Man’s best friend – the phrase commonly used to describe pet dogs because of their notorious characteristics of loyalty, friendship and companionship – one of the main reasons people get a dog in the first place is to enjoy the company they bring. Taking regular walks or finding an alternative hobby for you both to enjoy will get your friendship off to a great start, and finding new activities isn’t just joyful for us as dog owners, but for our canine companions too.
Like with all activities, the joy can soon fade if it begins to feel like a chore, so if you find yourself sighing every time you pick up the lead from its hook then it is probably time to think of a new activity for you and your dog to enjoy. Whether you’re an active, sporty, artsy or leisurely type, there’s an activity out there just waiting for you and your pet pooch to find (you may enjoy a variety of hobbies that you never even realised could include your dog).
It takes two
If you’re the type that’s always on the move, you can bet your bottom dollar that your dog can keep up too. For active folks, there are a handful of activities we think your dog can make so much more enjoyable including:
- Walking (unsurprisingly): if you and your dog both love the outdoors then why not make a hobby out of it… there’s no telling where you’ll go! Just remember to take plenty of water with you (for the two of you) and a portable dog bowl.If you fancy a challenge, take your dog with you whilst you go jogging or cycling. With a little training, dogs can run alongside you providing companionship during your exercise workout, giving them a more intense leg stretch that keeps them fit, healthy and gets them worn out and ready for bed in the evening.
It’s no secret or clever suggestion that dogs like walks and runs, but you’d be surprised at how many of us are so used to trekking alone that we don’t even think to bring our furry friends along. Long walks, runs or cycles are much more enjoyable when you have company, and you’ll both benefit from the quality time together in the fresh outdoors. Both you and your dog can motivate one another to keep going just that bit further or onto a new path you’ve not yet explored.
Tip – aside from water, make sure to always pack weather-appropriate gear for the both of you and check for tics after particularly bushy adventures.
- A game of football or frisbee: why not tweak a game of fetch into a more elaborate game of football or frisbee with your pooch? Most dogs love chasing a ball, but few people know you can actually train them to join us in a game of footie; encourage your dog to chase and run with the ball rather than just holding onto it and running off is one way they can get involved.
Frisbees are also shaped well for mouth catching (or at least chasing). Think ‘piggie-in-the-middle’ and invite your friends to join too – you could even get a mini-tournament going!
Tip – ensure you’re in a spot appropriate for off-lead activities and your dog is well-trained enough to be off the lead (we wouldn’t want any unsportsmanlike disagreements now, would we!).
While there are many different types of physical activities dogs and their owners can get involved in, there are a number of hobbies for those looking for a more leisurely experience too, including:
- Artsy Barksy: move over Banksy, we’ve got ourselves a Barksy! Dogs can get involved in a variety of hobbies including the more artistic endeavours such as photography.
Many dogs seem to enjoy posing for the camera – it’s a bit of fun but you can get some fantastic shots of them. Ask yourself, ‘‘what’s the first thing that comes to mind when I think about my dog?’’ Maybe it’s their dangling tongue, sassy attitude (very common in the smaller breeds we’ve noticed!) or their playful nature – try to capture that essence. Snap a shot in their most natural habitat and state whether that’s tongue out or sprawled across the lawn sleeping. You’ll soon have quite the collection!
Try to get down on their level and really capture things from their reference points. Backgrounds should contrast their fur so their figure stands out and makes them the heart of the photo. Remember that eyes tell a story and photographs allow us to see who our dogs really are, so aim to center the eyes and personality in every shot.
Tip – keep in mind that patience may run out and treats are a great way to maintain focus and reward a great pose! Oh, and don’t forget to ditch the flash as not only can it distort photos, but it can be quite distressing for your model pooch.
- Performance and training: you can teach a dog to do lots of fun things, many of which are functional and practical and some that are purely entertaining and performative. Why not work on a routine of tricks and give your friends and family a show?
Remember how much fun it was to create dance routines or fight scenes with your friends growing up? Well, you can have the same fun with your dog today with a choreographed show of impressive tricks. The process is guaranteed to be a great way to bond with your pet and it will help to introduce structure and obedience training as well.
Training in a class is also a great way for you and your dog to socialise and make new friends (maybe collect an audience?). Training a dog may sound tough, but it can be great fun especially if it is done within a class of other like-minded people. Meeting other dog owners can be a good way to meet new friends too, and it’s good to socialise dogs with other people and animals as early on in their lives as possible to encourage a more docile and friendly nature.
- A day out: dogs are up for anything… Excursions? Check! Napping buddy? Check! Playtime in the garden? Check! Dogs just want to be anywhere that you are, but everyone needs a change of scenery once in a while so why not find a hobby that takes you and your pooch away for the day such as a trip to a new park that’s a little further afield than your average trip. Or, on those days you plan on relaxing, maybe a beach trip or a lie down under a tree with your four-pawed pal – they’ll happily help you conquer that picnic basket or wade in the lake.
A dog-friendly day out is a great source of mutual enjoyment and can involve picnics in the park or even a short holiday – dogs can tag along on holidays too you know, just remember to check that your destination accepts pets.
Tip – wherever you go and whatever you get up to, remember to bring with you plenty of food/snacks and water for you and our canine companion, a dog bed to encourage them to relax in the car or in your holiday home for the weekend, and bring enough toys to keep them stimulated and well-behaved while you have a well-earned rest!
With owning a dog comes companionship so make the most of your time together with a hobby you can sink your teeth into (not literally… although your dog might if that hobby is football!). Fresh air, exercise, mental stimuli and companionship are the key ingredients to a happy and healthy canine and best friend relationship! Whether it’s a game of footie, dog agility class, doga (dog-friendly yoga) or a trip to your favourite pet store, finding new activities for the two of you will only strengthen your bond, keep your brains active and hearts full.