Canine Capers, The Richmond Magazine, May 2026

Every dog has his (or her) day out. But do they know how to make the most of it? In her forthcoming book, Deana Luchia is a fund of furry ideas

Dogs are as individual as we are, whatever their breed or age. I’ve had adventurous types who’ve jumped into the sea, dogs who’ve spent hours quietly monitoring squirrel activity, a tiny dog whose idea of bliss was a nap in a sock drawer and one who loved trains, boats and cars, but whose favourite means of transportation was being carried in my arms, belly up.

Despite their differences, however, I think you’ll fi nd that dogs have two things in common: 1) they are all wonderful and 2) they want more than anything to spend as much time as they can with you.

My dogs, Dottie and Pippa, are elderly terriers I adopted when they were two. As I work from home, they spend a lot of their time snoozing happily next to my desk, occasionally wandering into the bedroom for a sunbathe on the big bed. But between naps, we go for walks, play games, race around the living room and dance. When I’m not working, I treat them to the cinema, doggy afternoon teas,

agility games in the garden and tube and boat journeys to new parks.

In my new book, The Year of the Dog: 365 Fun Activities to do with Your Dog, I’ve

included activities for all kinds of pooches, whatever their idea of a good time. Many are things you can do at home; some are about a day out, somewhere new...

Table for two

I do this a lot, as Dottie and Pippa are very well-behaved in restaurants and love being out and about with me. Check beforehand that a restaurant is dog-friendly, take plenty of treats and, if possible, ask for a table away from other

diners, as not everyone wants to eat next to a terrier giving them their best ‘feed

me’ stare.

The Botanist, on Kew Green, is dogfriendly (in the bar and courtyard), as is

Richmond’s unique restaurant on a boat, Peggy Jean. Also in Richmond, you can

invite your dog to Gaucho (dogs on the terrace) or the Old Town Hall branch of Megan’s, an Eastern Mediterranean chain (dogs allowed inside).

Mini breaks

My dogs have always loved a stay in a hotel, because it means new walks, new smells, a welcome pack with treats (lots of hotels provide these) and the chance to spend every minute with me. Expect an extra fee for dogs to stay in your room (usually between £20 and £35 per night) and remember to take your dog’s bed with you.

Richmond Hill Hotel is very used to canine guests who love staying close to Richmond Park (welcome pack included). Venture further afield and stay at The

Hand and Spear in Weybridge (dogs receive a welcome hamper), The White

Horse in Dorking, The Swan Inn in Esher and the Macdonald Windsor Hotel, which

is ideally placed a short distance from The Long Walk.

Agility fun

I used to do agility activities at home with garden canes balanced on plant pots or a hula hoop raised a few inches above the ground – perfect for my small dogs. But if yours are particularly fast, clever and focused, try taking them to a proper agility class like those held at K9 Funzone in Kingston, which has classes for beginners and advanced dogs. Alternatively, for something less intense, Dog Parkour Fusion in Richmond combines agility with balance and bonding.

Boating

If your dogs, like mine, prefer a sedate pace, take them on a boat trip. Hire a boat from dog-friendly GoBoat Kingston and let your dog watch the world go by as you navigate the river. You can also try Turks Launches, which welcomes dogs in its river cruises that run between Richmond, Kingston and Hampton Court Palace.

Screen time

One of my old dogs, Harry, loved going to the cinema – so many new experiences rolled into one, including the chance to make new friends. The Curzon in Kingston has weekly dogfriendly screenings – all with lower sound than normal. Give it a go! It’s so much fun.

And whatever you do with your dog, have the best time!

■ The Year of the Dog, by Deana Luchia, is out this month, published by Quiller (£18.99)

This article originally appeared in the May 2026 issue of The Richmond Magazine.