Making the Most of the Changing Seasons

Whether you live in the Southern Hemisphere or the Northern, the weather is probably undergoing a change as you head into summer (or winter). With their mild temperatures, autumn and spring provide lots of opportunities for outdoor fun with your furry friends. Here are some of our top suggestions for making the most of these in between seasons:

• Go hiking! For dogs that love a long walk, this is a great way to strengthen your bond together and do something fun that rewards you both.  Plan the hike with your pup’s fitness level in mind and remember to take plenty of water along. Some parks have specific regulations regarding dogs on trails, so be sure to do your homework before heading out.
• If you’re lucky enough to live near water, try stand-up paddle boarding (SUP). Your dog can relax on the front of your board or swim alongside you for some great, low-impact exercise. Swimming is one of the best fitness activities for dogs suffering from joint stiffness or pain. Your dog can learn to ride confidently on a paddle board by using lots of positive reinforcement. To keep him safe around the water, make sure to invest in a properly-fitted flotation device.
• Arrange a playdate. Head down to a local dog park or join a MeetUp group to get active with fellow dog lovers. Throw a Frisbee around and encourage some healthy competition and socialisation with neighbourhood pups. It’s a great way for both of you to burn some energy and make new friends!
• Dust off the camera and make the most of the seasonal beauty. Autumn and Spring are the perfect times of year to get stunning photos of your dog amongst the foliage. Flowers are blossoming and leaves are falling, which creates a beautiful contrast of colours and brings vibrancy to your images. It’s also a creative way to reinforce commands such as ‘sit’, ‘stay’, ‘lie down’, and ‘walk to me’ with lots of ZIWI® Good Dog Rewards™ for positive behaviour!