Tips, Tools, and TLC for Lifelong Companionship

Here are a few quick reminders and tips to help you be best in show.

1. Whether you’re moving or adding a new addition to your family, check out this 3-day guide to helping your dog settle into their new home.
2. Be sure to wash your dog’s bedding and toys monthly.
3. Annual well visit vet appointments will keep your dog happy and healthy. Scroll down to see our helpful check list.
4. Exercise is important to you and your dog. Scroll down to find fitness ideas to that will fit into both your schedules.
5. Mental stimulation is essential for a healthy lifestyle. We’ve got a great list of ideas below for ways to keep your dog’s brain sharp.
6. Just like people, dogs never stop learning. Our training and education pages offer professional tips from our certified training partners. Click here to learn more. https://www.grrmf.org/golden-retriever-care-adoption/training/
7. Make an emergency kit for your dog. This link includes items to include, where to find dog friendly shelters and hotels, and Florida evacuation zones. https://www.grrmf.org/hurricane-season/

Annual Veterinarian Exam Check List

Physical examination

Vaccinations

Routine Lab Work

Preventative Medications

Dental Check

Lifestyle and Behavior Review

Update Microchip and Records

Finding the Right Exercise

Classic Walks with a Twist, make sure to have your dog on a leash

• Neighborhood walks with training stops – Incorporate short obedience cues (sit, stay, heel) to make it mentally stimulating.
• Change the route often – Keeps it interesting for your dog’s nose and your mind.
• Pack walks with friends – Social for both you and your dog.

 For Active Humans + High-Energy Dogs

• Running or jogging – Start slow and build endurance together.
• Canicross – Cross-country running while your dog (in a special harness) runs ahead and helps pull.
• Agility – strengthens the relationship and trust between your dog and you.  

Outdoor & Nature-Based Activities

• Hiking – Trails with varied terrain are great for paws and legs. Choose dog-friendly parks.
• Beach runs or lake swims – Ideal for water-loving breeds.
• Camping trips – Let your dog carry their gear in a dog backpack for added effort.

Low-Impact or Senior-Friendly Options

• Doga (dog yoga) – Gentle stretching and bonding exercises with your pup beside or involved.
• Leisurely park-strolls – Add sniffing time, people-watching, and picnicking.
• Water therapy/swimming – Good for joint health in older or recovering dogs.

Mentally Engaging Physical Games

• Agility training – Fun for dogs, and you get moving too by setting up/timing/teaching.
• Fetch with cardio – Do squats, lunges, or sprints between throws.
• Hide-and-seek – Great indoor or yard game with light running and mental work for the dog.

Sports & Structured Activities

• Frisbee (disc dog) – For high-energy, high-drive pups.
• Treibball – Think soccer for dogs (you guide them to push large balls into goals).
• Skijoring (winter) – Cross-country skiing pulled by your dog (in snowy climates).

Matching Activities Based on Lifestyle

Mental Stimulation

Enrichment Activities

1. Puzzle toys – Toys like KONGs, snuffle mats, or Nina Ottosson puzzles encourage problem-solving.
2. Frozen treats – Stuff a toy with peanut butter, yogurt, or kibble and freeze it for a longer-lasting challenge.
3. Sniffari walks – Let your dog lead and sniff on walks. Engaging the nose is deeply mentally enriching.
4. Treasure hunts – Hide treats or favorite toys around the house or yard for your dog to find.
5. Cardboard shredding – Let your dog rip into a cardboard box with treats hidden inside (if they don’t eat cardboard).

Training and Learning

1. Teach new tricks – Keep sessions short and fun. Try shake, spin, roll over, or even cleanup (putting toys away).
2. Name their toys – Dogs can learn to recognize toy names and fetch the right one.
3. Scent work games – Hide a particular scent (like a bit of vanilla or a treat) and teach your dog to find it.

Interactive and Novel Experiences

1. DIY obstacle courses – Set up a mini agility course using couch cushions, tunnels, or broomsticks.
2. Rotate toys – Don’t leave all toys out at once. Rotate weekly to keep things fresh.
3. New environments – Change walking routes, visit a friend’s yard, or go on a dog-friendly hike.
4. Window time – Set up a dog-safe perch or spot by a window so they can safely watch the world go by.

Social and Emotional Enrichment

1. Playdates – Supervised time with other dogs can be both mentally and physically stimulating.
2. Massage or “talk time” – Gentle touch and calm talking can be soothing and enriching, especially for anxious dogs.
3. Doggy job – Give them a task like carrying a small backpack or helping bring in the mail (if trained).