5 GOLD-MEDAL-WINNING ACTIVITIES FOR YOU AND YOUR DOG THIS COMMONWEALTH GAMES
The scene is set for another summer of incredible sport, with the Commonwealth Games kicking off on July 28th in Birmingham.
Safe to say as proud supporters of British and Irish farms, we’re rooting for all the teams that make up the UK, and we’re so excited to be enjoying a packed itinerary of everything from aquatics to gymnastics and all sorts in between.
However, we’re not ones to let our four-legged friends miss out on all the fun. So, unleash your dog’s inner athlete and celebrate 2022’s Commonwealth Games with these dog-friendly activities.
Ready, set, woof!
1. DIVE ON IN
While the athletes take to their Olympic-sized pool, we recommend heading to your local dog-friendly beach or pool for a paddle.
Swimming is a great option for stiff joints, as well as being a good cardio workout. ‘Paw-fect’ for excited pups who need to burn off a lot of extra energy.
Be sure to check the conditions are safe before you both head into the water and never leave your dog unattended. Take a look here for more water-safety tips.
2. PLAY BALL
T20 Cricket is fast-paced, action-packed and a whole heap of fun. Plus, it makes a very special appearance at Birmingham 2022 as the first time both the T20 format and the women’s game feature at a Commonwealth Games.
What better way to celebrate with your pup than by joining in! Grab a soft bat and your dog’s favourite ball and let your furry friend practise their fielding.
3. DISCOVER NEW TRAILS
Cannock Chase will be the backdrop for the Games’ Mountain Biking, giving you all the inspiration you need to spend some time in nature and take up trails of your own – on foot of course!
Cannock Chase itself has a couple of great dog-friendly options with the Ladyhill Trail perfect for a gentle stroll or the picturesque Fairoak Trail if you’d prefer a longer walk.
But you don’t have to travel to the Midlands to go on your walkies! Take a look here for some routes a little closer to home. You’ll be able to see which forests are suitable for dogs too.
4. BRUSH UP ON AGILITY
Both Artistic and Rhythmic Gymnastics are fun to watch with athletes soaring through the sky, flipping, twisting and jumping in all sorts of ‘paw-some’ ways.
Agility improves your dog’s fitness and obedience and encourages you both to work together. You and your pup can create a fun routine (similar to the gymnasts’) with only a few items. Try it out at home first with some cardboard boxes and hoops before advancing to buying weave and jump sets suitable for your dog’s breed and size.
There’s also likely to be a local class you can join if you want to share the fun with friends. Have a look here for more details.
Don’t forget to help your four-legged friend master agility with a Naturally Meaty Treat as a tasty reward.
5. GO FOR A RIDE
Triathlons have soared in popularity and with good reason. They’re incredible feats of endurance!
Now we’re not suggesting a Commonwealth Games activity that means you and your dog head out to complete a 750m swim, 20km cycle AND 5km run. But matching a couple of different activities together in one day can be a good way to help your dog burn off any excess energy while keeping them fit and healthy.
A quick doggy paddle followed by a run is an easy pairing. If you want to get some cycling in yourself too, make sure your dog is up for the challenge and used to being alongside you on your bike before heading out. You can check out some good tips for cycling with dogs here.
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