It is more then just food and shelter.
We believe in creating a balance between care, training, and honoring what dogs naturally need to feel fulfilled. A happy, healthy dog depends on us to meet both its basic needs and its natural instincts and behaviors.
What Are a Dog's Natural Needs?
Dogs still carry many instincts from their wild ancestors. Meeting these needs helps prevent stress, frustration, and unwanted behavior. Here are the core natural needs every dog has:
1. Physical Exercise
Dogs require regular physical activity to stay fit and healthy, such as:
- Daily walks: on leash neighborhood walks, natural walks, "training" walks. multiple short walks for puppies and older dogs.
- Playtime: Play with other dogs, ball games, puzzle games, hike seek,
- Running or structured exercise: jogging, swimming, agility, tracking, canicross for high-energy dogs.
2. Mental Stimulation
Dogs need mental challenges as much as physical ones, including:
- Training and learning new commands: atleast basic commands.
- Puzzle toys and food games: did you know these are better for your dog that multiple long walks a day?
- Scent work: finding treats or there fav toy, tracking, trailing, detection, search and rescue.
3. Social Interaction
Dogs thrive with social interaction through:
- Spending time with people
- xperiencing positive social situations
- Interacting with other dogs: Beware of the number of dogs and your dog's behavour. To many dogs can harm you dog mentaly more then you want.
Basic rule for play area, where +/- 20 dogs can play at the same time, a minimum size of 1000 square meters is recommended. This gives the dogs ample space to run, play, rest and do their business without disturbing each other. One area at HDCC is 1300 square meter for maximum of 20 dogs
4. Freedom to Sniff and Explore
Allowing your dog to sniff during walks is essential. Dogs read the world through scent.
5. Rest and Sleep
Dogs require much more rest than people realize:
- Adult dogs: 12–14 hours per day
- Puppies and seniors: 18–20 hours per day
6. Safety and Security
Dogs need to feel safe in their environment through:
- Clear routines and structure
- A calm, consistent home
- Safe spaces to retreat to
7. Proper Nutrition and Health Care
Healthy food, fresh water, regular vet checks, and grooming are essential to a dog's overall well-being.
Why These Needs Matter
Meeting these natural needs strengthens the bond between dog and owner and leads to a calmer, happier life for both. Our programs include physical activity, mental stimulation, rest, social contact, and plenty of sniffing time.
Happy Dog = Happy Life
Respect the nature of your dog, and you’ll have a loyal, balanced companion by your side.