Top 5 Activities To Do With Your Dog These School Holidays

1. Go on a mini-road trip.

It can be easy to get used to visiting the same places again and again but with some extra time on your hands, now’s the perfect time to explore new areas around Perth that are dog friendly. We’ve already uncovered some great dog-friendly places in our article “The Top 10 Best Places To Take Your Dog in Perth”. So grab your GPS, some extra food and water, and of course your dog, jump in the car and get going!

2. Organise a doggy date.

If you have friends that own dogs also, why not take the opportunity to book in some catch-ups with them, bringing your four legged friends along. There are many dog friendly cafes, beaches, and parks around Perth that can provide the perfect catch-up location. And if your friends are currently dog-less, consider joining one of the many Facebook pages specifically for dog owners in Perth and join in on one of their regular organised catch-ups. You’ll find there are groups for specific breeds of dogs, as well as dog lovers in general. Not only is this great for giving your dog a fantastic day out with other dogs, but it’s also a good way to make friends with like-minded people in your local area. P.S. if your dog has had limited exposure to other dogs, it may be a good idea to introduce them to new dogs slowly and in a controlled environment first.

3. Get crafty.

If your dog doesn’t like venturing out of the home, or if you have kids that will be home during the holidays, we have some great craft ideas to create lasting memories of your dog. This can include taking photos to display on your wall or painting a picture of them. Some more crafty ideas include:

Making some home-made dog biscuits and treats.

Make a new bed for your dog. There are heaps of ways to do this, including turning old buffets and cupboards into indoor dog beds, using old suitcases and tyres, and even creating a bed from scratch using wooden crates.

Create a dog tug-toy out of old t-shirts and jeans.

Get a paw-print of your dog using non-toxic ink (make sure it’s safe to be consumed by dogs, or better yet get one specifically made for animals), and frame it.

4. Go on a hike.

If the weather is good, a hike is the perfect way to spend a day with your dog. Perth has lots of great dog-friendly hiking trails, suitable for dogs and humans of all fitness levels! Just make sure to bring plenty of extra water, food and a first aid kit just in-case, and also check online to see if the trail is on-leash or off-leash. Your dog will love exploring a new area and getting some fresh air, and you’ll love the time spent together.

5. Teach your dog some new tricks

School holidays are the perfect time to help strengthen your bond with your dog by teaching them some new tricks. Depending on your dog’s current ability, this can be as simple as teaching your dog how to sit, or more advanced tricks like playing dead, turning off light-switches, and even fetching you your favourite cold beverage straight out of the fridge. If you are looking at obedience training for your dog but need some additional help, West Coast Pet Care Centre can assist with our one-on-one dog training classes, or our revolutionary “board and train” options (which are perfect if you’re going away – your dog can stay with us while they improve their skills, so you can return from your holiday to a well-trained, well-behaved and happy dog).

We hope you and your canine friend make the most of this upcoming school holiday periods. And remember that if you’re going away during this time, don’t forget to book your dog into our luxury pet resort for a holiday to rival yours.