Sensory Garden
Our sensory garden has been carefully designed to provide further enrichment and stimulation for your dog(s) whilst at the paddock. The garden is made up of a variety of different smells and textures to engage all the senses.
Research suggests that regular sniffing can reduce stress, anxiety and reactive behaviour. Why not try scattering some of your dog's favourite treats among the logs or stones and watch them use their nose to find them?
Did you know that dogs choose plants to self-medicate based on their physiological and psychological needs? We have plants with relaxation properties to help anxious, hyperactive or stressed dogs, plants for skin irritation or stomach upsets, hormonal imbalance, digestive or urinary problems and inflammation. They might decide to smell a plant, or they may wish to ingest it.
Depending on the time of year, these are some of the plants you may find at Walkies Secure Dog Paddock
Catnip: not just for cats! This has relaxation properties and stimulates playfulness in dogs
Chamomile: dogs suffering from anxiety or skin/stomach upsets will be attracted to this plant’s scent
Clary sage: good for highly strung animals and those with hormonal imbalance
Hops: a calming plant often selected by hyperactive and stressed dogs
Lavender: helps to reduce anxiety and other nervous conditions
Marigolds: dogs experiencing grief or emotional distress will often sniff out this plant
Mint: good for cooling properties and will often be selected by dogs who suffer from skin irritations
Rosemary: beneficial for your dog’s digestive tract. It can help to keep bad bacteria out of their guts, which can cause gastrointestinal infections and issues like indigestion
Thyme: chosen by animals with bacterial infections, skin irritations and diarrhoea
Valerian: often selected by anxious dogs for its calming effect
Vervain: valuable for treating and nourishing nervous system disorders such as depression
Violets: Nervous dogs or those who have recently changed home may enjoy sniffing this plant