They say dogs are often like their owners. After enough time, one of them invariably turns into the other! If you’re an all-out adventurer, the chances are, you’ll raise your pup to be one too.
For a great segue into health and fitness, plus the chance to improve that bond, check out these adventures to take with your dog.
Running
The best thing about running with your dog is that it will never have any excuses – unlike your running partner! Naturally, larger breeds are more accustomed to running, such as Labradors, Boxers and Border Collies.
If you’re feeling really adventurous, you could even try trail running, which lends itself best to Doberman Pinschers, Viszlas and German Shepherds. Start with easy runs up to around two miles.
Larger breeds should comfortably be able to handle six miles, but always check with your vet first.
Cycling
If your dog can run with you, it can cycle with you. In fact, the Greyhound can run up to a staggering 45mph – that’s three or even four times road cycling speed!
Of course, you won’t be going anywhere near road speed when cycling with your dog. You need to think about your safety, your dog’s, and other cyclists’.
Invest in a handsfree cycling belt which can be tied around your waist, plan your route ahead of time and take regular breaks. This activity will require a little training, but given time you’ll be surprise by how much fun this activity will turn for the both of you.
Check out our top 5 tips when biking with your dog for more information.
Hiking
Some dogs were just born for getting out in the fresh air, like the Bernese Mountain Dog. If you want to have a go at hiking with your dog, start by establishing your dogs fitness levels.
You could try the above mentioned trail runs or a little gentle hill running. Once you’re out in the woods, make sure you’ve got enough water and keep your eyes open for any hazards like poisonous plants or sharp thorns.
Take a dog first aid kit with you at all times to be extra safe.
Camping
If you just can’t stay away from your best friend, why should you have to? There are plenty of ways you can take your dog camping with you – it’s simply a case of looking out for its safety.
Again, any dogs here that are great for hiking, like Siberian Huskies and Labrador Retrievers, will take to the woods like a duck to water. Most camping sites will be dog friendly, though they will ask you to keep your canine friend on the lead for the safety of all the visitors.
Smaller breeds, meanwhile, may need to be more closely monitored because of outdoor threats, but if you’re not planning on doing any strenuous activity, there’s no reason why they can’t enjoy the great outdoors with you.
You should always bring a stocked up dog first aid kit and essentials for you, plus additional food and drink supplies.
Dog obstacle course
This is a great one if you want to train up you and your dog. You can start simple by laying out a few cones – picture the ones you used to use on sports day at school.
Run around in and out of the cones to improve your dog’s agility, then practise sprints at larger distances. Once you’ve built your confidence up with this, you can get creative. You can use makeshift steps for your dog to jump over, or even invest in full dog obstacle course sets.
The most comprehensive sets have tunnels, hoops and all sorts of fun. A double bonus – they will be just as entertaining for the kids.
Musical canine freestyle
This is one of those dog friendly activities that’s also great for encouraging obedience! Relatively new, it involves teaching your dog tricks, dance moves and a few simple commands.
That makes it perfect for dogs of any breed and size. Think of it like dressage for pups. You can train your pooch to do ‘heelwork’ to music – walking around holding its paws while it goes on its back legs.
Musical freestyle, meanwhile, involves jumping, spinning, rolling over and even bowing. It provides hours of fun and you can choose your own music. If you’re really serious, you can even enter your pup into competitions.
Dog rallies
Did somebody say competition? If your pooch deserves an extra special lot of attention, then why not enter it into a dog rally?
These competitive events involve the owner running around stations with the dog in tow. Instead of being based on the judges’ call, the owner is in charge.
You have to follow up to 20 signs around a course. As it’s all about obedience, you need to demonstrate that your pup can follow instructions by navigating its way around.
There are three difficulty levels – novice, advanced and excellent. While these are open to all breeds, the most obedient tend to be Doberman Pinschers, Papillions and Border Collies.
Flyball competitions
Keeping up with the competitive theme, flyball is one of the most fun dog activities out there.
If you’ve never tried it, the sport basically involves a set of obstacles before the dog catches a ball.
Your pup will make its way over hurdles until it reaches the end. When it lands on a pressure pad, a tennis ball will be released for your pup to catch. It then runs the ball back to you.
This hilarious sport is played in teams of four, and there are no limits on the size or breed – the obstacles are made to size, so small enough for even little dogs.
Kayaking
Hear us out on this one. It sounds outrageous, but with the right training, you could even see your pooch enjoying the water as much as you do.
Of course, your dog isn’t going to be pulling on the oars with you, but should sit comfortably in front of you. Take the time to help pup get used to the kayak – the prospect of sitting in a pool of water may not sound appealing at first! Get them use to the Kayak on dry land, and that they have to sit still when on the boat.
When you’re ready to go out, start off in flat water conditions. You should always carry a personal flotation device for your dog – little lifejackets that can make all the difference. Stick to one kayak only, and take a friend if you can.
Never approach waters you wouldn’t be confident to paddle in. Your dog will love the chance to take in the sights and smells. Stick to smaller breeds that won’t risk capsizing the boat and make sure you have their obedience down to a T.
Surfing or Paddle Boarding
We’ve probably all seen hilarious internet memes of dogs in sunglasses on surfboards. However, when taken seriously, surfing is a great way to build up your dog’s balance and strength! You’ll need to start slowly with this, of course, particularly if your pup is not used to swimming in the sea.
Incorporate a few swims into your daily walks and then he/she will be able to take on the waves.
Again, apply a canine flotation device and use a special dog surfboard. You’ll need to get your pup used to the surfboard by practising at home on the sand.
Then, progress up slowly to softer white waves. Keep your dog in the middle of the board to stop them falling off. It may be easier to start off to see on a Paddle Board as these tend to be larger and wider for your pup to get use to whilst navigating the ocean.
Always keep plenty of freshwater on hand. Saltwater can dehydrate your dog, and you don’t want to risk stomach upsets.
It’s not just for humans…
Most of the fun activities available to dogs are a great chance for you to get active too. Getting active will strengthen your bond and help you to get fit, whatever the weather. Don’t be afraid to be adventurous!
