focus on your spine

6: Walk and focus on your feet as you slowly take each step.

This autumn, consider practicing the art of conscious walking as you and your four-legged companion walk through the fallen leaves to help bring calmness and serenity to your daily walk.

3. Sniffing

Did you know that sniffing natural scents on a dog walk can enhance our heath and wellbeing by helping us feel more calm, happy, and healthful. This autumn, take time out on your dog walk to smell the damp grass and dead fallen leaves or smoke from a fire burning in the distance from a campsite. When we smell a particular scent this sends a signal to our limbic system situated in our brain that relates to our memory and emotions. In a 2011 study reported by Masahiro et al, positive emotions, stimulated by specific scents have been found to reduce anxiety and improve our wellbeing.

Lastly…

We hope you found this article helpful. This autumn, try these mindful techniques the next time you are on a dog walk. Hopefully you will experience calmness and a deeper connection with the natural environment around you.  At Country Boarding for Cats and Dogs we have many years of experience providing a friendly and professional dog walking service for the Hertfordshire, Cambridgeshire, and Bedfordshire regions. Our friendly dog walking team will even collect in and around Hitchin, Letchworth, Baldock and Royston. Call 01462 742658 or send us an email at office@cbkennels.co.uk.

Are you moving into a new home and worried about how your dog will adjust to their new environment? Moving home can be a stressful time for both dog and owner, but with a little planning you can ensure this transition period runs as smoothly as possible. At Country Boarding for Cats and Dogs, we have highlighted five top tips to help your dog adjust to your new home. Enjoy!

1. Routines

Many dogs appreciate structure and routine and when it comes to moving home, it is important to maintain the same general schedules as before. Although your dog’s new environment is different it does not mean that their daily routine also needs to change.  So, if your canine companion is used to eating breakfast or going for a walk at a certain time of the day, try and follow this same schedule when you move into your new home.

2. Keep their Old Comforts

When you first move, you may want to buy lots of new things, especially for your dog. However, it is important that your dog settles into their new environment and so by keeping hold of their old comforts; water bowls, old dog bed favourite chew toy, etc. This can really help soothe and pacify them. If you really want to treat your dog to a new moving in present, then consider treating them to new chew toy as chewing is known to help alleviate stress and anxiety.

3. TLC

During your move, ensure you commit to spending some extra quality time with your four-legged friend. When you move into your new home, your dog may feel anxious and be missing their old environment, so help calm them by giving them quality TLC (more so than usual). Whether it is going on lovely dog walks, visiting a dog park or just cuddling up with them on the sofa, these acts of affection will really help comfort your dog during the first few weeks of moving into their new home.

4. Stay with your Dog

Many dogs which are usually happy being left alone for many years suddenly becoming anxious when their owners leave them alone in a new home. Many canines are very location sensitive and will need time to adapt to being left alone in a new setting. Try and be with your dog as much as you can and take them with you if you must leave the house. If you really must leave your dog alone then begin with very short departures if possible.

5. Patience is Key

Patience is key. Many dogs will adapt very quickly to their new home in just a few days, whilst others may take weeks, months or even years to properly settle in. The best thing you can do as an owner, is to let your dog settle in at their own pace. Every dog is different, and it will take as long as it takes for them to fully acclimatise to their new setting. Remember, Rome was not built in a day!

Final thought…

We hope you found this article helpful. By following our five steps to help your dog adjust to their new home, we are certain your four-legged friend will settle in within no time.

Did you know that you can transform your dog walk in to more of a workout? At Country Boarding for Cats and Dogs we have included three ways you can get the most out of your dog walks to help improve your fitness. Enjoy!

1. Pick up the pace

The next time you are on a dog walk, transform your gentle stroll into a power walk or a jog.  A great way of improving you and your canine companion’s physical fitness is by adding distance and duration to your daily walk. However, bear in mind to also give your four-legged friend enough time on their walk to sniff and explore at their own pace. Ensure that you always pay attention to your dog, especially if you are power walking or jogging as they may need to take a toilet break or want to explore a new sight or smell.

2. Aerobic Fun at the Dog Park:

When you visit a dog park, consider including some aerobic fun when on your dog walk. If your dog loves to play Fetch, throw their ball as far as you can and then as they go to race to retrieve it, do some compact exercises such as a regular lunge. Repeat this exercise five times.

Regular lunge: Ensure that you have a straight back and that your core is engaged, next use your left leg to step backwards and drop your hips up until your knee joint is at a ninety-degree angle. Repeat this exercise slowly making sure you continuously switch legs.

