Bet you’ve never done downward dog with an actual dog. Here are 6 outdoor activities to bond with your dog that aren’t the usual walk in the bark…I mean park.
Doga
Find enlightenment with your furry friend by attending a doga—yoga with your dog—class. For real? Yes, for real! Classes are popping up nationwide that combine massage, meditation, and gentle stretching for calm bonding time with your wet-nosed woofer.
Skijoring
Hop on some skis and grab your doggie for some cross country skiing. Not only will you depend on each other for a successful trek, but your dog will love the exercise. Since there are no reigns or other devices to control the dog, he/she must be motivated to run and respond to the owner’s voice. Teamwork at its finest!
Canicross
Think skijoring but without the skis. Instead, runners hitch themselves to their trusted four-legged companions and take off. Already popular in Europe, this sport is growing in North America as a great recreational activity to walk, jog, or hike with your dog hands-free.
Bikejoring
Same idea as canicross and skijoring but on a bike… you get the idea. Can’t leave out the cyclists!
Hiking/backpacking
Preparation is key when it comes to long hikes and backpacking, and the same goes for your pooch. Feeling ready to trek long distances? Maybe your dog can too. Ease your dog into hiking so it’s a fulfilling experience for both of you. While you won’t be barking at other passersby, train your pup to remain calm on the trail. Also, be sure to check out dog regulations when it comes to camping and using the trails.
Freestyle Musical Dance
This fresh and exciting sport combines dog obedience with dance—and you’d be surprised at how well some of these pooches can groove it up. In a nutshell, the dog and owner dance and practice tricks and skills in time to music instead of just walking. It encourages the dog to perform a plethora of movements offering a twist on traditional obedience training.
