Summer is a great time to get outdoors and have fun with your dog and bring sun-kissed days, fun-filled vacations, and welcome relaxation. However, the season is not just for you and your family. Let your dog join in the fun as well. While walks and fetch are activities you can share with your pet all year long, summer weather gives you and your dog the chance to branch out.
Summer Activities
Over the years, various dog-friendly locales have sprung up throughout the country. Dog parks and beaches are specifically designated for your pets to enjoy, and therefore they are not beholden to some of the restrictions placed upon them in other locations. No need to bring a leash or harness to these places. Simply let your dog roam free and indulge in a healthy bout of running, swimming, and exploring.
Here are some summer activities you can do with your pet that prove both worthwhile and enjoyable.
Go on a Camping Trip
Many national and state parks allow you to bring your dog, provided it is closely monitored and on a leash. Going to a park provides your dog with new territory to discover and explore. Moreover, it gives you the opportunity to enjoy nature yourself and improve your overall health.
Take a Hike
Dogs love exploring trails, and you will feel more secure when accompanied by a loyal companion. Before you visit a recreational area, check the rules for bringing a dog with you. Keep your dog in sight and under control on a trail. Bring water and snacks for your pet, and do not take a dog on a long hike if he does not have the endurance for it.
Walk Alone or in a Group
It is no secret that dogs derive supreme enjoyment from a simple walk. If you can, take 15 to 20 minutes out of your day to walk your dog around the block. It may not seem like much, but your pet will thoroughly appreciate it. Start up a walking group if you find it difficult to gather any motivation. With a group of other walkers at your side, you should have little trouble encouraging yourself to take your dog on a leisurely stroll.
Indulge in Some Sprinkler Fun
Depending on where you live, the summer may bring days that are more sweltering than you can handle. Keep in mind that if you cannot stand the heat, then your dog, with its ample supply of fur, is not having any fun either. Set up a sprinkler system in the backyard and let your dog play in the cooling mists. Such an activity brings both enjoyment and relief from the heat.
Dive In
Dogs love water, and swimming is a way for them to get exercise and stay cool at the same time. Whether you join your dog in the water or supervise from a distance, playing in or near water can be fun for both of you. Before you let your dog loose in one of nature’s waterways, educate yourself in water safety. Not every river or lake is safe, and ocean waves may be too intense for some dogs. Swimming pools are an alternative to rivers and oceans, and they allow you to more closely supervise your pooch so they can continue to have a safe summer.
Eat Out
Many eateries do not want dogs indoors, but they may welcome canines at sidewalk tables. A dog is a natural icebreaker, and having one at your side can lead to conversations with other patrons. Always keep your dog under control and on a leash when you go to a restaurant. Make sure he is out of the way of foot traffic and does not bother other people.
Hang Out
Dogs love spending time with their people. Even if you are just chilling out in the backyard, you and your dog can spend many happy hours just lazing around together on a warm summer day.
There are so many fun activities to do with your dog. So, as you prepare to head to the beach or relax in the sun, make sure to keep man’s best friend in mind and plan for a few dog-friendly activities.