We’re counting down to Saturday 25 April when we will be at River Hamble Country Park hosting our second Dogs’ Day Out event.
There will be ‘have a go’ activities, beautiful local walking routes, and local experts sharing free dog training and welfare advice. We hope that everyone who joins us for Dogs’ Day Out will leave with plenty of ideas and information to help them get the most from their dog walks, and maybe even with some new knowledge about their best friend.
It’s really important to us that Dogs’ Day Out is just as enjoyable for dogs as it is their human families, which is why we will be providing:
- Information to help owners read their dogs’ body language and identify when their dog may need a break.
- Plenty of water bowls around the event grounds, which will be monitored and topped up regularly.
- ‘Have-a-go’ activities for dogs to enjoy, including scentwork games and a fun obstacle course.
- Information stands about canine health and wellbeing to give owners free, expert advice so they can make informed decisions for their dogs.
Making your dog’s day out the best it can be
We’re working hard to make our event as genuinely dog-friendly as possible, but the person who has the most influence over your dog’s day is you.
Here are our top tips to help you keep your dog safe and happy
Events like Dogs’ Day Out give our dogs opportunities to experience new things, explore new places, and meet new people and other dogs too. Some dogs really enjoy this, but all those new experiences can be overwhelming! Keep an eye on your dog’s body language throughout the day to monitor how they are coping.
Lili Chin, author and illustrator of one of our favourite books, Doggie Language, has created some fantastic images to help with this. We also highly recommend PACT’s (Professional Association of Canine Trainers) free online course all about dog body language.
- If your dog is showing signs of nervousness or getting a bit overexcited, take them somewhere quiet for a break, and perhaps play some games to focus them.
- Consider their needs throughout the day. Do they need to stop for a drink? Are they tired? Comfortable? Happy in their surroundings?
- Ensure that your dog is safe and comfortable in what they are wearing. If in doubt, go and visit GreenDog Dog Training, who will be joining us at Dogs’ Day Out to offer free, expert advice about dog walking equipment.
- Come prepared with the things your dog may need. Would they benefit from a cooling coat or bandana? Would it be helpful to have treats to refocus them with if needed?
- Advocate for your dog. If they are uncomfortable being approached stroked by people or dogs they don’t know, politely ask for more space when needed.
Being part of the Coast and Country Canines community means making responsible decisions for our dogs, our environment, and the people around us. We hope that Dogs’ Day Out will showcase how well we can do this, and we can’t wait to see you there!
