Our canine companions are a beloved part of our lives. Entertaining, comforting and sometimes a little crazy, they bring joy and friendship to their owners. Additionally, some people feel braver with their pup by their side, as they help them stay calm in an unfamiliar environment. Plus, as all owners know, your dog will get you out of the house come rain or shine, boosting your step count and helping you stay fit and healthy.
Whilst many of us will typically imagine dogs in a more countryside environment, they can enjoy the city lifestyle too. There’s plenty for them to see and do, and it’s fun to explore a city at a slower pace, foregoing the metro and taking things in on foot. Ready to explore? Grab your lead and coat, and let’s discover some of the best urban activities for you and your furry friends.
Enjoy a walk and picnic in the park
Even city centers have some aspect of nature, with many boasting sprawling parks full of plenty of space to play. Why not take your dog on a walk to explore the green spaces? If you’re familiar with the city already, challenge yourself to find a new place to visit, or arrange a puppy play date so that your dog can enjoy some quality time with their friends as you chat to yours.
Our mental health can benefit in a number of different ways when we spend more time in nature – especially for people living in a city. In fact, research suggests that interacting with nature in cities can help to mitigate feelings of loneliness that can often be brought on by the ‘overcrowdedness’ of urban areas. Plus, just being surrounded by nature can help to relieve stress and improve our mood; taking the time to sniff out the most suitable green spaces to take your pup will benefit you both.
To top off the experience, bring all the paw-fect ingredients for a picnic for everyone to enjoy. Dog-friendly picnic foods include cooked chicken, watermelon, apple slices, cucumber sticks and of course, the all-important pupcakes.
Visit a dog-friendly cafe
There’s no better way to take a break in a city than visiting a great cafe. Not only can you enjoy some delicious treats, but you can also people-watch from the window, experiencing the city from outside of the rush. There are many cities that are also known specifically for their food, so if you’re a foodie, then you won’t want to miss out just because you have your dog with you.
Before you travel, do some research about pup-friendly cafes. Not only do you want to be able to take your canine inside with you, but you also want them to have a good time, so look out for places that particularly welcome dogs with water bowls and maybe even a little treat on the menu. Cafes and restaurants that advertise themselves as dog-friendly are also a great place to meet like-minded owners, and it’s always easier to strike up a conversation with your furry friend by your side.
Exploring a market together
Whether it’s a flower, food, farmers or antiques market, these events are the hub of a city, bringing people together and creating community. You don’t need to spend lots of money; even just wandering around and admiring the wares of the various traders can be a relaxing and enjoyable way to spend a morning. Just watch out that your pup doesn’t decide to take anything off the stalls for themselves.
Take things at their pace
Remember, no matter where you decide to go with your dog, it’s important to keep an eye on their body language and ensure that they’re comfortable. Cities can be exciting, but also busy and noisy, and your dog will be sure to start acting out if they’re nervous or frightened. To make it a positive experience for all, try and match your activity to your dog’s temperament, building up to bigger things as they get more comfortable.
