Puppy therapy in Haywards Heath boosts wellbeing

Lydia Watkinson is a dog groomer who has launched Puppy Therapy Sussex.

She said: “My whole life is dogs. From my work, I always get puppy therapy, and I thought, other people can benefit from this.”

So far Lydia has run five sessions, in studios in Haywards Heath and Hassocks, using puppies which are yet to be homed. So far, the sessions have included miniature poodles and cockapoos.

Lydia says spending time with puppies is such a positive thing (Image: Supplied) So far, the sessions have proved particularly beneficial for SEND children.

Lydia said: “We have some SEND kids who are now becoming regulars. Parents are really pleased. SEND children can be quite excitable or anxious but when they get into the pen with the puppies they completely change.”

Lydia recently offered a free session to a boy with incurable cancer and his brothers, after she was scouted by a charity.

Although the sessions have proven particularly popular with children, Lydia said the sessions are “not just for kids”.

Puppies are sourced from breeders before they are homed (Image: Supplied) She said: “Mental health issues are on the rise and it’s such a positive thing.”

Puppies have to be a minimum of eight weeks old and are sourced from “reputable” breeders to be “loved and cuddled before going to their homes”.

Lydia said: “It’s good for the puppies – a well socialised puppy is a well-behaved puppy.”

On December 15 Lydia is running a Christmas event with English bulldog puppies, and a chance to meet Father Christmas at Studio no6 in Hassocks.