This year is likely to be a tough one in terms of the pinch on our wallets, but that doesn't mean that you and your pooch can't have some new, exciting, and free adventures! Take a peek at some of our ideas you can do together below!
1. Take your dog on a scavenger hunt
Scavenger hunts are a fun and exciting activity for both dogs and their owners. To get started, create a list of items for your dog to find, such as a toy, a specific type of leaf, or even, when they have worked up to it...a certain colour of rock! Then, take your dog for a walk and encourage them to use their nose to locate and retrieve the items on the list. You can make the game more challenging by hiding the items in harder to reach places or by adding more items to the list!
This is the gorgeous @pearlthewhippet searching in her garden for our Easter Egg Hunt goodies a few years ago.
2. Try out some canine-friendly yoga
Yoga is not just for humans – dogs can benefit from it too! To get started, find a flat, open space where you and your dog can stretch out and relax. Then, follow along with a yoga video or instructor and encourage your dog to mimic your movements. You can also try incorporating some basic obedience commands, such as sit and down, into your yoga session. Not only is this activity great for physical fitness, but it can also help improve your bond with your dog.
I really enjoy the videos by Adriene, who usually has her furry sidekick Benji lounging around to boot. (And he is adorable!)
3. Have a picnic in the park
Pack up a lunch and some treats for your dog and head to your local park for a picnic. Why not pack a frisbee too? Not only is this a fun way to spend the day, but it’s also a great opportunity for your dog to socialise with other dogs and people. Just be sure to clean up after yourself and your dog and follow any park rules and regulations.
4. Go on a photo safari
Grab your camera and take your dog on a photo safari through your neighbourhood or a nearby park. Look for interesting subjects to photograph, such as flowers, trees, or animals, and encourage your dog to pose with them. This activity is a great way to get creative and have fun with your furry friend. If you fancy getting some photography tips on how to make your pooch stand out, why not check out the incredibly talented Kerry Jordan (https://www.furandfables.com/) and her top tips for photographing your dog? (You can find all the tips on her Instagram profile!)
5. Host a play date with other dogs
Invite some of your dog’s friends over for a play date at your house or in a local dog park. Not only is this a fun activity for your dog, but it’s also a great opportunity for them to socialise with other dogs and burn off some energy. Just be sure to supervise the play date and intervene if any roughhousing gets out of hand!
