Welcome to Happy Dogs

Happy Dogs Walking Services is run by myself, Debbie, and the big hairy fluff ball that is our 2.5yr old GSD Dre. Our two cats Tupac and Queenie shout out orders from the side-lines!

I have over 25 years experience owning and working with all manner of dogs, both big and small, both happy and not so happy!

After owning dogs whilst growing up, I joined the army at 17yrs old working and training dogs at The Royal Army Veterinary Corp in Melton Mowbray,

dealing

with all manner of breeds

but specialising in nervous dogs. I have also spent many years working with the Thames Valley Police Dog Section.

I’ve been so lucky to learn the importance of obedience and play whilst doing what I love and spending time with many many amazing four-legged friends.

I honestly don’t think there’s anything better than getting out in the fresh air, come rain or shine and helping your furry friend burn off some energy, socialise with some furry friends (if allowed) stretch those legs and sniff out an adventure!

I also love looking after your pets at home.

Living in Reading, we have many parks and walks to choose from and are always open to hearing where your fur ball loves walking the most.

I am also experienced in dealing with your family member from puppy age to those that may

be a little older and need a slower, calmer pace of life, or your pooch who may be a little shy, a little nervous or perhaps even a little grumpy.

I’m experienced and happy to use various equipment, for example, if your dog needs to be muzzled whilst walked.

I think it’s truly important to remember all dogs have different personalities and requirements, and I am happy to accommodate your dog’s individual needs.

SERVICES

Free Home Consultation

A consultation visit to your home is made before confirmation of a booking. This consultation is free of charge.

During this visit, we can discuss your requirements and the level of care you need, answer any questions you may have and take all the important details of your beloved pet/s.

We complete our paperwork with you which includes our Contract, Veterinary Release Forms, Pet and Home Profiles etc.

Most importantly we look forward to meeting both you and your best friend!

Dog Walks

As with us humans, our pets need regular and consistent exercise to live long, healthy

and happy lives.

Walking not only gets your dog the exercise they need

but it also stimulates their senses. Your dog gets to see, smell, feel

and hear all types of new and interesting things when out for a walk. Our walk can also include meeting other people or animals

which can be an excellent way to encourage socialisation for your pup, dependent on your dog’s needs and personality. As humans, we can often take for granted these brief encounters

and we can easily forget that these are frequently the highlights of our pet’s day.

Simply put, a tired dog can help lead to a calm and well-balanced dog.

Regular walking helps to release excess energy in your pup which means they will be less inclined to bark and create negative, unwanted behaviour.

Solo Walks -

We will collect your dog/dogs from your home, take them on a fun walk of 30

to 60

minutes as discussed in our Free Home Consultation

then return them to your home.

Our solo walk is great for dogs that may need individual care. Perhaps a more senior dog who likes to walk at a slower pace

or dogs recovering from illness or surgery.

The solo walks are also tailor made for dogs who may not be comfortable around other dogs and need the time and space to relax.

This walk is also ideal for

any dogs that have behavioural issues that require dedicated time and structure.

We will ensure they have fresh water during their walk and will fill up water bowls at home on our return. We’ll also towel dry your pooches before we deliver them home.

We can also feed your dog or provide medication if we have instructions to do so.

Group Walks -

Your dog(s) will be collected in our specialised van which has individual crates to ensure your dog is transported legally, safely and comfortably at all times.

We plan our schedule so that your dog is travelling for the minimum amount of time possible.

Our walks are always in a safe, dog friendly environment close to your area, we can also go on themed walks so that your dog has a change of scenery for new sniffs!

Dogs are teamed up with suitable companions to ensure they fully enjoy themselves! They will be introduced one at a time to create a calm and happy introduction. Once we are happy that they are well acquainted and enjoy each other’s company… they have fun friends for life!

We will walk a maximum of 4-5 dogs on any walk, this means we can remain safe and monitored at all times.

*We will keep your dog on a lead unless you request otherwise*

After lots of

play, fun and interaction with other dogs, your dog will be delivered back home, tired, content, happy and towel dried!

This is so important to us. At Happy Dogs, a walk is a walk. We do not take our dogs to premises with a secured field and let them run around. It’s the travelling on foot together, discovering new smells and surroundings that is so joyful for our dogs!

*For GROUP walks, it is imperative that your dog does not show any sign of aggression to other dogs and be friendly towards humans*

Home Visits

Perhaps you have a puppy that you don’t want to leave for too long, or an elderly dog who can't cross his legs for as long as they were when they were

younger?

If you don’t need your dog to be walked but have to leave them for longer than you would like during the day, Happy Dogs can help. We

offer a pet visiting service so your dog is not alone all day, and has some time being played with or fussed, or simply having a toilet break.

If you are going out for the day and will be back later than usual, work shifts which mean your dog is left over a feeding time, or have a longer than usual day at work, we can visit your pet and give him them their

meal and opportunity to go to the toilet.

Alternatively if you want to go out for the evening and will be back late, we

can visit your pet during the course of the evening and provide some TLC and a chance for your dog to go to the toilet before bed time.

We aim to be flexible wherever possible to meet your needs.

Puppy Visits -

Happy Dogs can visit your puppy while you are at work at appropriate intervals during the day. We

will spend time playing with your puppy and ensuring that they have a

chance to go to the toilet.

We

will clean up any accidents and ensure that they have

fresh water and food if needed.

We

can play with them

outside in the garden to get some fresh or can spend some valuable time

taking your puppy for a leg stretch before returning them

home. This can provide them

with a break during the day with the reassurance of knowing that your puppy

has had an opportunity to interact, play

and to go to the toilet before you come home.

Senior Dog Visits –

Elderly dogs do not necessarily need to go for a walk during the day, but may find it hard to manage without opportunity to go to the toilet.

We can give your dog a chance to go to the toilet or take they

out for a brief walk

and give them

some company before leaving them

comfortable,

with fresh water

and a secure home.

This service is ideal if you have a dog that has been left for a few hours before but is now not managing without a toilet break.

Emergency Service –

We all know there are times when we may inevitably get delayed or we may need short notice help with our pets.

Many factors can change our routine but we are here to help to make sure your pets are happy! Family emergency?

Delayed in traffic?

Work Schedule Overrunning?

Taken ill?

If you are going to be late home and need someone to check in on your dog, give us a ring or drop us a text!

We can visit your home to check on your pets, give them their dinner, take your dog out for a walk if needed, and will send you a text to let you know everything is OK. If you realise you are going to be severely delayed and need us to stay for a while, we can also pet sit for you to put your mind at rest.

Likewise, if you need to leave extra early in the morning before breakfast or morning walks – we’re happy to help.

Places We Walk

Keeping your dogs brain active is just as important as exercise so we like to visit different places around the Reading Area.

If you have any specific places that you like then please tell us.