Spring has finally sprung! The days are getting longer, the air feels a little warmer, and chances are your dog is just as excited as you are to get outside more.

It's the perfect time to shake off the winter blues. Let's explore some lovely ways to enjoy the season with your furry best mate.

Wonderful Spring Walks

Exploring the great outdoors is fantastic right now. Everything smells new and exciting for your dog!

• Explore New Routes: Try a different park, woodland path, or maybe even a dog-friendly beach – just be sure to check local rules first! You may also be lucky enough to have a ‘dog field’ close to you which allows your dog to be let off lead.
• Longer Adventures: Enjoy the lighter evenings with slightly longer walks and explore more of your local area.
• Mind the Mud: Spring showers can mean muddy paths! Keep a towel handy in the car or by the door.

Going on spring walks with your dog is a simple joy. Remember to check tide times if heading to the coast so your beach walk doesn’t become an impromptu paddle.

Garden Games Galore

If you have a garden, this can be a brilliant playground to help connect with your pet and for training.

• Fetch Fanatics: A classic game of fetch is always a winner. Use soft balls or durable toys.
• Scent Work Fun: Hide some tasty, natural treats around the garden. Let your dog use their amazing nose to find them. This is great for mental stimulation, and can keep your dog entertained for a good length of time, depending on how well you hide the treats.
• Simple Play: It doesn't always have to be about chasing balls or structured games! Sometimes, just being together in the garden is wonderful bonding time. It's a calm, easy way to simply enjoy each other's company in the fresh air. 

These garden games for dogs are easy ways to keep them entertained when the weather suits.

Practise Makes Perfect: Outdoor Training

Good weather makes training outdoors much more pleasant.

Use the space to practise recall – coming back when called is so important, especially when you venture out to parks, beaches or dog fields.

You could also teach fun new tricks. Keep sessions short, fun, and positive and remember lots of praise and perhaps some healthy treats!

Dog training outside feels less like work and more like play to both you and your dog.

Explore Further Afield

Fancy a change of scenery? Spring is ideal for visiting new places.

• Dog-Friendly Parks: Many country parks welcome well-behaved dogs.
• Woodland Wanders: Enjoy the dappled sunlight filtering through the new spring leaves. Woods are magical places this time of year so why not try some 'forest bathing' together on your walk? It may sound fancy, but it just simply means slowing down your pace, really listening to the birdsong, noticing the different textures and earthy scents around you. Letting your dog have plenty of time to sniff and explore while you consciously absorb the peaceful atmosphere can be incredibly relaxing and grounding for both of you.
• Check Before You Go: Always check if attractions, pubs, or cafes are dog-friendly before visiting, you don’t want the disappointment of travelling all that way just to be turned away!

Finding dog-friendly spring ideas can lead to great adventures – you may find your new favourite walk or an amazing new park.

Important: Spring Safety Tips

While enjoying the fun, keep these spring points in mind:

• Watch Out for Plants: Some spring bulbs like daffodils and tulips can be toxic if chewed or eaten by dogs. Keep an eye on them in gardens and parks.
• Ticks Are About: Check your dog for ticks after walks, especially in grassy or wooded areas. Speak to your vet about prevention.
• Pesky Pollen: Just like us, some dogs suffer from seasonal allergies. Look out for excessive scratching or sneezing.
• Water on the Go: Even if it's not hot, active dogs need water. Carry fresh water and a bowl on longer outings.
• Puddle Problems: Avoid letting your dog drink from muddy puddles, which can sometimes harbour nasty bugs.

Keeping these safe spring activities for dogs in mind ensures happy times.

Enjoy the beautiful spring weather with your canine companion. Get out there, have fun, and make some lovely memories together!