Make sure you’re covered for whatever activity you’re doing, but also make sure your dog is fit and healthy enough for each activity.
If you’re a dog owner and a dog lover, a daily walk will be a crucial part of your day and any activity with your dog is likely to be a pleasurable pursuit. So why not make the most of it? There are many sporty or even cultural activities that you and your pet can enjoy together.
Fitness and fun
If you’re in London, you can get fit, get informed, and get an afternoon out with your dog by booking a dog-friendly sightseeing tour. An afternoon with London Sightseeing Runs gives you a personal trainer and tour guide with whom you can run or power-walk, whilst taking in the sights and sounds of the city.
Of course, there is probably nothing more enjoyable for your pet than to be able to walk free without a lead in the countryside. Allowing your dog the freedom to explore in a safe environment can be a joy to watch. However, it's important to do a bit of research before heading out somewhere new. Keep an eye out for signs that state it's a 'lead only' area, and also make sure you keep your dog close or on the lead when on public rights of way. Visit the National Trust website for more hints and advice.
If you're looking to take part in more sociable and organised activities with your dog, there is a variety of sports and classes to choose from throughout the UK – regardless if you're not the sporty type. Flyball is a relay race involving projected tennis balls, hurdles, and two teams of four dogs. The dog jumps the hurdles and lands on a flyball box, which emits a tennis ball. With the ball in his mouth, the dog returns to the finish line. Flyball is a great way to mix with other dog lovers, and also a fun way to help keep your dog physically and mentally stimulated – as well as teaching them new skills. With clubs all over the world and more than 150 in the UK, you shouldn’t have trouble finding flyball enthusiasts in your area.
As well as ensuring your dog gets all the exercise it needs, there are a variety of different classes and activities which can also help develop your dog's agility and obedience skills. Agility classes involve teaching your dog to negotiate and master obstacle courses, helping develop your pet's ability to take instructions and listen to your commands. If you find that your pet has real skill, you could take part in competitions organised through The Kennel Club, or just keep it as a fun bonding pursuit for you and your pet.
Bored indoors?
During the winter months, it can sometimes be more difficult to spend as much time outside as your dog would like. However, it is still important that your dog gets the exercise it needs, and is kept stimulated to help curb boredom. Make sure they have plenty of toys to play with, and you interact with them regularly by playing games like hide and seek. Making them work for their food by hiding treats around the house, or feeding them using a food puzzle toy can also help to keep them mentally stimulated.
If you’re taking your dog out, having pet insurance is just the start. Make sure you’re covered for whatever activity you’re doing, but also make sure your dog is fit and healthy enough for each activity. If your dog looks tired or anxious, rest, or stop and go home. Make sure you’ve got plenty of water with you, and for alpine activities, consult an expert first. Then prepare to have some experiences with your pet that you’ll never forget.
Issued by Sainsbury’s Finance
Sainsbury’s Finance is a trading name of Sainsbury’s Bank plc. All information correct at time of publication, but may be subject to change. Any views or opinions expressed in this article are the responsibility of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of any part of the Sainsbury’s Group of companies.
Sainsbury’s Finance is a financial services provider engaged in savings accounts, credit cards, and personal loans. It also supplies insurance services in car insurance, home insurance, life insurance, pet insurance and travel insurance as well as being a provider of travel money services.
