Six Top Activities To Enjoy With Your Canine Companion

PictureBy Jack Titmuss of Time for Paws

When it comes to a man’s best friend, there is nothing dog owners want more than to interact with their pooch and take part in lots of activities with them to build upon that special bond. 

As a dog owner, your pet’s mental and physical wellbeing are top of your agenda, and there are a host of activities you and your pooch can enjoy which will not only enrich your dog’s life but which you can enjoy too.

With boredom and excess energy being two main factors leading to behavioural problems in dogs, we’ve compiled some of our favourite fun activities that will channel your dog’s energy, keep you both active and maintain that precious bond.

Frisbee  
What better way to exercise your dog’s brain and body than by taking part in this fantastic form of exercise?

A favourite amongst canines, many dogs love nothing more than leaping high in the air to chase the flying disc and enjoying the sense of achievement after mastering the perfect catch.

Whether it’s just the two of you or you embark on an organised ‘disc dog’ competition, you and your pooch are sure to love this extremely fun and enjoyable outdoor activity.

Frisbee games are ideally suited to lean dogs who weigh less than 50 pounds.

Hiking 
Dogs adore exploration and discovering new things. What could be better than taking to the great outdoors, letting your pooch roam free to embark on exciting hiking adventures by your side?

The UK boasts a host of dog-friendly country parks with plenty of picturesque nature trails and routes you can both explore.

You could even pack a local map and make a day of it by stopping for a picnic to break up your hike.

With plenty to uncover and explore, it is easy to see why hiking is a popular choice for dog and owner alike.

Flyball 
Take four hurdles, a tennis ball and a spring-loaded launcher, combine them with an excitable pooch, and you have flyball.

Your dog will love racing over the hurdles to catch the ball before racing back to the start for more.

If your pooch’s favourite activity is chasing a ball, they are sure to love flyball.

A superb way to burn excess energy, flyball also teaches interaction with other dogs, as they can take part in races in larger groups.

Obedience Training 
What better way to spend time together teaching, learning and practising than by taking part in obedience training?

All dogs should receive some form of obedience training, though its duration and intensity are in the hands of the dog’s owner.

Obedience training helps to hone a close and healthy relationship between you and your dog, opens a clear line of communication between the two of you and sets rules to help educate your dog.

Better communication and a stronger bond are just some of the benefits you and your dog will enjoy as a result of attending obedience training.

Holiday Time 
Everyone loves a holiday, and pooches are no exception.

With a host of dog-friendly B&Bs and hotels nationwide, it is easier than ever to enjoy your well-deserved holiday with your dog by your side.

Whatever your holiday preference, your dog is sure to enjoy going on an adventure with you, giving you plenty of time to practise your frisbee throwing and enjoying lengthy hikes together.

Tracking 
Most of us have fond recollections of playing hide-and-seek as children. Why not relive the memory by playing this fun game with your dog using a toy or item of clothing?

As well as adding an additional fun element to the game, the item or toy acts as a tracker challenge for your dog, keeping them mentally alert and always guessing.

If you’re tough enough to brave the cold weather, try hiding a glove with a treat inside under the surface of the snow during winter months.

It’s A Dog’s Life 
These six top tips offer practical ideas to help enrich your dog’s life, look after their physical and mental well-being and reduce the chance of behavioural problems arising in the future.

Regular interaction with your dog will not only keep you both smiling but will also encourage your close relationship to blossom even more.

sp


Spread the love