What is Friluftsliv?
Friluftsliv is a concept hailing from Norway which translates to "open-air living." It's the idea that a life spent outdoors is a happier one and one that connects us more deeply with where we come from. Friluftsliv is about delighting in the outdoors no matter the weather or the way in which you prefer to spend time outside.
Friluftsliv involves anything from wilderness treks and skiing to more peaceful pursuits like laying in the hammock or berry picking. There's no right or wrong way. It's about being with nature in the open air.
Friluftsliv for Dogs
Dogs naturally delight in the outdoors, but what is doubly wonderful is how well Friluftsliv fits in with the concept of enrichment for dogs. Canine Enrichment is defined as "meeting all of an animal's needs as closely as possible to how they would be met in the wild," (Bender & Strong).
Wild dogs live and breathe the natural world so giving your dog more of the outdoors will enrich their life at the most basic level. More outdoor adventures means more opportunities for your dog to act on their instincts. These instincts are things like foraging, digging in the sand at the beach, chasing birds, sniffing and marking, laying in the sunshine, and playing with sticks and pinecones.
Living an "open-air life" has untold benefits for both you and your dog so dive into outdoor adventures with both feet (and all four paws)!
