Summertime is here! The sun is shining, the weather is nice, and you and your pooch are geared up to get out and have some fun! When it comes to taking your pup outside for some adventures, you’ll be sure to want to give them the enrichment and excitement they deserve.
Check out all of these fun activities that you and your four-legged friend can enjoy this summer!
Have a Pool Day!
The summer is hot, and staying cool is important. What’s a better way to keep your pup entertained and cooled down than having a pool day! Even if you don’t own a pool yourself, picking up a kiddie pool is easy and enjoyable for you and your four-legged friend.
In a larger pool, if you’ve got a dog that loves to play fetch and do the doggie paddle, consider bringing along a toy or two! Throwing that toy into the water (as long as it floats) can be a great way to get your pooch into the pool! Let them cannonball into the deep end and go after that chew toy of theirs!
Keep it Safe
If your pup has never been swimming, let them give it a try! Introduce them to shallow water first and foremost, allowing them to get a feel for things. Then, once they’ve gotten the hang of it, let them venture deeper and deeper!
Always be sure to keep an eye on your pooch when they’re in the water. If you aren’t with them, don’t let them dive right in - prevent access from the pool when you’re away.
Take a Hike!
Pups enjoy being outside, even when it’s hot outside. They enjoy the feel of grass under their paws, wind whistling through their fur, and the ability to roam far and wide. All of these things, and more, can be found on a hike!
Hiking is a great way to get your pup out into nature and really let their natural instinct take over. Dogs of all sizes can benefit from a hike because it allows them to get out of the house and into an interesting environment. There are plenty of new smells to enjoy and lots of areas to explore! Pack up the car and take your pooch to the trailhead.
Things to Bring
When taking your pooch on a hike, whether they’re big or small, there are a few things you should bring with you:
- Dog Tags - Always be sure to have proper identification on your pooch when exploring the great outdoors.
- Collapsible Water Bowl - It can get awfully hot out on the trail. Be sure to pack plenty of water and a water bowl.
- Harness and Leash - It’s always a good idea to keep your pup on a strong harness and leash when hiking together. A good harness and leash are important safety measures.
- Treats - Be sure to bring treats for your pup when you hike! There’s nothing more rewarding than a good post-hike treat for your pooch or a snack to munch on to keep them going.
- Poop Bags - Picking up poop might not be the most glamorous activity, but it is the most courteous to others on the hiking trail with you.
Schedule a Playdate!
It’s entirely likely that your dog has friends, so why not schedule a playdate for them? Bringing over another pup to play with is a ton of fun and can be really rewarding. It’ll also allow you to bond with the other pup’s parents and can be a wonderful social affair for all parties involved!
When scheduling a playdate, it’s important to make sure that there are plenty of toys around so that the pups won’t get too agitated with one another while playing. Additionally, it has been said that food makes a party, so don’t forget to have plenty of treats on hand!
Add a Theme for Extra Fun!
When scheduling your playdate, consider having a theme for the occasion! You can have a pet barbecue, complete with delicious meaty treats for both the pups and the people present.
For an evening playdate, consider having an outdoor movie night, with a projector on the lawn and snacks for everyone! Look into dog-friendly people food for a menu that works for everyone.
Head To the Beach!
Dog beaches are a great summer activity for you and your pup! If you live near the coast, consider taking your pup to the beach for a fun-filled day with tons of other dogs. When planning a beach day for you and your pooch, it’s important to make sure that the beach you’re heading to is dog-friendly.
While the beach is fun, it also requires adequate preparation, like any other outdoor activity. Be sure to bring a shade, like a large beach umbrella or a canopy, if there aren’t any available onsite. Bringing fresh water is a must, as well.
Keep an eye on your pup, too, because they may try drinking saltwater which isn’t good for them.
No Beach? No Problem
If you don’t live on the coast, a fun beach day isn’t out of the question; you’ll just need to get creative. Try looking for dog-friendly lakes. If you’re lucky, the lake may even have a beach of its own! If a lake isn’t an option, look for rivers; just make sure that the water isn’t fast flowing. Safety is always a must.
Build an Agility Course!
Make your four-legged friend an agility course at home! Make some obstacles out of everyday items, like cinder blocks and broom handles, or get a little more involved and go bigger! An at-home agility course is a great enrichment for your pooch, benefiting both their mind and their body.
At-home agility courses don’t have to be state of the art, by any means, but can be made to suit any dog, big or small. The goal of the course is not to make them a competing pooch but to get them out and active like they want to be.
A New Skill
If you want to make something a little more permanent than just setting up obstacles with what you have lying around, consider making an agility course out of PVC pipe! If you’ve never done something like that, have no fear, it’s pretty easy.
There are plenty of online guides on how to make them, and they don’t require too much previous tool knowledge or too much money for something elaborate. Your pup will most certainly thank you for their version of an at-home gym!
There’s Plenty to Do This Summer
If you’re looking to get outside with your pup and have a good time, there’s plenty to do this summer that both of you can enjoy. From the typical summer beach days to something a little more elaborate like an agility course, the options are endless. Get out there and get some sun with your furry friend, and be sure to take plenty of breaks to hydrate and cool down!
Sources
Keeping Your Dog Safe When You Have a Pool | Dogington Post
9 Hot Tips for Taking Your Dog to the Beach | The Dog People