As devoted pet owners, the desire to include our canine companions in as many aspects of our lives as possible is something we strive for. Often, we find ourselves looking for new and engaging activities to share with our dogs; activities that not only enhance their well-being but also strengthen the bond we share with them. However, coming up with fresh ideas of fun places to take your dog can sometimes be challenging.
To assist in this endeavor, we have compiled a comprehensive list of enjoyable activities specifically designed for you and your dog. Whether you’re looking for something relaxing, adventurous, or stimulating, our selection is sure to offer you some inspiration.
1.Spend Time at Off Leash Dog Parks
The dog park is popular as being one of the fun places to take your dog, and for good reason. Visiting the dog park with your furry companion is an immensely enjoyable experience, both for the pet and the owner. It’s a place where dogs can freely run, play, and socialize with other dogs off leash, which is essential for their physical and mental well-being. For pet parents, it’s a joy to watch their dogs in their element, frolicking and engaging with their canine peers.
The excitement and happiness of dogs as they explore new smells, meet new friends, and enjoy the freedom of off leash play is truly infectious. Dog parks also offer a great opportunity for owners to meet and connect with fellow dog lovers, share experiences, and perhaps even pick up some useful pet care tips.
Take a few minutes to jot down some dog parks near you. Having this list ready not only saves you time but also allows you to vary your routine, keeping outings exciting and new for your dog. It’s also a great way to discover different neighborhoods and communities in your area.
2.Stay at Dog Friendly Hotels
Staying at a pet friendly hotel, whether you’re traveling to a new city or enjoying a staycation in your own town, can be a delightful adventure for both you and your dog. These hotels often provide special amenities for canine guests, like dog beds, bowls, and welcome treats, making your pet feel right at home.
For you, the experience of having your furry friend by your side during your stay adds an extra layer of enjoyment and comfort to your travels. It eliminates the worry of leaving them behind and enhances the overall experience with their companionship. Additionally, pet friendly hotels often have information on local pet-friendly attractions, parks, and restaurants, encouraging you to explore new places with your dog.
This can lead to discovering hidden gems in a new city or seeing familiar places from a fresh perspective in your hometown. The experience fosters bonding, creates lasting memories, and can be a refreshing adventure for both you and your pet.
3.Hiking Trails with Leashed Dogs
Taking regular hikes along walking trails suited to their abilities not only supports physical health, but also offers both dogs and dog owners with mental exercise. Being cooped up can lead to boredom, so getting outside for a hike in the woods or countryside, offers a world of excitement. Encountering new environments, scents, people, and other dogs makes this experience thrilling.
A well-exercised dog is also less likely to engage in problematic behaviors at home. Activities like unwanted chewing and digging are often the result of a dog’s boredom and excess energy. Without an outlet to release this pent-up energy, dogs will find something to keep them busy, and that’s usually when you find the pillows torn up all over the house and the garbage tipped over.
Regular walks and outdoor activities are useful for behavioral problem management, reducing the likelihood of behavioral problems and helping keep your pet calm and relaxed. Ask fellow nature lovers where they recommend for your specific dog. Some trails are better for small dogs than others or more suited to dogs that can handle strenuous exercise. Be sure to ask about walking distance, both to their specific trail and how long the actual trail is.
4.Go Swimming with Your Furry Friend
Swimming is an enjoyable and refreshing activity to share with your dog, especially during the warmer months. Many dogs naturally love being in the water, making it a perfect way for them to exercise and have fun. However, it’s important to ensure their safety by equipping them with a life jacket, particularly for breeds with shorter legs or those that are not strong swimmers.
Before planning your swimming excursion, it’s also essential to research and compile a list of dog friendly beaches or swimming areas. Not all beaches welcome pets, and some may have specific rules or designated areas for dogs. Knowing these details beforehand can save you time and help avoid any inconvenience.
Dog owners should also consider the beach’s environment–factors like the type of water, the presence of strong currents, and the cleanliness of the area are important for your dog’s safety and enjoyment.
Don’t forget to pack essentials like fresh water for drinking, a towel, and possibly a toy that floats for added fun.
5.Visit the Pet Store With Your Dog
If you’re in the process of socializing your dog and they’ve reached the stage where they’re learning proper behavior and are generally friendly, considering a visit to a pet-friendly store can be a great in-town option. Such outings provide an excellent opportunity for your dog to practice social skills in a controlled environment.
In a pet-friendly store, your four legged friend can encounter a variety of people and possibly other pets, offering valuable exposure and interaction opportunities in a safe and manageable setting. This experience can help support positive behavior and build confidence in different social situations. It’s also a chance for you to teach your dog how to navigate public spaces respectfully, like learning to walk well on a leash, use caution in a parking lot, and respond to commands amidst distractions.
Not all dogs may be ready for this particular idea. Before visiting a store, ensure your dog is comfortable with the basics of obedience and is ready to handle the stimuli of a retail environment. Always keep a close eye on them and be ready to intervene or leave if they become overwhelmed. Remember, the goal is a positive experience for both your dog and the people around them.
6.Go Camping with Your Dog
Camping provides a perfect escape to immerse yourself in nature alongside your dog. It’s an opportunity to step away from the constant connectivity and demands of modern life and just exist in the moment. In the tranquility of the great outdoors, you and your pet can experience a deeper connection, free from everyday distractions.
When camping, you can engage in a variety of outdoor activities with your dog, incorporating many of the activities discussed, including hiking, swimming, and exploring new trails. These activities are not only enjoyable but also enhances physical and mental well-being. The simplicity of being outdoors, surrounded by natural beauty, can be incredibly refreshing and rejuvenating.
Camping with your dog allows you to observe and appreciate their natural instincts and behaviors in an environment that is vastly different from the home setting. It’s a chance to strengthen the bond you share as you rely on each other in a more rustic setting.
