We have a dog usually for a reason; and most likely it’s companionship – so don’t forget to spend time with him (or her). There are so many fun activities you can do with your dog; it’s just a matter of including him. I’ll say ‘him’ throughout … but you get it; him or her. : )
Fun Activities with Your Dog
- Be a tourist in your town or suburb or city. Check out places you might normally go to, it might be a local walking track, your city, park or something more. Fresh new places make ‘walkies’ interesting for both of you. Don’t forget to take some water if it’s a hot day and, of course, remember if it is hot, don’t burn his feet on hot pavement. If you couldn’t walk on it barefoot; then although he’s got tougher pads … it might be better to wait till it’s early or later in the day. Add in a treat – a snag, puppaccino or a small ice cream to round off your day out.
- Go for a bush walk; outside is lovely and it will likely have lots of fresh and new smells; just be aware of where you go and that it’s dog allowed; some councils don’t allow dogs (even on leash) in certain spots, so be aware of your locality. Same goes for the beach; there are some beach areas that you sadly cannot take your dog – even on lead.
- Include him in even little trips. Especially if he’s an older dog and wouldn’t normally follow you to the clothes line or litter box, encourage him to get up and join you. Who knows, whilst he’s stopping for a toilet break, you might even stop to ‘smell the roses’.
- Organise a play date with friends who also have dogs; nothing beats catch up with friends.
- My dogs have always loved gardening. And yes, they often get a little in the way, but it’s good fun to smell fresh dirt and share the time outside together. Grab a little fresh air together and some vitamin D … you both need it.
- Off-leash parks can be great fun for dogs; but take care. Ensure your dog is vaccinated; as you don’t want him catching parvo or some other problem. Also, be aware that if your dog is a little quieter, then being off-lead can at times be stressful, especially if there are some other more boisterous dogs. I often suggest you go when it’s quieter with a friend so he can play with a compatible and friendly dog, without a lead.
- Go for a jog together … but just like humans, if he’s a little out of condition, or younger, build up the distance (and speed) slowly and regularly. Exercise is great, and he’ll love it; just try to be consistent and don’t allow him to overheat.
- Take him for a cycle – this is absolutely with the warning of take care. You’re on a bike; so can go faster and further – be very conscious of his limitations. He won’t tell you it’s killing him, because he’s just so happy to be with you – so you need to be sensible and ensure he’s not over exerted. Again, like walking, build it up. Even when you go out for a run or cycle, build it up gradually within the session, so he gets to warm up, and warm down.
- Stock up on doggie toys and play with him with these. I have a basket in my lounge, when even my older dog will investigate every so often. My grand puppy loves it; lots of interesting and fun things in there – so he’s got something to do and doesn’t need to chew my shoes or raid the toilet paper. A toy is great for a dog, but even better is someone to play with it. There are lots of options for price-friendly options you can make yourself. Sometimes simple things like an empty milk container (the plastic ones, not the cardboard and of course not glass).
- Take your dog to work. Some workplaces will allow pets and these days with COVID and many people working from home, they often go to work every day. Good work practice means you take regular little mini breaks. Instead of sitting on your phone in your break, take your dog outside and have a mini walk. Whilst he might love a full half-hour walk, why not a few shorter walks throughout the day?
- Have some fun with pics and posting them of your pooch. Mind you, that is probably more for you – but if it gives you pleasure, I’m sure you doggie will be happy that you’re happy. : )
- Dogs love training or learning new tricks. I think it’s partially they get to exercise their minds and be challenged, plus I think it’s the fact they are spending time with their loved ones. A well-trained dog is a pleasure to spend time with, plus I’m sure the mental agility stimulates them too. I know I’ve been taking my grand puppy to dog obedience class and he loves it. He also sleeps super well those nights.
- Play hide and seek. Dogs have nose receptors that are absolutely heaps more powerful than ours. They can smell our footprints and even tell which print is new or older. They can smell handprints and more. It’s good exercise for them, plus fun to play. Try making it harder, by hiding in closets, or walking on a towel and then picking it up, to make it a little harder. Start easier and as they get the swing of the game, then make it harder. Of course, lots of praise and ‘good boys’ makes it a joy for them too.
- Visiting the groomer is good for their health and keeping them in good condition and clean, but you can make it fun and a treat. Even the trip to our vet is usually fun. I can’t promise Caesar has enjoyed every trip, but for the vaccinations and health checks, ‘Doc’ provides so many pats and tweets, it’s a fun drive in the car. Remember to try and make the trip to the vet a good thing, and if it’s often negative, maybe going just for a hello and weight session (check your vet is ok with that) will not always mean it’s a negative trip.
- Many dogs love the water. My big boy even rides the front of my kayak. If you’re not staying close to shore (or it’s a bit more choppy where you are, consider a life jacket). Also swimming and chasing a ball into the water. Fun++++
- Maybe just watching TV together or meditating or yoga. And hey, if you’re on the floor and that’s the message of ‘play time’ well, does that really matter?
- Special training. Special training like fly-ball or agility are great ways for you to get out and for both of you to have fun. Great exercise, mental stimulation and social contact with other dogs and people.
- Family sport. Who doesn’t love watching their kids play sport (I still go watch my 25-year-old play footy on occasion) and will regularly take my best friend. Of course, be aware of your environment, small children, lots of people and noise. You know what works for your dog. Theo and I did this a few weeks back and he loved seeing all those footballs, just couldn’t understand why they kick them at him.
As you can see, there are soooo many fun things you can do with your four-legged best friend – big or small. ; )