Stargazing, climbing mountains and visiting landmarks are among the top recommendations on a new must-do list of activities for dog owners in 2023.
Travel platform, Dog Furiendly has teamed up with Admiral Pet Insurance to create an exciting list of must-do activities for dogs, each month packed with enriching experiences and budget-friendly ideas.
The list of monthly experiences allows dog owners to see past weekends on the sofa, and inspires them to try something new together.
Founder of Dog Furiendly Adele Pember said, “As a nation of dog lovers, we all know that the life of a dog can seem all too fleeting. The must-do activity list aims to empower dog owners to make the most of their time together and to celebrate each living moment through enriching experiences.”
Pritpal Powar, Head of Admiral Pet, said, “One of the biggest joys of having a dog is all the adventures you get to have with them. This list of must-do activities has so many great ideas to help dog owners have more quality time with their dogs, which has a great impact on wellbeing, both for themselves and their furry friends.”
Since the rise in pets born and raised through COVID-19 and the lockdown, vet practices are seeing a rise in cases of separation anxiety. A study from animal experts at Hartpury University suggests that approximately five million dogs are left at home alone for a variable number of hours every weekday.
In the UK, up to 80% of dogs exhibit undesirable behaviours, with up to 40% referred to behavioural clinics being diagnosed with separation anxiety.
Adele continues, “How would you feel if your dogs went out for a great big adventure without you? Perhaps they’ve had a nice meal in a pub, and visited a museum while you’ve been stuck at home, with nothing to do and nobody to talk to. Well, I’m sure you can imagine how a dog with separation anxiety feels. Not only do they suffer from a lack of mental stimulation, but a sadness that they’re not with the people they love, and no understanding of why.
The dog friendly travel market is bigger than ever, and in 2023 there will be many more opportunities to create memorable moments together that will last a lifetime.”
So, what’s on the activity list for 2023?
Get fit with your dog
To live and maintain a healthy lifestyle, both humans and dogs need mental stimulation and physical exercise. It’s been proven that having a healthy exercise routine can be easier to stick to when you have a friend to do it with. Well, there’s no better friend than your dog! Getting fit with your dog can be instrumental in improving emotional wellbeing, which in turn prevents problems with mental health.
There are a range of physical activities you can take part in and enjoy together. Try a free online fitness challenge together, or discover a new dog sport such as Canicross, Bikejoring, Agility, Heelwork to Music or Doga (dog yoga).
Be charitable together
Share the love in February, by volunteering or doing random acts of kindness together with your dog. Does your dog have what it takes to be a therapy dog? Charities such as Pets As Therapy are always looking for canine volunteers to visit care homes, hospitals, hospices, schools and prisons.
Another idea includes visiting your local pet blood bank, so your dog can become a blood donor. Your dog’s blood can be used to save the lives of other dogs that are injured or sick, so they have a chance to live a long and healthy life.
Other ideas include litter picking in your local community together, donating old toys and blankets to your local rescue centre, or dog food to your local pet food bank.
Visit a landmark
The UK is brimming with historical buildings and places of extraordinary natural beauty. Each landmark has its own unique history and story to tell, so grab the lead and discover our glorious country together.
The world-renowned Tower Bridge in London is one of many dog-friendly landmarks. Wales is bursting with dog-friendly castles such as Caerphilly Castle, and in Scotland, you could view the Glenfinnan Viaduct, famous for its moment as the Hogwarts Express in Harry Potter.
Climb a mountain
We are surrounded by beautiful mountains and valleys. Climbing a mountain and reaching the peak, can take a dog walk from ‘meh’ to ‘motivating and marvellous’. It’s a great way to spend some time outdoors and offers a unique and rewarding experience.
Set your sights on the highest mountain locally, and challenge yourself to climb it with the dog. Alternatively, go for gold by climbing one of the highest mountains in the UK such as Ben Nevis in Scotland, Scafell Pike in England and Snowdon in Wales. Whichever route you take, you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views with your furry best friend by your side.
Go on a picnic
When the sun is shining, a picnic in the park is always plenty of fun. One of the best things about picnics is that they can be as simple or as complicated as you want them to be. Whether you’re packing a few sandwiches to enjoy in your garden or packing a full picnic basket to enjoy in a nearby park with treats for the dog.
When it comes to picnic spots with a view, we’re spoilt for choice. Our favourite spots for a perfect pooch picnic include Three Cliffs Bay in Swansea, Jubilee Gardens in Devon and Conic Hill in Stirling.
Stargazing together
There’s one thing you can find wherever you go in the world, and that’s the stars. During the summer, find a clear night sky and go stargazing with your beloved pooch. There are a few canine constellations you probably didn’t know about, including the Constellation Canis Major (Greater Dog) and Minor (Lesser Dog), as well as the 3. Sirius, Procyon and the Sisters.
Pretty flower field
From show-stopping lavender carpets in Norfolk to happy sunflower displays in Wales, there’s plenty of flower fields to take your breath away with a wide range of colours and types of flowers. Each place provides an abundance of photo opportunities, so don’t forget to take a pretty wanderlust Summer selfie together.
See a waterfall
The UK is home to some of the most beautiful and majestic waterfalls in the world. From the towering cliffs of the Scottish Highlands to the serene and peaceful valleys of Wales, there is a waterfall to suit everyone’s taste.
One of the most magical waterfalls to visit is the Falls of Lora in Argyll, Scotland. Looking for a tall drop? The Cautley Spout in the Yorkshire Dales is one of England’s highest waterfalls above ground which tumbles down a cliff of 650ft. Alternatively, fill your eyes with delight after viewing not one, but four pretty falls in the Waterfall Country in the Brecon Beacons, Wales.
Explore a museum
Have fun exploring and discovering something new about the world with your furry friend by your side! Dogs are welcome in most museums in the UK. Some museums even have special events for dogs and their owners. For a glimpse into rural Welsh life over the centuries visit St Fagan’s, Cardiff. To celebrate all things engineering, head to the Brunel Museum in London. Ever fancied learning more about the pencil? The Pencil Museum in Keswick, Cumbria provides a genuinely engaging experience all about how the pencil was made.
Pick a pumpkin
In preparation for a spooky October visit a pumpkin patch together. There are many dog friendly pumpkin patches in the UK, and it’s a great outdoors activity that you can enjoy together. Fill your boots (and wheelbarrows), take plenty of photos and make lots of Autumnal memories.
Visit a cosy rural dog-friendly pub
Rural pubs are often located in beautiful settings, away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Perfect if you and your dog are trying to escape Bonfire Night in November. You often find a dog-friendly pub in the countryside offers a more relaxed atmosphere, usually with a roaring fireplace for your pooch to curl up and sleep.
Visit Santa Paws
Visiting Santa Paws can be a fun and festive activity for you and your dog to do together. Capture the special moment by getting your dog’s photo taken with Santa Paws.
Dog Furiendly is a website and app helping dog owners source dog-friendly places. Including pubs, cafes, hotels, restaurants. To find dog-friendly places visit dogfuriendly.com.
Main image credit: Darren William Hall / Shutterstock.com