Dogs and Wellbeing: Resource Hub
Welcome
Welcome to your wellbeing hub. A little corner dedicated to celebrating the wagulous ways dogs make life brighter. From boosting our mood to encouraging us outdoors, our four-legged friends have a truly special way of supporting our mental and physical wellbeing.
Whether it’s a calming cuddle, a joyful walk, or simply their comforting presence, dogs help us slow down, stay active, and feel more connected. It’s no surprise that being around dogs can leave lasting “Pawprints of Happiness” on our lives, bringing positivity not just to us, but to everyone around us too
Resources
Why Dogs Are Good for Children’s Health and Wellbeing (Even If You Don’t Own One)
Wondering how to get your kids to stop scrolling and start strolling? We all want to get off our phones and reduce our screen time. Excessive screen time disrupts sleep, reduces attention span can worsen low mood and makes us more sedentary. But even for adults it’s hard to put our phones down. Apps are addictive, the news cycle is rapid, and social media is constantly updating, leading to fear of missing out.
This makes it twice as difficult for parents to get children away from screens.
Finding Joy Through Dogs: How BorrowMyDoggy Helped an Autistic Woman Thrive
As an autistic adult, I struggle with sensory overwhelm. I need a lot of downtime. My energy levels aren’t predictable. Being 100% responsible for another living being, every day, alongside managing my own needs, feels too much.
And I’ve learnt to listen to that.
BorrowMyDoggy gives me the benefits of having a furry friend - the cuddles, the walks, the companionship, the structure - without the full-time pressure of dog ownership.
Self love and care: Lessons from our canine companions
In the hustle and bustle of modern life, it's easy to forget the simple joys that bring us peace and happiness. But, sometimes, the best teachers of self-love and care walk on four legs, wag their tails, and greet us with boundless enthusiasm at the door.
Here are some valuable lessons our canine companions teach us about how to love ourselves and live a fuller life.
7 Pawsome benefits of borrowing a dog
Have you ever considered borrowing a dog? It's the pawfect solution for those who want to experience all the joy of having a furry friend without the long-term commitment.
So here are seven top benefits of borrowing a dog that will make you want to leash up and take a walk with your new four-legged buddy!
Dogs & mental wellbeing: therapist's advice
Thanks to our friends at Spill, the all-in-one workplace mental health support through Slack, we had a chat with their therapist Graham, all about mental wellbeing and the part dogs can play. BorrowMyDoggy and Spill both work in the wellbeing space to help improve employee mental health, something many companies have started to take action on in the past few years.
The benefits of dogs for our mental health
It’s no secret that the team at BorrowMyDoggy, like millions of others throughout the country, love spending time with dogs! Whether it’s walks, cuddles or playtime, we enjoy being with our canine companions.
Beyond their wagging tails and adorable eyes, dogs can play an important role in healing. They're not just pets; they're companions who provide emotional support and, as research is increasingly showing, mental health benefits.
Activities
Outdoor activities to do with your dog
Did you know that you can take your dog paddle boarding and kayaking? How about taking them to mini-golf or a rooftop cinema and bar? We have scoured the internet to find unique activities that you can do with your dog! Whether you are holidaying across the UK this year or looking for fun things close to home, there’s no reason to leave your dog at home.
Dog Meditation
Have you heard of mindfulness? It’s the basic human ability to be fully present, to be aware of where we are, and what we are doing, and not overly reactive or being overwhelmed by what’s going on around us.
In the current day and age, with outside stresses affecting our day to day lives, it can often be difficult to remain cool, calm and collected, and we can easily become worried or flustered on a number of different things.
Pawsitive Ways to Beat Student Stress
Being a student is a fabulous new adventure, but we all know that it can be stressful. Deadlines, exams, money worries and settling into a new routine can all feel like a lot. The good news is there are plenty of pawsitive ways to ease the load and look after yourself.
Dog Friendly Things to Do to Stay Active
Walking a dog every day makes a big difference in keeping us active, especially in our older years, according to research from the University of East Anglia and the University of Cambridge. Our own research here at BorrowMyDoggy, shows that 94% of our borrowers get more exercise by borrowing a dog. In fact the average BorrowMyDoggy borrower walks 2.4 times more steps!
Testimonials
BorrowMyDoggy Has Been a Lifesaver
“My eyes have been opened up to a whole new community of dog lovers that has guided me to give Archie the best start in life. BorrowMyDoggy has been and continues to be incredibly helpful in Archie’s socialising process as he is now only 6 months old. He loves all people and is such a happy dog and I know that is because of his positive experiences with borrowers.
My partner works full-time and I’m a student - when we first got Archie I was working less because of lectures and managed to settle him into our home relatively smoothly on my own - but bills have to be paid and dog toys need to be bought! Archie and I have met 3 lovely borrowers now, all local (one lived down the road!) and all very friendly and flexible. He goes on regular weekly walks with his newest borrower, Lindsey, helping to burn off that puppy energy - his happy face when he comes home says it all.
BorrowMyDoggy has been a lifesaver for me and my partner as a young working couple - it's such a small amount to pay for such an incredible experience with both owners and borrowers having their needs met through their passion for dogs - thank you BorrowMyDoggy!”
- Archie’s owner, Claire.
BorrowMyDoggy is Life Changing
“BorrowMyDoggy is life changing - it's great for dogs and it's great for people.”
After owning a dog for 13 years, Cathy joined BorrowMyDoggy to fill the dog-shaped hole in her life. Now she helps take care of the adorable Miniature Schnauzer puppy, Fuggle, and has “gotten to know her like she’s my own dog”.