Three Quarters of UK Dogs Show Signs of Poor Mental Health

Why are so many dogs in the UK depressed?

According to a recent piece on Country Living Magazine, ‘Three Quarters of UK Dogs Show Signs of Poor Mental Health’ and most dog owners don’t even realise.

“According to new research from the Guide Dogs, nearly three quarters of UK dogs show signs of poor mental health, while 8.8 million pups exhibit behaviour indicating anxiety or depression regularly.” Country Living

“Findings also discovered that a quarter of owners admit they didn’t realise a dog could suffer poor mental health, with many assuming they are happy all the time.” Country Living

Is Your Dog Feeling Blue? How to Support Your Dog’s Wellbeing

Just like people, dogs can experience periods where they seem low in mood. While “dog depression” isn’t always a medical diagnosis, experts agree that changes in behaviour, routine, stress, loneliness or a lack of mental stimulation can all affect a dog’s emotional wellbeing. If these changes are sudden or persistent, it’s always important to speak to your vet first to rule out any underlying health problems.

At Dogs Country Club, we’ve been helping dogs live happier, healthier lives since 2015, and one thing we’ve learned over the years is this:

Happy dogs need more than just walks. They need opportunities to play, learn, socialise and use their incredible brains.

If you’re looking for ways to boost your dog’s wellbeing in Lowton, Warrington, Leigh, Wigan, Bolton, Manchester, Liverpool or the surrounding areas, we’d love to help.

Could Your Dog Be Feeling Low?

Please consider your dog’s weekly routine, and behaviour. Our expert Dog Training & Behaviour Team here at Dogs Country Club provided insight that some behaviours which we may see as normal may actually be signs of poor mental health. There tends to be two significant aresa –

These behaviours may be present when you’re home:

– Needy Behaviour
– Persisently pestering you
– Constantly following you
– Attention seeking behaviours

It’s is highly likely that your dog is trying to communicate that they are desperately in need of mental stimulation. It can be misunderstood that your dog has missed you or just likes attention.

There are also dogs which display these behaviours:

– Your dog doesn’t do much
– They rarely play without you engaging in play with them
– They sleep – a lot!

It’s very likely that your dog is withdrawn and in need of more enrichment to their weekly routine. It can be misunderstood that your dog is lazy or doesn’t like playing. Even older and senior dogs need daily enrichment.

One of the Best Things for Dogs? Spending Time with Other Dogs

Dogs are naturally social animals.

While every dog is different, many thrive when they have safe, positive opportunities to interact with other friendly dogs.

That’s exactly why our Doggy Play Sessions have become one of the most loved activities here at Dogs Country Club.

Across our 13 acres of secure countryside, dogs get to:

Run freely in our secure meadow fields
Make doggy friends
Burn off energy naturally
Practise appropriate social skills
Build confidence
Simply enjoy being dogs!

Unlike uncontrolled dog park environments, our play sessions are:

✅ Friendly dogs only

✅ Carefully supervised

✅ Led by our experienced Dog Training Team

That means your dog enjoys all the benefits of social play in a safe, positive environment. Many owners tell us their dogs come home happily tired, relaxed and content after their sessions. Visit our Doggy Play Sessions page to find our all the different breed meets and dog play dates available here!

Before & After

Training Isn’t Just About Behaviour — It’s Brilliant for Wellbeing Too

One of the biggest myths we hear is: “My dog doesn’t need training because they’re already well behaved.” We couldn’t disagree more!

Training is one of the best forms of enrichment you can give your dog.

Dogs genuinely love learning alongside the people they love most.

When you train together, your dog is:

Solving problems
Using their brain
Building confidence
Learning to make good choices
Strengthening their relationship with you

And owners often notice something wonderful happening too…

– Their dog starts checking in with them more on walks.
– They look to them for guidance.
– Communication improves.
– You become more connected.
– It’s about building a partnership—not just teaching commands.

Before & After

Scentwork: One of the Best Enrichment Activities for Dogs

If we had to recommend a class that almost every dog enjoys… and not many dog parents think of – It would be Scentwork.

Dogs experience the world through their noses, so giving them opportunities to sniff, search and solve scent puzzles is incredibly rewarding. Our popular Sniffer Dog classes provide fantastic mental stimulation that’s surprisingly tiring (you’re welcome!).

Even better? You’ll leave with games and activities you can continue at home, helping your dog enjoy regular enrichment throughout the week.

A mentally fulfilled dog is often a calmer, happier dog.

Wellbeing Is About More Than Exercise

Many owners think a longer walk is the answer.

But dogs need a balance of:

Physical exercise
Mental stimulation
Social interaction
Learning opportunities
Rest
Positive experiences with their people

When these needs are met regularly, many dogs become more settled, more confident and more fulfilled.

Worried About Your Dog’s Wellbeing?

If your dog doesn’t quite seem themselves, don’t ignore your instincts. Sometimes a little extra enrichment, social time or learning something new can make a real difference—but it’s also important to have your vet check for any medical causes if the changes are new or persistent.

If you’d like to help your dog feel happier, more fulfilled and more connected with you, we’d love to welcome you to our community.

Why not:

🐾 Join one of our Doggy Play Sessions

🐾 Explore our Training Classes, including Scentwork, Puppy Training and fun group sessions

🐾 Or book a 15-minute phone consultation with one of our friendly Dog Training Team members to chat about your dog’s wellbeing and find the best next step.

Because every dog deserves to feel happy, confident and loved—and every dog parent deserves support too.

A Dog-Loving Community in the Heart of the North West

Since opening in 2015, we’ve welcomed thousands of dogs and their families to Dogs Country Club. We’ve built a welcoming, supportive community where dogs and their people can enjoy spending time together.

Whether you’re joining us for:

…our friendly team is here to support you every step of the way.

We’re based in Lowton, making us easily accessible from: