Wellington Walkies

06/06/2025

06/06/2025

06/06/2025

By the end of the game he was happily sticking his head in scary things, like cardboard boxes, and paper bags! 😱😂❤️

06/06/2025

This game builds resilience in even the most timid of dogs!

06/06/2025

Do you need fancy puzzle toys to enrich your dog’s brain?
NO!!
Be inventive and think outside the (cardboard) box! Root around in your recycling for safe items in which you can hide a treat or two. Make a mountain of cardboard paper recycling, and tell your dog to ‘Get it’! (While they’re searching, make sure you stay and observe, to ensure your dog doesn’t chow down on the paper or card!)
Alternatively, put a treat or two in a couple of cups in a muffin tray. Pop balls in each cup of the muffin tray and tell your dog to ‘Get It!’. Each time they find a treat, pop the ball back, with another treat under it.
You could also just hide treats around the house, or create an obstacle course using furniture for them to weave around, or hop over. Make a wall of toilet paper rolls, and encourage them to hop over, then gradually increase the height of the wall. How high does your wall get before they won’t jump over anymore?
You do not need expensive puzzle toys to wear out your dog’s brain. On inside days, such as today in Ottawa where the AQI is super high, playing enrichment games with your dog can be fun, a great bonding activity, and can wear them out mentally, just as effectively as going for a walk.

06/06/2025

Benefits of Brain Enrichment Games:
Mental Stimulation:
Keeps dogs mentally active and engaged, preventing boredom and anxiety.
Reduced Anxiety:
Engaging in mental activities can help dogs release pent-up energy and reduce anxiety.
Stronger Bond:
Playing these games with your dog can strengthen the bond between you and your furry friend.
Cognitive Development:
These games help dogs develop their cognitive skills, problem-solving abilities, and focus.
Behavioral Improvements:
Mental stimulation can help alleviate behavioral problems caused by excessive energy or boredom.

06/06/2025

Today’s air quality in Ottawa is very poor and rated as unhealthy (AQI 168). The recommendation is to keep outdoor activity to a minimum. I won’t be walking dogs today, but will be visiting to ensure those canine brains are engaged! Feel free to share below your (or rather, your dogs’) favourite brain enrichment games. for dogs

06/06/2025

Ottawa’s skies are getting smoky, as a result of the wild fires raging further north. As the air quality deteriorates it’s important to consider our pets, and their needs. This article from the College of Veterinary Medicine at Cornell gives a good run down of things to consider relating to our dogs, when there is poor air quality due to forest fires. Please take a look, especially if you have a puppy, or senior dog, a dog with short muzzle, or a dog with any pre-existing heart or lung condition. https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/riney-canine-health-center/canine-health-information/dog-safety-during-poor-air-quality-alerts-or-wildfire-smoke

03/06/2025

What other job would you find your clients so eager and happy to see you, that they wait at the door in anticipation of your arrival?!
🐶

02/06/2025

Today, whilst walking a client dog past a local school where the kids were at recess, a child threw rocks over the fence. One almost hit the dog I was walking, and another almost hit me. It may have been accidental, and it may have been intentional. I don’t know. But please folks, talk to your kids about behaving in a way that is safe for everyone, including animals, and themself. Throwing rocks is never a safe thing to do!