ARE WE HAVING FUN YET?

We’ve all been there—stuck in the same routine. Life gets busy, and before we know it, our time with our dog feels a bit... stale. Wake up, feed the dog, walk the same old route, and get on with the day. Sound familiar?

That happened to me recently. But instead of letting the blahs take over, I shook things up. And let me tell you—it wasn’t just great for my dog; it gave me a fresh burst of energy, too!

Here’s the secret: try something NEW that excites both you and your dog. Ready for some inspiration? Let’s break out of the rut together!

In mid-December 2024, I set aside some time for a quick overnight trip to the Kaimanawa Forest, just south of Turangi. With my dog, Tess, as my trusty companion, I secured a permit to bring her along and prepared all the gear we’d need for our adventure.

We arrived late in the day, thanks to the oh-so-painful detours on SH1 due to roadworks (seriously, it felt endless!). That meant our “camping” for the night was a cosy setup in the van. That is, if you don’t count my sleeping mat deflating…

The next morning, bright and early, we hit the trail towards the Kaimanawa open tops. The weather couldn’t have been better—hot, clear, and perfect for hiking. As we climbed out of the tree line and onto the open tops, I couldn’t help but realize that my 2 litres of water might just barely be enough. We walked for 12 km in total, with plenty of elevation to keep us working hard. By the time we returned to the van, both Tess and I were thoroughly spent—but in the best way.

What made this trip truly special was the bond Tess and I shared throughout. It wasn’t just about the hike or the stunning views; it was about the connection we had as we navigated the trail together. There was a kind of unspoken agreement between us—pure, mutual enjoyment of a shared adventure. Just her and me, living in the moment, appreciating the journey.

Novelty brings excitement. Trying something new together strengthens your connection because it pushes both of you out of the familiar. That sense of adventure keeps things fresh and avoids the rut of “same old, same old.” Every relationship needs that edge to stay vibrant—including the one with your dog.

Shared joy deepens the bond. Think about it: have you ever done something with someone just because they enjoyed it, while you were secretly counting the minutes? Not much fun, right? Now, compare that to a time when everyone was having fun—laughing, smiling, totally in sync. That’s the magic we’re aiming for with our dogs.

• Find a dog-friendly park in Google Maps you have never been to and go explore.

• Get into togs, put the sprinkler on and run through it with your dog.

• Teach your dog a new trick.

• Do some dog parkour - which just means going over, around or under obstacles.

• Do some research about your breed and have fun with a breed-specific game.

• Pack a lunch and go for a long walk in a dog-friendly bush. 

Did you know that I arrange Social Walks around Hamilton Lake from time to time? (Well, actually I got a little busy at the end of 2024 so they kind of stopped 😢)

For 2025, they are starting up again. So here’s a GREAT idea for something new that you can do with your dog!

The first social walk for 2025 will be:

• 9 am, Sunday 19 January 2025

• At Innes Common, Hamilton Lake.

• Mark it in your diary!

I hope you like the improved Newsletter format. I’m excited to make this a more regular offering as it helps me keep in touch with my new, current and past clients.

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