Calling all dog lovers and adventure seekers! If you’re looking to make 2024 the most memorable year for you and your furry friend, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve teamed up with Admiral Pet Insurance to bring you 12 wonderfully wagging activities that will not only strengthen the bond between you and your pup but also create lasting memories. So, grab your dog’s lead and get ready for a year of tail-wagging fun!
One of the biggest joys of having a dog is all the adventures you get to have with them. This list of must-do activities has so many great ideas to help dog owners have more quality time with their dogs, which has a great impact on wellbeing, both for themselves and their furry friends.
Pritpal Powar, Head of Admiral Pet
How would you feel if your dogs went out for a great big adventure without you? Perhaps they’ve had a nice meal in a pub, and visited a museum while you’ve been stuck at home, with nothing to do and nobody to talk to. Well, I’m sure you can imagine how a dog with separation anxiety feels. Not only do they suffer from a lack of mental stimulation, but a sadness that they’re not with the people they love, and no understanding of why. The dog friendly travel market is bigger than ever, and in 2024 there will be many more opportunities to create memorable moments together that will last a lifetime.
Adele Pember, Founder of Dog Furiendly
FREE Downloadable Journal
To help you and your canine companion to document the year and all the tail-wagging things they complete, we’ve created a free downloadable check-list and journal. We’ve also included heaps of other ideas and blank pages at the back should you want to create your own must-do activities.
So, what’s on the activity list for 2024?
January – Learn a New Dog Trick:
Begin the year by challenging your dog’s intellect and agility. Whether you choose a simple trick like ‘shake hands’ or something more complex like ‘fetching a specific item’, the key is patience and positive reinforcement. Try setting up a mini-obstacle course in your living room using cushions or toys. Remember, short, consistent training sessions work best. Celebrate each small victory with treats and cuddles!
February – Bake Some Doggy Treats:
Show your love through homemade goodies! Baking doggy treats is a delightful way to bond with your pup and ensure they enjoy healthy, tasty snacks. Try making heart-shaped peanut butter biscuits, a tasty big pizza or a creative carrot cake and let your pup be the taste-tester-in-chief! If you’re not a confident baker, dog friendly baking kits are available in pet stores across the UK, like Pets at Home. This activity is not just about the treats; it’s about the joy and mess you make together in the kitchen.
March – Explore a New City:
March is the perfect time to embark on an urban adventure with your four-legged friend. Consider cities like Edinburgh, known for its picturesque parks and welcoming attitude towards dogs, or Bristol, with its vibrant street art scene and numerous dog friendly cafes. These cities offer a blend of cultural experiences and dog friendly places, making them ideal destinations for urban exploration with your furry companion.
April – Visit a Farm:
Introduce your pup to the wonders of rural life by visiting a farm. Check our website for dog friendly farms in your area and embark on an educational and fun adventure. Your dog will love the sights, smells, and sounds of the countryside. Ensure your dog is comfortable around other animals. This is a great opportunity for socialisation and enjoying the vibrancy of spring. Maybe you’ll spot some cute baby Lambs.
May – Walkies In A Pretty Garden
May’s pleasant weather is ideal for garden explorations. The UK has plenty of gardens, which are dog friendly or offer dog friendly days. Take a look at the National Trust or explore hidden gems in your local area. Bring a camera to capture the stunning scenery and your dog’s joyful moments among the blooms.
June: Fruit Picking Adventure
Strawberry picking in June is a delight for both you and your dog. Many farms like Cairne Fruit Farm in Fife, Scotland or Lotmead Farm in Swindon allow dogs in their pick-your-own fields. Just keep an eye out to ensure your dog doesn’t treat the field like an all-you-can-eat buffet! It’s a fun way to enjoy fresh air and stock up on delicious fruits ready for the Summer.
July: Sunset Watching
July evenings are perfect for watching sunsets. Find a dog friendly beach like Rhossili Bay in Wales which has been voted as the UK’s No. 1 dog-friendly beach by The Times and the one of the world’s top 25 beaches by the Sunday Times. Alternatively climb a mountain, or a hilltop with a stunning view. Bring a picnic blanket, some snacks (for both of you), and enjoy the serene beauty of the sunset. It’s a moment of peace and a break from the daily hustle.
August: Boating Bliss
Hire a dog friendly boat for a day in August. With the UK’s extensive canal system, rivers, lakes and open waters, you’re bound to find a dog friendly boating trip somewhere near you. GoBoat runs self-drive boating trips across London. It’s not just about the boat ride but also enjoying the water and scenery together.
September: Castle Exploration
The UK is dotted with magnificent castles, many of which welcome four-legged visitors. Explore the historic corridors of Hever Castle in Kent or the majestic grounds of Caerphilly Castle in Wales. These outings offer a mix of history, architecture, and vast grounds for your dog to roam.
October: Haunted Pub Visit
As the leaves turn and October’s chill sets in, it’s the perfect time for a spooky pub visit with your four-legged friend. Consider a trip to The Golden Fleece in York, known as the most haunted pub in the city, where the ghost of Lady Peckett might just be roaming the halls looking for her lost lap dog. Alternatively, venture down to Cornwall’s Jamaica Inn, immortalised in Daphne du Maurier’s novel, renowned for its phantom footsteps and mysterious voices. These haunted locales offer a unique blend of history, mystery, and a touch of spookiness, perfect for a memorable evening with your dog. Who knows, your furry companion might sense the playful spirits or find a spectral playmate in these storied inns!
November: Go To a Market
November is the perfect time to experience the magic of Christmas markets with your dog. Imagine wandering through the twinkling lights of Bath Christmas Market, set against the city’s stunning Georgian architecture, or exploring the festive buzz of London’s Christmas Market. Both offer a sensory feast with seasonal aromas, sights, and sounds that are sure to delight you and your furry friend. As you meander through artisan stalls and sample holiday treats, your dog can enjoy the festive atmosphere, making it a truly memorable experience.
December: Charitable Cheer
End the year on a heartwarming note. Many charities welcome volunteer dog walkers or organise fundraising events like doggy Santa runs. Charities such as Pets As Therapy are always looking for canine volunteers to visit care homes, hospitals, hospices, schools and prisons. Participating in these events or even donating dog food to rescue centres can make a huge difference.
Another idea includes visiting your local pet blood bank, so your dog can become a blood donor. Dog’s blood can be used to save the lives of other dogs that are injured or sick, so they have a chance to live a long and healthy life.
It’s a wonderful way to spread joy and teach the importance of giving back.
Share YOUR Plans For 2024
Remember, these activities aren’t just about having fun but also about strengthening the bond between you and your pup. So, go ahead, plan your 2024 dog-friendly adventures, and create memories that will last a lifetime
