Walk on the Wild Side - How to Make Dog Walking Interesting for Kids

We've had our newest family member, Ted, for about five weeks now.  He's been good, well as good as puppies get.  Accidents in the house are fewer and fewer and we're getting used to new routines.  One of the first and best lessons we've learned is that 'a tired puppy is a good puppy' which means that little Ted gets a lot of walks.

One of the main drivers for the addition of Ted was that freelance life can be a little lonely, and it's both nice and healthy to legitimately have an excuse and reason to get away from the laptop several times a day and go for a nice walk.

As the person who logs the most hours with Ted, I also log the most kilometres with our puppy friend, just the same evening and weekend walks include some or all of the entire family.  As healthy as it is to get out there, it can be hard to convince a seven year old (and sometimes a 43 year old - ahem Chris) to go for a long, long walk - particularly when it's gross or cold outside.

Molly loves going on walks with me and Ted and enjoying the time to talk, catch up and get some one on one time, but just the same it can get tedious.  So here are some ideas we've come up with so far to help make our walks more fun, and even sometimes productive.

 How to Make Dog Walking Interesting for Kids

Molly takes charge on a walk with Ted

1. The Clean up Walk

This one was Molly's idea.  She's a proud earth ranger and we've both noticed a lot of garbage around the area, particularly when you have a little dog who wants to eat ALL OF THE GARBAGE.  Bring out a bag and have the kids collect garbage while you work to earn Earth Ranger/ good karma points.

2. The Playground Walk

This one is simple.  Walk with the playground as your farthest destination (or three quarters of the way back) and give the kids at least 10 to 15 minutes to play while you walk around with the dog before heading home.

3. Cool Hikes

Our family loves hiking.  Add in some caves, waterfalls, etc. and everyone is happy.

4. Festivities Walk

This time of year is perfect to check out some local neighbourhoods known for amazing Halloween decorations, fall colours and more with both the dog and kids along for the ride.  In another month or two you can do the same walk with Christmas lights.

Pausing on a hike for a snack and the view

5. Scavenger Walk

You can print some online or make your own, and offer prizes for the kid who finds everything on the list (10 dogs, orange leaves, yellow flowers, etc.)

6. Bring a Ball

Play catch or soccer or Frisbee and make the walk about playing a game with the kids and the pup.

7. The Errand Walk

This one benefits everyone.  It requires more than one adult, or kids that are old enough to run into the store to pick up your take-out order or grab that bag of milk, return those library books, but it's productive and with purpose.

8. Go Fly a Kite

Literally...Do it.

To get access to the newest posts from Multiple Momstrosity and more on Facebook click here and follow today

Follow Multiple Momstrosity on Twitter @Sarabethbug