3. Stretch out

After you have completed your dog walk and exercise routines, make sure you stretch out. Stretching out is important as it can help reduce muscular tension and irritation not to mention help to improve your overall mobility. If you want to safely involve your dog, gently massage their joints, and leg muscles.  Dog physiotherapy massages have many physical benefits and can help promote bonding between you and your pet.

Benefits to your dog can include the following:

• Reduce muscle strain and pain.
• Help tissue recovery and reduce persistent or severe discomfort.
• Ease with canine arthritis, hip dysplasia and other persistent ailments.
• Reduce swelling and soreness.

Final thoughts…

We hope you found our three ways of transforming your dog walk into a workout helpful. There are many other exercises and fitness workouts available online that you can incorporate into your daily routine, the next time you go on a dog walk or visit a dog park. Good luck! At Country Boarding for Cats and Dogs we have acres of stunning fields, which are perfect for the ideal dog walk. Contact our friendly team today to book your dog walk!

Dog walks are a crucial part of your dog’s daily schedule. Dog walks are a great way for your canine companion to get regular exercise and for the two of you to spend some quality time together. Dog parks in particular, are fantastic settings for owners and dogs to connect with nature and to enjoy a safe and secure walk. At Country Boarding for Cats and Dogs we have highlighted three ways to improve your dog walk at a dog park. We hope you find this article helpful!

1. Connect with Nature

We can experience lots of benefits when we connect more with nature, especially when we are on a dog walk. Interestingly, a report led by Forthglade discovered that sixty-three percent of people frequently use their mobile devices while on a dog walk, with twenty-six percent spending their time on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram or checking work emails. It is so crucial that we disconnect from our mobile devices and pay our furry friends the attention they need when on a dog walk. By connecting more with our dogs and the natural landscape around us, we can get the most out of our dog walks which will ultimately help to improve our physical and mental wellbeing. The next time you are on a walk, instead of listening to music or watching videos on Facebook, connect with the natural orchestra around you and listen to bird songs, owl hoots and the rustling of tree leaves under your feet.

2. Calm Communication

The next time you are at a dog park, try calmly communicating with your four-legged friend as this will help create a tranquil and peaceful environment. At a dog park, there will be lots of sights and smells for your furry friends to take in and their brains need time to process all the information. It is important to speak slowly and to use a gentle and calm tone when giving a command, as dogs will need time to process a lot of information when on a dog walk. Being able to communicate with your dog is the basis for strengthening your relationship. Dogs are excellent at reading their owners emotions and can pick up when they are sad or angry; so always try and calmly communicate with them on a walk as this will help create a relaxed and enjoyable environment for them.

3. Change the Pace

When walking your dog at a secure dog park, try and find a pace that is most comfortable for both of you. Let your dog explore new trails and take in new sights and smells and enjoy the walk at their own pace. When you first visit the dog park, allow your dog the time to investigate, sniff the soil, and mark their territory. According to a study in 2019 by The Applied Animal Behaviour Science Journal, dogs that spent more time sniffing were found to be more optimistic.  By giving your dog more opportunities to explore their surroundings through their sense of smell, they will enjoy going on more walks and feel more positive.

Closing thoughts…

We hope you found our article on three ways to improve your dog walks at a dog park helpful. Dog parks are fantastic for allowing dogs to play and perhaps interact with other canines whilst also offering dog owners the chance to connect with other dog lovers. At Country Boarding for Cats and Dogs, our fifteen acres of beautiful field are ideal for the perfect dog walk. Our dog park is also perfect for dog group parties, dog training and dog walks! Book your dog walk today!

Most cat owners will tell you how much joy their felines bring them.  Whether you are the proud owner of a fluffy lap cat who loves being cuddled and brushed, or a gentle and shy tabby that enjoys quiet time, sharing your life with a cat can bring so many benefits. But did you know that owning a cat is scientifically proven to improve your health? It is true! At Country Boarding for Cats and Dogs we want to celebrate our love for felines by highlighting five scientific facts that show how amazing cats are and the positive impacts they have on our lives. We hope you find this article helpful!

1.       Reduce the Risk of Heart Disease

Recent reports have found that by owning a cat, a person can significantly lower their risks of getting heart disease, including stroke by a staggering thirty percent.  

2.       Heal Bones, Ligaments and Muscular Tissue

Did you know that when your cat purrs – usually indicating it is happy and content – scientists researching the healing properties of frequencies, found that frequencies can help to promote bone growth, fracture healing, and inflammation, if they are between twenty Hertz and one hundred and fifty Hertz. Frequency readings within this range are often referred to as healing frequencies.

