10 Ways to Adventure With Your Dog That Aren’t a Walk Around the Block

You have the regular stroll around the block with Fido’s daily check of his morning pee-mails down pat; maybe it’s time to get a little more adventurous? Dog-loving Explorer, Sarah, shares the different ways to adventure with your furry, four-legged friends.

We all love an adventure in good company, and what better company could you ask for than one with bundles of enthusiasm and a waggy tail?

I’m here to tell you your adventures with your favourite pooch don’t have to stop at the end of the street (or be on four feet!). Here are some of my favourite ways to adventure with my dog that aren’t the standard walk.

Must. get. stick. at. all. costs.

A reminder that these ideas very much depend on the nature of your individual dog. Balancing a Chihuahua on a paddleboard may be a little easier than if your best mate is a Great Dane. Working dog breeds are going to be considerably up for more endurance adventures than their less active companions.

It’s best to tailor your adventure to your dog with their fitness and happiness in mind!

Read more: How to Plan a Road Trip With a Dog

1. Stand Up Paddle Boarding (SUP)

I see you… your SUP has been lying in your garage all winter or stashed awkwardly on your balcony and it’s time to let it loose. It’s summer and there’s arguably no better place to be than gliding along glassy waters under the summer sun.

SUP is a SUP-er fun way to get out and explore different waterways, and throwing a dog into the equation only adds to the adventure.

A great way to cool off during the dog days

If it’s your pup’s first time, you’ll want to get them acquainted with the board before you launch them onto the water. Let them explore the board on dry land, rewarding with treats when they hop on, instilling confidence in them and the voyage ahead.

Once you’re on the water, it’ll be a test of your balance and their faith in you! A little life jacket is an optional extra here depending on your dog’s confidence in the water.

2. Canoeing or Sit-on Kayaking

As an ex-kayak guide, I’m pretty familiar with the confusion there seems to be around canoes vs kayaks.

Canoes are the dug-out craft, typically with a little bench seat or two, propelled forward with single-blade paddles which you switch from side-to-side to keep the canoe heading in the direction you want. Kayaks come in all shapes and sizes but the sit-on variety are the best bet for four-legged captains.

Passenger princess in full form

Canoes and sit-on kayaks are both excellent for pupventures as there’s heaps of relatively stable space for your dog to explore and get comfy in.

Canoes are extra roomy and make a solid option for a cheeky overnighter with your camping gear if you want to turn it into a multi-day dog-friendly extravaganza!

Hot tip: The trickiest part of canoeing with a pup can be getting them back into the canoe if they decide to jump out for a swim. A doggy life jacket with a handle on the back can make it heaps easier to hoist them back in without risking injury. The same applies to sit-on kayaks!

3. Jetty Jumping

Find a jetty. Jump off. Encourage doggo to join you. Repeat. Easy.

So long as there’s a way for the dog to get back onto the jetty, which doesn’t involve you getting scratched up in the process of helping them out of the water (speaking from experience…)

Mum what the hell are you doing

4. Mountain Biking

Unlike other countries (think UK and Canada) where it’s common to see dogs racing around singletrack bike parks with their owners, Australia’s a little more restrictive when it comes to letting dogs gallop down mountain bike trails. Not everywhere though!

North east of Canberra lies the Majura Pines Recreation Area. It’s a leafy dog-friendly heaven. Plus, if you’re looking for less techy trails, state forests are often open to dogs visiting with their humans. Just be sure to check restrictions before you go!

Sharing the rush of adrenaline with your dog as they fully send it in front of you is a dog-loving mountain biker’s dream. This is definitely an activity for the speedier dogs out there.

My hurricane pup Ness LOVES to join for trail adventures. I’m slowly getting her into wearing ‘Rex Specs’, full-bling, gold, dog goggles for when she’s following my wheel to protect her eyes from all the dirt that gets thrown up into her face.

Goggles to let the other dogs know you’re outdoorsy x

Night riding with dogs is even more epic. Simply stick a bright flashing collar around your pup’s neck, plus a set of great lights on your handlebars and helmet and off you go. There’s something about night riding which just makes you feel laser-focused and fast. And sharing the stoke with Fido is the absolute best!

5. Trail Running

Trail running is one of my favourite activities with my pup, Ness, as it’s so simple, and we both get to share the joy of moving freely out amongst the trees with dirt underfoot and paw.

Make sure you plan your route on dog-friendly trails. Depending on where you are and how good your dog’s recall is, you might be able to let your dog run off-leash, free to cool off in creeks along the way.

Um why are we stopping… let’s go

Otherwise, check out the running-specific leashes that let you run hands-free with your dog. With Ness clipped around my waist, she can run ahead of me and still remain under control if there’s tempting wildlife about. A harness is also a great option if your pup likes to pull.

Ness always recognises when we’re at a new trailhead and her excitement coupled with her total doggy focus is infectious.

Read more: Walking the Length of the World with My Dog 

6. Climb a Mountain

Much like trail running, summiting a peak is always a great feeling. Even more so when it’s shared with a joyful pupper who reminds you of how fortunate you are to be out on the trail, free to roam. On the Sunshine Coast, we’re lucky to have beautiful, dog-friendly Mount Ninderry right on our doorstep.

Make sure you take enough water for both you and the pooch!

Always check that dogs are allowed on the trail you plan to hike

7. Canine Parkour

Look, I don’t think this is necessarily an official sport, but even if you’re just on your usual spin around the block, open your eyes to all the opportunities for Rex to indulge in a little canine Parkour and mix up your daily walk.

Encourage your pup to hop onto and walk along benches or balance on tree stumps.

Or even parkour into the ocean!

Just be mindful of what you’re teaching a younger dog as Ness loved this so much she’d frequently launch straight up onto picnic tables at highly inappropriate times.

8. Beach Adventures

See how many dog-friendly beaches you can find in your area and visit a different one each morning, especially if you’re blessed with a selection, like we are on the Sunshine Coast!

Read more: 10 Best Melbourne Dog Beaches

The sun is still up we cannot go home yet ok

Go for a beach run. Jump in the ocean. If you have a water-loving pooch maybe even try out surfing with your dog. Grab your biggest foamie and see how they go!

Read more: 11 Best Dog Friendly Beaches in Sydney

9. Tent Camping

A simple self-propelled overnighter is ever so slightly less simple with a dog in tow – but infinitely more enjoyable. You’ll need to think about the extra things you’ll have to carry for doggo – extra water, food, poop bags, and if it’s cold and especially if they’re typically an indoor dog, something to keep them warm.

@katealiice and Bowie on the Hume & Hovell Track!

A little backpack for your dog is a great way for them to carry some of their stuff, like extra water or anything you don’t mind potentially being submerged if they decide to spontaneously cool off in a creek. Maybe keep the electronics in your pack, hey.

If it’s your dog’s first tent adventure, it’s worth having a little dry run in your backyard with your setup to make sure they’re not going to freak out and rip their way out of your expensive lightweight tent during the night!