Activities to Build a Closer Bond With Your Dog

The most important thing you can do for your dog is to build a bond where it trusts you fully. But aside from going for walks, what else can you do to build your relationship?

Here are our top 10 pet-friendly activities that will help you build a closer bond with your dog.

1) Take your dog on a picnic

Dogs and food, you simply cannot go wrong! As such, pack a picnic for you and your pooch and visit a dog-friendly park. Be sure to pack the poop bags, water and a water bowl for your pooch. Lastly, keep your dog on a leash if you're concerned about them running away and stealing other picnickers' food!

2) Play hide and seek with your dog 

Your dog can enjoy this fun activity in the convenience of your own backyard. You can use anything your dog loves to eat. For example, this might include raw diced veggies, kibble, and liver treats.

Hide the treats all over the backyard and encourage your dog to use his nose to seek them out. As your dog becomes more skilled at using its nose, you will notice the ‘manic seek’ becomes more skilled and calm.

3) Have a movie night

We know the local cinema won't let you bring your dog in with you. However, there are still a few drive-in cinemas around which are dog-friendly!

Just remember to pack the poo bags and lead, no one wants to step in a doggie doo-doo. On the other hand, why not have a cosy movie night at home with your dog? Just grab some popcorn and set yourself up for cuddles on the couch.

4) Paddleboarding with your dog

Your dog will need a good level of trust and swimming ability to get on a paddle board with you. And you are going to need a good amount of core balance to make sure you both don't fall in. But once mastered, paddle boarding is a peaceful activity that can create a calm mind for both of you!

5) Dog Yoga: Also known as ‘Doga’

Doga is simply yoga with dogs involved! The idea is that fur-parents and dogs work as one unit creating yoga poses together. Through the acts of meditation, gentle massage and stretching, fur parents can achieve greater harmony with their dogs. Occasionally, chanting or breath work might take place in the session.

6) Hiking day with your pooch 

Hiking is a great way to spend the day together, exploring new sights and smells. You can take it easy or pick up the pace and incline for a more intensive workout. Either way, your dog will love getting out into the fresh air and exploring nature with you. Make sure your dog is up to date with heartworm and tick preventatives. 

7) Day trip in the car

Have you ever just jumped into the car with your dog and gone for a drive? It can be super fun driving with no plan, and exploring country towns, local rivers or mountains. Plus. this is a lovely way to spend some quality time with your dog.

It's just like the saying ‘It’s not the destination but the journey that counts’. Read up on doggy car safety here.

8) Visit a pet cafe 

If your dog is well-behaved in public spaces, then this is the doggy date for you. There are plenty of pet-friendly cafes these days, many of which offer puppucinos and treats for your furry friend. Jump onto Google to see what's nearby for your next coffee/doggy date!

9) Take a mini-break with your dog

Why not take your dog on a well-deserved weekend away? There are so many pet-friendly B&Bs, holiday homes and apartments around. You are sure to find something to your taste and budget.

Imagine waking up to the magical chorus of birds, or drifting off to sleep to waves breaking on the rocks. This is our idea of heaven!

10) Camping holiday with your dog

Surely there is no better bonding experience than sitting around a flickering campfire with your doggo. There are many camping options available. You may choose to get close to nature with your regular facilities or join the glamping craze.

Be sure to do your research first and make sure the campsite or caravan park is pet-friendly. Here are some tips for camping with your dog.

Now get out there and enjoy some quality time with your beloved pooch! And of course, Pawshake has thousands of friendly dog sitters ready to help you out if you can't bring your dog. Click here to search for a dog sitter in your area today.