Keeping calm and carrying on with life as a dog owner

PLEASE WALK YOUR DOGS RESPONSIBLY AND ACCORDING TO THE GOVERNMENT’S ADVICE AND GUIDELINES TO PREVENT THE SPREAD OF CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)

What strange times we are living in right now. Whether you are self-isolating already, preparing to do so, or anything in between, one key piece of advice we've taken from the World Health Organisation is to continue exercising and getting out in the fresh air. We all need it and so do our dogs - for our physical health and mental well-being.

Spending time outdoors and being around animals can have lots of positive effects, according to mental health charity MIND. These include:

• improving your mood

• reducing feelings of stress and anger

• helping you feel more relaxed

• providing an escape from daily concerns

• improving your confidence and self esteem

• improving your physical health and

• helping you be more active

Under normal circumstances, getting out in the fresh air with your dogs can also help you make new friends. But with the current state of affairs, due to concerns about Coronavirus, we are being encouraged to socially distance ourselves from all but our nearest and dearest. This doesn’t stop you from shouting hello to other dog walkers, however, so the camaraderie that comes with owning and walking your dog can still be enjoyed. Just be wary of getting any closer than one metre to anyone you don’t know well enough to categorically know whether they are ill or not.

Here at Harbour Hounds we've not stopped going to the park, the beach and other places we normally walk our dogs - we're just making sure we do so safely, maintaining a safe distance from other people.

We have, like many others, had to pause plans to attend some events this year, as organisers are forced to cancel shows and exhibitions, to adhere to guidance that people should not gather in large numbers.

For more information about Harbour Hounds, our range of accessories for dogs and their owners visit the Harbour Hounds website www.harbourhounds.com or contact us on woof@harbourhounds.com