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Dog Park Etiquette
If you're an urban or suburban dog owner, you're likely familiar with the local dog park. It's a canine oasis. The "Dog Park Etiquette" E-book outlines what you should consider before you bring your dog to the dog park.
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Summertime is perfect for outdoor fun. And it鈥檚 even better if your dog can join in. There are oodles of activities to try, from old standbys 濒颈办别听fetch聽to more adventurous pursuits 濒颈办别听hitting the trail for a hike. Consider your dog鈥檚 personality, activity level, and interests to be certain you find the perfect match. If you鈥檙e looking for some inspiration, the following list is sure to contain some ideas both you and your dog will enjoy.
Have a Pet Portrait Session
Summer makes a beautiful backdrop for a pet portrait session. You can even enlist the help of a friend and get in the picture with your pooch. Avoid the harsh shadows of midday and set your camera or phone on burst so you don鈥檛 miss a thing. The trick to capturing your dog鈥檚 best expression is to ensure they鈥檙e enjoying the experience. Go somewhere familiar and use聽treats听补苍诲 to hold their interest.
Make Frozen Dog Treats
Help your dog cool off on hot days with prepackaged or DIY frozen treats. A simple trick is to take a food-stuffable toy, like a , and freeze it after filling. Another easy treat is frozen fruit chunks like watermelon cubes. You can also make ice cubes using no-salt-added chicken broth. Finally, get more adventurous and try a recipe for pupsicles or soft-serve treats.
Try AKC Scent Work
Scent Work is all about letting your dog do what they do best鈥搒niff. All you need is a DIY beginner鈥檚 kit聽with some essential oils, jars, and cotton swabs. Then, with a few聽simple lessons, you can start playing in the backyard or park. For an informal version of the game, hide treats around your yard or sprinkle kibble in the lawn and let your dog sniff for the goodies.
Enjoy a Picnic
If you can鈥檛 find a restaurant that welcomes dogs on the patio, try a picnic instead. Bring a blanket big enough for you and your dog, and don鈥檛 forget to pack some聽dog-safe foods聽your pup can share. If you take a long walk ahead of time or otherwise exercise your dog, they will be far more likely to relax while you eat.
Have a Puppy Party
If your dog has some friends in the neighborhood, try throwing a puppy party. It鈥檚 a chance for the dogs to play and the owners to socialize. Make sure there are enough toys to go around, and if you BBQ or provide food for the owners, make sure unsafe items like chicken bones or onion slices are out of reach of the dogs.
To add an extra dimension, include a used toy exchange. Each owner can bring a toy their dog no longer uses.
Take a Dog Training Class
Some training schools provide outdoor obedience classes in the summer. Not only do you get to enjoy the weather, but there are plenty of聽distractions聽you can incorporate into your training.
Or if you鈥檙e looking for an entirely new way to play with your dog, consider trying a聽dog sport 濒颈办别听Agility,听Diving, or Disc Dog. You and your dog will build your bond as you learn to work together as a team.
Build a Backyard Agility Course
Build your own backyard obstacle course just for fun or to聽build agility skills at home. There are聽聽or you can DIY some simple obstacles with PVC pipe and some wood. Just be sure to keep the obstacles low for safety and let your dog go at their own pace.
Head to the Dog Park
Many dogs love the excitement of the聽dog park. If you want to guarantee there are some appropriate playmates for your pup, schedule dates with owners and dogs you already know.
If you鈥檙e there on your own, watch the interactions between the other dogs before you let your dog off-leash. It鈥檚 important the experience is positive and not overwhelming.
Play Bobbing for Kibble
Playing in the water is a great way for your dog to keep cool. You can play fetch through the sprinkler, hose them down, or let them paddle at the beach.
Another fun game is bobbing for kibble. Fill a kiddie or with a few inches of water and toss in a handful of kibble or other treats like apple slices. Let your dog jump in and retrieve the treats.
Go For a Swim
Take your dog to a lake, river, or beach and let them swim. Play together in the water or toss a聽聽for them to retrieve. Just be sure to always supervise your dog and provide plenty of fresh water to discourage drinking while they swim.
Not all dogs are naturals in the water, so聽teach your dog to swim听补苍诲 provide a聽聽to boost their confidence.
Take a Boat Ride
颁辞苍蝉颈诲别谤听taking your dog for a boat ride. They can join you on a motorboat, canoe,听kayak, or even a stand-up paddleboard.
Be sure to put your dog in a life jacket and do some simple training beforehand in shallow water. For everyone鈥檚 safety, you want to be sure your dog is calm and comfortable in the boat.
Create Some Paw Art
Let your dog express their inner artist with some paw painting. All you need for your dog鈥檚 masterpiece are some and a large piece of paper. Dip your dog鈥檚 paws in the paint and then encourage them to walk across the papermaking art as they go. And when you鈥檙e satisfied with the results, finish off by giving your dog an outdoor bath.
No matter which of these activities you decide to try, remember that聽dogs can easily overheat in the summer. Stick to cooler days or early morning/evening when the sun isn鈥檛 as strong. And provide plenty of opportunities for a and a rest.