5 Things to Do Other Than a Neighbourhood Walk

Neighbourhood walks can get boring fast, and are often difficult for dogs!
Here are five alternatives to keep your dog happy

1. Explore a new nature area
   Instead of walking around the neighbourhood, why not scout out a little bit of nature and explore? Use a long line to let your dog decompress! Moving freely in nature is incredibly good for your dog’s mental health

2. Train a new trick
   Complex problem solving is important for dogs! Break out the clicker and work on a new skill. It could be something silly and cute like leg weaves, or something useful like teeth brushing!

3. Make a kong/popsicle
   Who doesn’t love a popsicle? Licking and chewing is great for dogs, so grab a stuffable toy and use kibble and treats, wet food, yogurt or nut butter to give them a frozen treat!
   

4. Play a game
   There are so many games we can play with our dogs! Flirt poles, tugs and retrieving games (not fetch!) are great ways to give our pups breed/type appropriate exercise while we teach them useful skills and build our bond with them.
   

5. Make a homemade enrichment game
   It’s easy to spend a small fortune on puzzles and games for your dog, so why not try something a bit more DIY? Tuck treats in an iceberg lettuce and let your dog shred it, place kibbles around the house in a snail trail or roll up a snack in an old towel!

You don’t have to do the same old walk every day, and in fact it’s probably better that you don’t!
What fun activities do you enjoy with your pet?