3.        Reduce Anxiety

Did you know that cats can help trigger our body in to releasing calming chemicals that help to reduce our levels of stress and anxiety? This is true! Many cat owners who feel stressed often report on feeling calmer after stroking and cuddling their four-legged friends. Stroking your cat can act as a catalyst for the body to then create oxytocin, a hormone that decreases the stress hormone cortisol. So, the next time you are feeling stressed, try sitting down with your cat and spend some quality time together to help calm you down.

4.     Relationships

A report carried out by pet behaviour specialist, Dr June Nicolls, discovered that humans were more likely to be attracted to a potential partner if they owned a pet. One report discovered that a staggering ninety percent of single women viewed men with cats as more loving and caring than those men without a feline in their lives.

5.       Less Allergies.

In 2002, the National Institutes of Health published a report that discovered infants under one years of age –  who made contact with a cat  – reduced their risk of developing allergies.  

As reported by Marshall Plaut, M.D., at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, he stated that, “high pet exposure early in life appears to protect against not only pet allergy but also other types of common allergies, such as allergy to dust mites, ragweed, and grass.”

Lastly…

We hope you found this article helpful. Owning a cat has been scientifically proven to improve our physical and mental health. From reducing the risk of heart disease to improving our wellbeing, there are so many benefits associated with owning a cat. At Country Boarding for Cats and Dogs, we love cats and run a leading luxury cattery in Hertfordshire. If you are interested in boarding your feline with us, then please use the quotation form to request availability and we will reply with an accurate quote

Bank Holiday Monday is here, which means for many UK dog owners, it is the perfect opportunity to spend quality time with their family, friends and of course, their pets. At Country Boarding for Cats and Dogs we have highlighted four ways you can make the most of this Bank Holiday Monday in the company of your canine companions. We hope you find this article helpful!

1. Pamper your Pooch

This Bank Holiday Monday, why not treat your pooch to a pampering session? Dog pampering sessions are great at helping dogs to relieve anxiety and stress. At Country Boarding for Cats and Dogs, we regularly provide our canine customers with relaxing baths, clipping, stripping and further grooming such as nail management and ear cleaning. Alternatively, if you decide on pampering your dog at home then why not treat them to a gentle massage and bath this Bank Holiday Monday? Try a dog friendly shampoo that properly conditions your dog’s coat and helps hydrate their skin.

2. Dog Walks

Many dog owners around the UK will be enjoying the warm weather and fresh air this Bank Holiday Monday by taking their canine companions on relaxing dog walks. Why not experience the great British outdoors by researching the many dog walking routes available within the UK. Many dog owners will be heading to beaches, local parks or visiting dog walking fields this Bank Holiday Monday whilst the beautiful weather continues. Dog walks are a great opportunity to try new environments and for your dogs to take in new sights, sounds and smells. Dog walks are also excellent in helping owners and dogs stay fit through exercise as well as positively impacting wellbeing. If you are also interested in visiting some National Parks this Bank Holiday Monday, then go online and research the best ones available as there are many open that offer stunning walking environments for you and your dog to enjoy. 

3. Dog Training

Whether you have a puppy or an adult dog, it is never too late to teach them new tricks. This Bank Holiday Monday, take the opportunity to train your dog new commands in either an open space or in the comfort of your own home. Dog training is a fantastic way to develop a stronger connection with your dog and helps you to both learn to work together as a team. Whether you are covering basic training commands or something more intricate, dog training helps to mentally stimulate your dog this Bank Holiday Monday.

4. Canine Camping

Does your canine companion love the open outdoors as much as you do? If the answer is yes, then why not consider taking your four-legged friend camping this Bank Holiday Monday! There are plenty of dog friendly campsites available in the UK that offer amazing walking routes, as well as direct access to nearby woodland and beaches. If you do decide on going camping with your dog, do not forget to pack a first-aid kit, plenty of water, food, and their favourite cuddly toys for comfort.  Camping with your dog in the UK is a perfect excuse to enjoy the fresh open air and strengthen the existing bond between you.

Final thoughts…

We hope you found this article helpful. Whatever you decide to do with your dog this Bank Holiday Monday make sure you spend quality time together and make the most of the day!

Dog walking is the perfect way for pet owners and their four-legged friends to bond and enjoy the open air together. Dog walking is also a great way for both owner and dog to exercise and positively boost their mental wellbeing.

At Country Boarding for Cats and Dogs we have highlighted three different types of dog walks to enjoy in England. We hope you find this article helpful.

