Summer is always the perfect time to explore the outdoors and make unforgettable memories. And if you have a dog, you have an automatic best friend to do all sorts of activities with.
When making summer plans with your pup, think about their personality, activity level, and specific interests to determine what would be the best activity. If you need some help deciding on an activity, we listed a few fun plans that you can add to your summer bucket list.
Go for a swim
Take your pup to a dog-friendly beach, lake, river, or pool. Playing in the water together can be a fun and rewarding activity for both of you! For example, you can play water toss with toys. On the other hand, it’s important to remember to supervise your dog while they are swimming to make sure they are safe while they’re in the water. You should also discourage your dog from drinking pool water by having fresh water available at all times. If swimming is not something your dog is very confident in, provide a lifejacket and slowly teach your dog how to paddle.
Enjoy a picnic
If you cannot find a restaurant that welcomes dogs, having a picnic is always a great option. Picnics are a great opportunity to let your dog roam and explore a new grassy area. Remember to pack a blanket big enough for you and your dog to lay on, and bring some treats (human- and dog-friendly) to enjoy under the summer sun. A picnic is such a relaxing way to spend a summer afternoon!
Head to the dog park
Many dogs love going to the dog park because there is so much open space and loads of other dogs to play with. Before heading to your local dog park, you might consider scheduling dog dates with other pups in the area, so your dog has a friend to play with when they arrive. Sometimes dogs can get nervous and overwhelmed when they go to the dog park alone. If that happens, watch the way your dog reacts to the other animals at the park. Only let your dog off its leash if your pup is looking completely comfortable and confident. Regardless, you should keep a close eye on your dog, and remove them from a situation if they are showing signs of aggression or fear.
Make frozen dog treats
We all know that the summertime is the hottest time of the year! To help your dog cool off on hot days, make some frozen dog treats. An easy way to make these treats is by putting food inside a food-stuffable toy and then sticking it in the freezer. If you do not have food-stuffable toys, you can always freeze fruit chunks. This is a fun way to cool down your dog while also giving them a little challenge to complete.
Have a puppy party
If your dog is very social, throw a puppy party with all the other dogs in the neighborhood. You can plan to meet in someone’s backyard, the beach, or a nearby park. This provides a chance for the dogs to play together. Plus, pup owners get to mingle and socialize as well. If you are hosting a puppy party make sure there are enough dog toys to go around. You might even set up a toy exchange, where dog owners at the party can swap out toys with other owners.
Summertime is the best time to try out all those fun activities you have been saving up and better yet do them with your pup!
No Comments