Walks, playtime and enrichment get a lot of attention when we talk about keeping our dogs happy – but there's another part of their day that's just as important.
Doing absolutely nothing.
Dogs need plenty of opportunities to rest, sleep and properly switch off. And sometimes, a dog that seems like they need more entertainment might actually need the opposite.
Dogs sleep a lot
It's completely normal for dogs to spend a significant amount of their day sleeping or resting.
Exactly how much varies depending on things like age, breed, health and activity levels. Puppies in particular need plenty of sleep while they're growing and processing everything they're learning about the world.
That's why a busy day doesn't always need to mean another long walk or another hour of play.
Sometimes the best thing we can give our dogs is somewhere comfortable and quiet to sleep.
More stimulation isn't always better
Walks, training, toys, play and enrichment can all be brilliant for dogs.
But that doesn't mean they need to be entertained every minute they're awake.
A day packed with exciting activities without enough downtime can make it harder for some dogs to settle.
Giving dogs opportunities to relax independently is just as important as keeping them stimulated.
Create somewhere they can properly switch off
Dogs should have access to a comfortable area where they can choose to rest without constantly being disturbed.
That might be their favourite bed, a crate they already associate with relaxation, a quiet corner of the house or, apparently, the most expensive piece of furniture you own.
Whatever they choose, having a familiar place where they feel comfortable can help encourage proper downtime.
Puppies need to learn to settle too
With puppies, there's often a huge focus on walks, socialisation, training and play.
But learning that nothing is happening right now is a useful skill too.
Quiet periods throughout the day can help puppies get used to settling rather than expecting constant attention or entertainment.
It's something we think about at House of Paws
Rest is a big part of how we've designed House of Paws Retreat.
Of course our guests get walks, play, enrichment and plenty of attention, but we've also created comfortable spaces where dogs can simply relax.
Our dedicated dog relaxation room, sofas and orthopaedic beds give our guests different places to settle when they've had enough excitement. You can explore the retreat here.
Because sometimes a good day for a dog isn't about how much they've done.
It's about having the right balance between exploring, playing and switching off.
House of Paws Retreat – a little retreat with all the comforts of home.
Ready for your dog's stay at the retreat?
Calm, council-licensed home boarding and day care in Chesterfield — maximum four guest dogs at a time.