We can always hope that the Easter holidays will be warm and sunny, but whatever the weather, they’re a great opportunity to make the most of our time off, to enjoy the great outdoors and do something fun and interesting with our dogs.
If you’re looking for inspiration for something to do with your dog, perhaps something new and interesting to try out, read on.
In this article we’ll share our pick of five great ideas:
Packing up the car and heading for a day at the beach with a picnic is a great way to spend any spring or summer holiday, but many beaches in the UK place restrictions on dogs, either limiting the hours that they can be on the beach or banning them entirely during peak times.
So, check before you head out for a day at the beach to be sure that they will be allowed to join in!
Many beaches only ban dogs from May to September when it’s likely to be particularly crowded. This means that Easter provides a great opportunity for a final trip to your favourite shores before hot weather and dog restrictions kick in.
Dogs and chocolate do not mix. Bear in mind that Easter egg hunts are often held in parks or on public land – so do keep an eye on your dog in case they find a stray chocolate egg out on a walk.
Why not consider setting up a dedicated dog Easter egg hunt for your pooch and his furry friends? You can use treats or even special Easter eggs made just for dogs (no chocolate involved), and let your dog get in on the fun too, without risking their health.
Smell is your dog’s greatest sense. Almost all dogs will enjoy games that involve sniffing things out – whether it’s food, objects or people. It’s also an excellent way to tire them out without the need to walk for miles!
Exploring a new area can be great fun for dog and family alike, so think about packing the car up and taking your dog somewhere they haven’t visited before.
Most national parks, country walks and some nature reserves welcome well behaved dogs (always check the rules, as some places will only permit dogs on leads) and will often recommend good walking trails and things to do with your dog when you get there.
Spring in the air often inspires us to think about getting out more and finding activities to enjoy all summer long. The Easter weekend is a time many regional and local dog clubs and sporting organisations hold open days, demonstrations, and have-a-go sessions.
Sports like agility, flyball and herding dog trials often launch the season on or around the Easter weekend. Check out clubs and groups local to you and find out if there’s something going on that your dog could try their paw at.
Many places have dog walking groups and informal clubs in place that arrange organised walks in set areas at certain times.
These can provide an excellent opportunity to allow you to meet, make friends and chat with other dog owners in your local area. If your dog enjoys the company of other dogs, it also ensures they will have playmates and the chance to make new friends.
Check out local dog clubs, social media groups and event pages, and you are sure to find something happening over the Easter weekend that you and your dog might enjoy taking part in.