GO FOR A WALK WITH PURPOSE: Kill two things with one activity: go sightseeing on a walking tour. You can get your exercise and see the sights and get to know the locals. You could also go window shopping and stop into a pet friendly retailer. (see our list)
GO FOR AN AQUATIC FROLIC or swim at a beach or lake. Even though my dog does not like to get wet, Lovie loves the beach and the breeze that comes off the bay. Our afghan used to love going to the beach and feeling the cool breeze on his belly.
GO FOR A RUN together. Lovie and I used to run 7.5 miles together every other day and it was a great way for us both to get some real exercise. He felt like he was at work. I rewarded his focused effort with time off-lead at a local dog park called Point Isabel in Richmond. Point Isabel is probably the biggest off-leash dog park in the Greater Bay Area, maybe even the whole State of California. The full walk is probably around 3 miles. There is a paved path that runs along the Bay and grass area for track and field wrestling matches. Two of the parks we have frequented host informal pooch parties with treats for the dogs and their people- loads of fun!
FOOD INSPIRED ENRICHMENT: I have seen this done at zoos and wildlife museums (with coyotes and foxes). You can stimulate your dog’s innate hunting instincts by hiding treats and food in frugal friendly/ budget conscious boxes or bags throughout your home or lodging. Then they will have to track them down by scent and then work to tear up the container or puzzle toy. I have made puzzle toys for Lovie out of old water bowls by cutting out a few holes so that he has to figure out a way to shake and roll out the treats.
You and your dog can LEARN A NEW SKILL and socialize with other dogs and their people by taking a class or joining a pet-friendly activity club. In the Bay Area there are flyball clubs that let your dog participate in canine relays. There also is a popular herding club in Wine Country’s Sonoma County (Petaluma). Lovie and I took a dance class together and we had a blast- just remember to bring high stakes treats to inspire and share. In an effort to boost his confidence, Lovie and I took a dog dancing class when he was younger. It was hilarious and fun.
LET YOUR DOG BE THE FIRST MATE ON A BOAT RIDE. There are local sailing clubs and ferry rides that welcome pets.
Some people like to go for a BIKE RIDE while their dog runs alongside them. Personally, I think that could be dangerous because it just takes one bad driver to side swipe you or your dog. A leash can also present a challenge since it could lead to an injury to you or your dog or another person passing by. There was a horrific incident on a trail that led to a fatality- so if you go, I would suggest that you try to find a place where your dog can safely be off-lead and ride at a slower speed (under 15 mph).
Although we have never attended a dog-friendly yoga class, there are places where you and your dog can practice “DOGA”. I think there may even be some yoga classes for people and their cats.
Inspired by content from care.com.
