Dogs can help families beat summer boredom, says dog care expert

With the worrying trend for increasing ‘screen time’, it is understandable that parents are in search of healthier summer family activities and dogs could be the answer!

As children begin the countdown to the long school holidays, parents everywhere will undoubtedly be fearing the dreaded ‘I’m bored’ announcement from their offspring. For families for whom dog ownership isn’t an option due to work commitments, there is now a part-time, alternative solution which allows them to get out and about with a canine companion in the local area.

Barking Mad Conwy Bangor Anglesey, a local dog sitting service provider, is currently offering animal loving families, with children aged five or above, the opportunity to join their Host Community and experience having a friendly dog to stay. Walks, play and all the fun associated with caring for a lovely pooch are included, at a time to suit the individual family.

 There is a growing trend for children to lead a largely screen based lifestyle nowadays, with smartphones and gaming consoles becoming more enticing than playing outside. A two year study funded by the government was published, which shockingly stated that,

 “12% of children (c. 1.3 million) never visited the natural environment in the previous 12 month period.”

Dogs have been proven to encourage us to exercise, get out and about more and generally improve our well-being. This has been documented by Deborah L. Wells of the School of Psychology, Queens University, Belfast, in ‘The Effects of Animals on Human Health and Well-Being’ which concluded  “This particular companion animal can contribute to a significant degree to our well-being and quality of lives.”

Karen, the owner operator of Barking Mad, which operates in Conwy, Bangor and Anglesey explains:. 

“We are currently seeking more volunteer dog cuddlers in the local area to care for dogs whose owners are away. This is an ideal opportunity for families, or teaching professionals, who cannot commit to full time dog ownership during term-time, to experience the joy and life enhancing benefits of canine companionship, at a time to suit them.

“Every Summer, Barking Mad witnesses families whose holiday time is transformed by visiting dogs. They arrive with all their own food, bedding, toys and treats, with all insurance and administration taken care of by ourselves. There is no need to provide anything other than your time and affection and a loving home environment. If you are real dog lovers and have some free time this Summer, we would love to hear from you!

“You can call 01248 800115 or visit www.barkingmad.uk.com to find out more.”