1. Dog Walking Parks

Does your canine companion need some professional recall training? Or perhaps you are looking for dog walking fields that are safe and secure? Whatever you are looking for you are more than likely to find it by visiting our fifteen acres of open field which create the perfect environment for a dog walk. In Baldock we are blessed with beautiful rolling countryside consisting of lush green valleys near the end of the Chiltern hills. Our dog walking fields are ideal for dog group parties, puppy training and walks!

2. Coastal Beaches

It is no secret that England has a magnificent coastline. From breath-taking cliff tops, beautiful bays, and incredible shores, England’s coastline is the perfect setting for a dog walk. But it is not just the beautiful natural scenery that makes our coastlines ideal for dog walks; they also provide your dog with lots of entertainment.

Many dogs love splashing in the sea and chasing the tide. It is also a perfect setting for a beach picnic where you and your dog can enjoy the sea view and take a well-earned rest. However, it is always important to check first if the beach is dog friendly and facilitates dog walking. There are many dog friendly beaches available in England to choose from, so research the best ones for you. Beaches also provide a lot of space for you and your dog to play and exercise whilst also offering a soft surface that is gentle on your pet’s limbs.  

3. Woodland walks

There are many stunning national parks in England that are ideal for dog walks. These woodland walks are bustling with green vegetation and small wildlife. Dogs will really enjoy the plethora of scents and wildlife on offer. There is no greater feeling than walking under a canopy, hearing the rustle of fallen leaves under your boots and the sounds of birds singing and squirrels chattering

With so much to discover on a woodland walk it is important to let your dog explore every nook and cranny. The fresh air has also been scientifically proven to positively affect our wellbeing and physical health by reducing blood pressure, relieve stress and depression.

 Closing thoughts…

We hope you enjoyed our article highlighting the three best walks you can go on in England with your dog. Hopefully you can try some of these dog walks and improve the existing bond between you and your dog. 

Like humans, each cat has a unique personality. Some cats crave lots of affection and enjoy being held and cuddled, while others are more independent, and dislike being picked up or stroked. Many children love cats and will naturally want to show their affection by cuddling, stroking, and playing with them. However, as responsible owners, we must teach children how to properly handle cats with care. By doing this, we will help to strengthen the bond between them and ensure that they are both safe. At Country Boarding for Cats and Dogs we have three cat handling tips for children to learn. Enjoy!

1. Calm Environment

Cats are very responsive to how we are feeling and what mood we are in. Cats will often sense if we are feeling stressed or sad. Therefore, it is important to teach a child how to approach a cat in a relaxed way and using a soft voice, as felines can become scared if they hear sudden loud sounds. Cats are naturally very perceptive and intuitive, and this has enabled them to become hypersensitive to the sounds and sights around them.

2. Giving the Cat Space

Cats can be very solitary creatures and many like to retire to safe places in the home to hide, sleep and feel safe in. Therefore, it is important to teach children to respect a cat’s personal boundaries. Your cat can become stressed or anxious if they feel they have no safe space to retire to if a child is becoming too loud or energetic for them. Create safe and secure areas of your home for your cat to rest and feel comfortable in that includes soft bedding and their favourite toys. Always explain to a child why the cat needs to have some time to themselves and help them to understand the reasons for limiting their interactions throughout the day.

3. Positive Reinforcements

A great way of building a strong relationship between a child and a cat is to always respond positively to a child when they handle the cat with care. If your child is sitting still and carefully stroking the cat or letting the cat sleep, then always give them praise. Positive reinforcement will encourage children to continue handling cats with care and respecting the animal’s feelings and personal space.

Closing thoughts…

We hope you found these tips helpful. If you have any cat handling tips for children, then please let us know in the comment section below. At Country Boarding for Cats and Dogs we are a leading luxury cattery service within the region of Hertfordshire. Call us on 01462 742658 if you would like to book your cat in to our luxury cattery or if you have an enquiry relating to our cattery services.

Are you interested in becoming more environmentally friendly as a cat owner? If the answer is yes, then the good news is that by making just a few small changes you can help make a big impact on the natural environment around us. At Country Boarding for Cats and Dogs, we have highlighted three ways that you can become more environmentally friendly as a cat owner. We hope you find this article helpful!

1. Eco Friendly Cat Litter

As reported by the Natural Resources Defence Council (NRDC), many cat litter brands on sale to the public contain clay, which means it is often obtained through harmful strip mining. Strip mining destroys the natural habitat of many animals by depleting forests and landscapes. As a process, strip mining removes the top layer of soil to expose the fresh clay underneath and causes serious damage to the land and its ecosystems. The process also uses harmful petroleum products to dry the clay at specially built factories, making the manufacturing of clay cat litter incredibly harmful to the natural world. In addition, the clay litter is also non-biodegradable and cannot be recycled and therefore often ends up at landfills.

