Half of Brit dog owners have a ‘bucket list’ of memories they want to share with their PETS before they die

HALF of dog owners have a ‘bucket list’ of memorable experiences they dream of sharing with their pet, including hiking up mountains, swimming in the sea and camping under the stars.

Exploring a new city, paddle boarding, kayaking and even skateboarding are other activities they are keen to experience together with their pups.

Other adventures listed in top 30 include travelling on a road trip, watching a sunset and attending a dog yoga class.

The study of 2,000 dog owners also found 32 percent class their four-legged friend as their adventure buddy, while 45 per cent think having a pooch makes them feel less lonely when out and about.

Activities many have already enjoyed with their pet include running on the beach (29 percent), going on a bike ride (10 percent) and swimming in the sea (16 percent).

It also emerged some even favour activities with their pet over another human, including a staycation (20 percent), climbing a mountain (15 percent) and going wild swimming (15 percent).

The research, commissioned by natural dog food makers, Forthglade , also found 30 percent are keen to create adventure-led memories with their dog.

And owners typically describe their dog as confident (47 percent), mischievous (40 percent) and adventurous (31 percent).

Toby Roberts, from Essex, who has owned his rescue dog Ted, for three years, said: “We have a great bond and he is so much fun to be around. Ted is a huge part of our lives and we have terrific adventures.

“We went on a big campervan trip around Europe in 2019 and of course he came with us.

“We went through five different countries, travelled 3,000km and it was great to spend the time with Ted.”

David Cox, CEO at Forthglade, said: “With dog ownership increasing substantially over the last few years, it’s great to see our canine companions encouraging us to get outdoors more, experiencing adventures together.

“Adding adventures on top of the daily dog walk is hugely beneficial to the health and wellbeing of both us and our dogs – and can really boost a nourishing relationship together, which in turn increases our levels of happiness.

“Dogs are ideal teachers when it comes to sniffing out adventures and sharing endless excitement along the way.”

The study also revealed the benefits people believe come from enjoying adventures with their dog, with 38 percent getting more exercise.

Others think it helps improve their mental health (35 percent) and allows them to form a closer bond with their dog (38 percent).

Similarly, pet owners said getting fresh air (40 percent), creating memories (31 percent) and meeting new people and their pets (26 percent) were incentives for getting outdoors with their dog.

It also found 58 percent have taken their dog on holiday in the UK, while 33 percent have travelled abroad with their canine companion.

While 60 percent admitted to planning day trips solely around their pet’s needs, with plenty of open space (38 percent), beautiful scenery (35 percent) and the sea (23 percent) as key must-haves.

Of those polled via OnePoll, 29 percent even said one of the reasons they got a dog was to encourage more outdoor adventures.