The countryside is a fantastic place to explore with your dog. There are so many dog friendly things you can do together! If walking is getting a little repetitive, why not switch up your routine and give one of these dog friendly activities a go?
Woody and I love exploring in the countryside together, whether we’re in the rural Cotswolds or trekking up the Brecon Beacons. Owning a dog has helped me see the great outdoors in a new light. I love getting lost in the forest, taking scenic routes or relaxing on the beach. From time to time, I also enjoy trying something new from time to time. It’s even better when I can bring Woody along too!
Canicross
Canicross is a dog-friendly form of cross-country running. It doesn’t get much better than exercising with your dog in the great outdoors. Runners and dogs are typically tethered together using specialist bungee lines and harnesses for your dog.
Canicross is gaining popularity across the UK. There are plenty of Canicross experts organising training sessions for all abilities. Whether you’re just starting out on a Couch to 5K challenge or a seasoned professional, nothing beats bringing your four legged friend out running with you! Popular Canicross events include the Stansted House Trail Run in West Sussex and the Rame Head Race in Cornwall.
Hiking
Summer is perfect for hiking with your dog. The longer days and better weather (paws crossed!) always ignite my sense of adventure. Hiking is a great activity for all ages. I have fond memories of walking with my parents and the dogs as a child; our summer holidays were spent exploring Cheddar Gorge, the Cornish stretches of the South West Coast Path together. Whether it’s a short trip, day hike or multi-day adventure, the coastline is always a great place to walk. There are National Trails dotted around the country, in all varieties of length and terrain. I would love to walk the Pennine Way and the Hadrian’s Wall Path someday!
Wild Swimming
Nothing quite beats cooling off in a river, lake or sea. Dogs know only too well how fun splashing and paddling can be. Some are even crazy enough to swim in winter! Whether you’re a fair weather swimmer or full on water baby, wild swimming is one of the best dog friendly things to do in the countryside.
Have you been swimming with your dog before? It’s an activity I really enjoy doing with both Woody and my parents’ dog Millie. Woody wasn’t so keen on the water at first, it took time to build his confidence. However, our regular wild swims together have certainly done the trick, he’s now as crazy in water as he is on dry land!
Cycling
Up the pace of your daily walk and explore the countryside by bike. Cycling is a lovely activity to do with your dog; they can either run alongside you or sit in a trailer on the back. You may even find you have a trail dog in the making!
Just like Canicross, it’s important you go at your dog’s pace and train your stamina together. You’ll also need to spend time creating positive associations around the bike before your first ride. Cycling is a fantastic dog friendly thing to do in the countryside, however it will take time to prepare properly and shouldn’t be rushed into on a whim!
Water Sports
I love water sports. Woody is learning to love them too! So far we’ve been kayaking, rowing and stand up paddle boarding together. The latter didn’t go great but it’s something we’re working on. Introducing your dog to different water sports is a fun way to build trust while trying new experiences together.
You don’t have to own your own equipment either! Plenty of boat, surf and paddleboard hire businesses are dog friendly – particularly down here in Cornwall. If you’re planning a dog friendly holiday by the sea, I’d highly recommending giving water sports a try, particularly if your dog is already water obsessed. Who knows, you may even discover a new hobby together!
Camping
Escape the hustle and bustle of daily life, whilst marvelling in the great outdoors. Camping is an incredible dog friendly thing to do in the countryside. It’s incredibly accessible, family friendly and diverse. From wild camping in the forest, to family friendly campsites and even luxury glamping and shepherd hut experiences, there’s something for everyone!
I adore camping, always have and probably always will. Our family rarely went abroad when I was younger. Instead we opted for fortnights spent in fields getting as muddy as possible. I even took my parents’ spaniel Millie away for a camping tour of Cornwall one summer! I can’t wait to take Woody on his first camping trip this summer; I think he’s going to love it.
Litter Picking
You don’t need to live by a beach to pick up plastic! The majority of plastics in the ocean were originally discarded in towns or cities. Once a piece of plastic, or other pollutant makes its way into the waterways, it’s destined for the sea…
Living in Cornwall, Woody and I are constantly surrounded by the plastic problem. The amount of bottles, caps, wrappers and fishing gear that gets washed up on our beaches is heart breaking. I’ve started bringing an extra bag on our walks just so I can beach clean or litter pick if we’re in the woods. Next time you’re spending time outside with your dog, why not pick up a few pieces of plastic as you walk? Share your collection with organisations such as Surfers Against Sewage who are constantly working to improve the quality of our oceans. Communities like Paws on Plastic are great for motivation too. Why not encourage your friends to join you?
Have you tried these activities before? What are your favourite dog friendly things to do in the countryside? Let us know in the comments!