As an alternative, there are many eco-friendly cat litter products now available on the market. Another environmentally friendly and cheaper alternative to clay cat litter is to use shredded paper or recycled newspapers which absorbs up to 300% more moisture than typical cat litters. It is also incredibly soft and makes a comfortable alternative for your feline friends to use.

2. Avoid plastic

If you are shopping for your cat, try and avoid plastic products. A great alternative is to opt for metal or ceramic material when shopping for food and water bowls and choose cat food that is packaged in recyclable material like cardboard.

Another plastic free alternative is to use biodegradable poo bags and bin bags when cleaning out your cat’s litter trays, instead of the standard black bags which cannot be recycled and often ends up being sent to landfills or incinerated.

3. Sustainable Food

The recent high demand for premium petfood has resulted in many leading brands now using choice cuts of meat or fish in their food products. Many decades ago, pet manufacturers would have relied heavily on the offal from slaughterhouses. However, today with a higher demand for more premium, organic, pet ingredients, this means that additional animals such as cows, sheep, fish, and poultry are needed to feed our cats which has an impact on our environment. Many farms use substantial quantities of freshwater and need lots of land to rear, feed, and slaughter animals which can put a great strain on the ecosystem. 

Today, many sustainable cat food manufacturers are starting to use offcuts and offal to diminish food waste, with some even using alternative protein sources in their ingredients. Interestingly, there are many new eco-friendly cat foods available on the market that contain insect protein, to help decrease the impact that livestock production has on the environment around us.

Closing thoughts…

We hope you found our article on becoming more environmentally friendly as a cat owner, helpful. If you have your own eco-friendly tips that you can recommend, then please let us know within the comment section below. Country Boarding for Cats and Dogs is a luxury cattery service within Hertfordshire. Call our friendly team today on 01462 742658 if you would like to board your cat into our luxury cattery.

Men’s Mental Health Week UK kicked off on June the 13^th, raising awareness around the health issues that can affect many males. The week is a fantastic opportunity for many people around the UK and the world to discuss mental health, and to provide help and information on this important issue.

Our mental and physical health is so important and many of us often think of our mind and body as being divided, but they are very much connected. A recent YouGov survey found that 90 % of dog owners felt mentally healthier thanks to their cuddly companion. The numbers were fractionally lower for cats at 85%, highlighting the positive influences cats and dogs have on our wellbeing. At Country Boarding for Cats and Dogs, we have highlighted three benefits to living with cats and dogs. Enjoy!

Companionship

Cats and dogs make great companions, and help many people overcome feelings of loneliness and sadness. Cats and dogs will love you unconditionally and bring so much joy to your life. There is no greater feeling than to feel the wet nose or gentle flick of a tail from your loving companion as they greet you. The love and affection a cat or a dog bring to our lives can have such a positive impact on our mental health. Regular interaction with cats and dogs can massively reduce our stress levels. The positive benefits of interacting with our pets can even happen in under ten minutes. It then comes as no surprise that pets are extremely helpful to people suffering with anxiety or stress. Playing and interacting with our pets can help boost our serotonin and dopamine hormone levels, which can soothe and calm down our nervous systems.  

Fitness

Owning a cat or a dog can improve our physical fitness and positively impact our mental health. Exercise helps to improve many physical health issues such as diabetes, arthritis, and high blood pressure as well as mental health issues by lowering stress and anxiety.

Cats and dogs just like humans benefit from regular stimulation and so by regularly interacting with them through exercise and play, they can have a positive effect on our fitness and wellbeing. Many owners suffering from depression and anxiety have found taking their dog on daily walks can help to boost their energy levels and improve their moods. Regular exercise has so many physical health benefits, which helps to keep our heart healthy!

Socialise

Owning a pet is a great way of meeting new people. There are many local pet groups available where owners can meet and chat with other owners. Dog walking fields and puppy groups are another great way of meeting other owners and making strong friendships with people in your local area. If you are unable to physically meet up, then there are many pet friendly Facebook groups popping up online where owners can interact and build meaningful connections and friendships from the comfort of their homes.

Closing thoughts…

Owning a cat or a dog can really help positively impact our physical and mental health. As we enter Mental Health Week for Men, we here at Country Boarding for Cats and Dogs acknowledge the huge benefits that pets bring to our lives.