Get ready for an exciting weekend to bond with your pup! Whether you’re looking to explore new places or stick locally around your town, check out these 5 dog-friendly activities to keep your pup entertained (plus a fun bonus activity at the end).
1. Dog-Friendly Hikes and Nature Walks
If the weather is permitting, plan a day out in nature with your pup. They’ll be sure to love all the new smells on a nature walk or hike. Search local areas to find dog-friendly trails and then get started! Gather some items before you go. Be sure to include a sturdy leash and harness, plenty of water, some treats to reward your pup along the way, and waste bags. Even if you’re in the middle of the woods, clean up after your pup so no one else steps in it along the way!
If you’re planning a long hike, pack a backpack with extra food and water for both of you in case you get lost or the trip turns out longer than you expected. Be sure to tell a trusted family member or friend where you’ll be in case something happens. Bring your phone in case of an emergency (and to take cute pictures on your hike!).
2. Visit a Dog-Friendly Restaurant or Brewery
If your pup is socialable and behaved in public places, taking them to a dog-friendly restaurant can be a great way to get both of you out of the house! All you need to do is search around to find some cool spots to go to, which you’d be surprised how many you might find. You might even get to meet other dogs while you’re there.
Make sure your dog is comfortable being around other people and dogs before you go. You might want to start out with a few quick trips in public first to get your dog accustomed to going, but after that your pup should be ready for a longer trip! This may not be the best activity for a shy, reserved dog, so don’t try to force your dog into something they don’t like doing. But if your pup is a social butterfly, they’ll love the attention of going to a pet-friendly location. Bring your dog’s leash and collar and some treats for rewards and you’re all set!
3. Playdate at the Dog Park
What’s better than a day spent outside at the dog park! Whether you want to just walk on leash around the park or go in an off-leash area, your pup will surely enjoy their trip! If your dog enjoys socializing with other pups, an off-leash area will be a great way to tire your pup out. Just be sure to watch you dog closely while off-leash and be ready to act quick in case the dogs aren’t getting along.
If your dog is not overly friendly with other dogs, it might be best to stick to the off-leash areas when no one else is there for a fun game of fetch or stick to on-leash areas around the park to stroll around. You can try going at less crowded times to get your pup used to playing with other dogs when there aren’t as many dogs there all at once to help your pup gain confidence. Always be sure to have water available to keep your pup hydrated. In order to be respectful to everyone else, make sure you clean up after your pup as well!
4. Beach Day or Lake Day for Dogs
If you’re lucky enough to live near a beach or lake, take advantage of this to give your pup a perfect weekend activity! This could give your dog the opportunity to experience new sites and sounds including the splashing waves, seagulls, and sand. Get your pup a good-fitting life jacket so they can enjoy swimming and a towel for drying off. Pack water and some snacks and don’t forget some fun toys too! If you have a light colored dog (especially a short haired one), you may need to get sunscreen or a sun blocking shirt as well, as it is possible for dogs to get sunburned. Consider sunglasses for your pup as well for those very sunny days. Before you go, make sure the area you plan to go to is dog-friendly, as not all places allow dogs or might have certain designated areas you can take your dog.
5. Try a Dog-Friendly Event or Festival
Depending on the time of year, there are likely some dog-friendly events going on near you for a fun social outing for you and your pup! This might include pet parades, pet expos, or special fundraising events. Some summer or fall festivals may be dog-friendly as well. Check out your local Facebook events or other social media pages to find these types of events. Some animal shelters or pet stores may host adoption events that you can bring your pup to. Make sure your dog is leashed for everyone’s safety. If the event is outside, consider sunscreen or a sun blocking shirt and plan to have an area to bring your dog inside if they get too hot.
One of our favorite trips was going to a pet-expo in the city where our pup got to walk around and even snagged a picture with Santa, then had lunch outdoors at a local brewery where he got to take in the sights. Our pup was raised living in the city, so he has no fear of walking in busy areas or being around a lot of people. If your pup is not used to that yet, start with smaller trips first to get them used to crowds and new noises before stepping up to larger events.
6. Bonus: Pup Night at the Ballpark!
If you’re a baseball lover or simply enjoy getting out for a sporting event, look to see if your local teams sponsor any pup nights at the park! Another of our favorite dog-friendly activities is a trip to the ballpark. Many MLB teams have designated pup nights where you can watch the game and bring your pup too. These usually include some pre-game festivities as well. Your pup will need to be up to date on vaccines and friendly around people and other dogs. You’ll be sure to meet a variety of other dog breeds in attendance and may even get a swag bag with some freebies. Your pup might even make it on television in between pitches!
Your pup is sure to enjoy the time spent bonding with you regardless of the destination. Whether you’re going for a hike, getting a bite to eat, or spending the day at an event, you and your pup will make memories to last forever. Snap a few pictures together along the way to preserve the memories!
Looking to take a longer trip with your pup? Read our tips for traveling with your dog to help you plan a trip together with your furry friend!
What activities do you like doing with your pup? Share below in the comments!
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