Many campsites even have dog showers should they roll around in something unpleasant. This experience can lead to a greater understanding and appreciation of your pet’s abilities and personality.
7.Go to a Doga Session
Doga, a creative fusion of yoga and dog interaction, is gaining popularity among fitness enthusiasts who wish to include their canine companions in their wellness routines. This unique activity adapts traditional yoga practices to accommodate the participation of dogs, offering a shared experience that benefits both the owner and the pet.
In Doga sessions, typical yoga poses and stretches are modified to involve dogs, either through gentle stretching, lifting, or simply having the dog as a calming presence. This not only helps support stamina and endurance but also strengthens the bond between the owner and their dog. It’s a relaxing and fun way for owners to connect with their pets while simultaneously engaging in a beneficial exercise routine.
Doga can also be a great way for your best friend to socialize with other pets and people in a peaceful environment. It helps keep your pet calm and relaxed and can be particularly beneficial for dogs provides help for restless animals. For pet owners, Doga provides a unique opportunity to practice mindfulness alongside their fur babies, creating a shared experience that may reduce hyperactivity and promote relaxation.
8.Take a Road Trip to Dog Friendly Cities
Even if your city is dog friendly, visiting other cities can enrich your dog’s life, and your own, and give you both a sense of renewal. Of course there are usually dog friendly spots in every city, but some cities are more well known for how much they cater to your fur babies. The most highly recommended cities to visit on a road trip include:
- Portland, Oregon: Portland is more well-known for their dog parks than any other city in the United States.
- San Diego, California: San Diego is a beautiful city to visit and is packed with dog friendly beaches. They also offer dog-friendly walking tours through the city.
- Boston, Massachusetts: Boston is known for its pet-friendly tours of the town and dog friendly breweries.
- Austin, Texas: Dog friendly restaurants are common in Austin, Texas, and Doga is one of the main dog friendly attractions.
- Tampa, Florida: Tampa is on the list for many dog lovers to visit with its beautiful scenery and dog friendly, sandy beaches.
- Phoenix, Arizona: Phoenix is popular for showcasing the history of the wild west, and is home to the 90-acre, dog friendly Pioneer Living History Museum.
In many locations, leashed dogs are the only ones permitted. Even if your dog walks well off-leash, bring a leash along for these types of locations even in dog-friendly spots. Letting your dog off-leash in unknown places can be dangerous and they may even accidentally get lost.
If you aren’t interested in going into a restaurant with your furry friend, most big cities also have food trucks where you can grab a quick bite to eat before you head out for your next adventure.
9.Outdoor Patios and Your Dog
You don’t need to venture far from home to reap the benefits of the outdoors; even a short walk to your outdoor patio can be surprisingly refreshing. Relaxing in your backyard offers a peaceful retreat where you can unwind, and it’s equally beneficial for your dog. In this familiar yet stimulating environment, your dog can enjoy the fresh air and engage with the natural world around them.
As you relax, your dog can experience the simple joys of the outdoors, like the sight of birds fluttering in the trees or the scent of freshly cut grass. These sensory experiences are not only enjoyable for your dog but also helps coping with external stresses.
10.Make a Bucket List of Fun Places to Take Your Dog
For those planning a long-term adventure with their furry companion visiting as many places as possible, creating a bucket list of dog friendly destinations can be a fantastic way to start. With a bit of research, you’ll discover a multitude of places that welcome dogs, adding variety and excitement to your travels. This list can include dog friendly restaurants where you can dine together, hotels and AirBnBs that accommodate pets, as well as parks and various attractions that are open to dogs.
Expanding this idea, consider adding different types of environments to your list, like beaches, mountain trails, and urban parks, to give your dog a range of experiences. You can also look for unique dog-centric activities, like dog friendly hiking trails, canine events, or even boat trips that allow dogs.
Remember to check the specific pet policies and amenities offered at each of the pet friendly accomodations. Some might offer special facilities like dog parks, grooming stations, or complimentary dog treats. Planning ahead ensures that both you and your dog will have a comfortable and enjoyable experience.
Take Your Dog Anywhere With Earth Buddy CBD Products
Remember to pick up some full spectrum hemp extract before you head out for your adventure, whether it’s for daily use or for occasional needs. Overall, the benefits of all the listed products include:
- Enhancing brain function
- Helping manage normal stress
- Promoting a sense of relaxation and mental alertness without drowsiness
- Supporting and promoting long-term health
- Helping support proper digestion and bowel health
- Promoting the body’s innate resistance to pathogens
There are a few products to choose from based on what you’re looking for, including:
Full Spectrum CBD for Dogs from Earth Buddy
Earth Buddy’s Hemp Extract consists of a full spectrum of CBD for dogs, including cannabinoids and terpenes, which are blended with MCT oils from coconuts for bioavailability. This can also be used for dogs exhibiting nervousness, hyperactivity, discontentment or responding to environmentally-induced stress.
CBD Calming Chews for Dogs
Earth Buddy’s Calming Chews with CBD for dogs come in two varieties: duck & apple (5mg) or beef & pumpkin (10mg). They’re soft for dogs who prefer a soft texture rather than crunchy or dogs that prefer a treat over the tincture. Keep in mind that the liquid form of full spectrum hemp extract will likely work faster than edible forms since it skips the digestive process.
Hemp Hearts for Dogs with CBD
Hemp Hearts come in three varieties: pumpkin (4mg), blueberry (4mg), and extra strength (10mg). All of the varieties include:
- Turmeric with black pepper: To support a healthy inflammatory response and help maintain calmness.
- Organic apple cider vinegar: Helps maintain proper gut pH and supports the immune system
- Organic coconut oil: Provides healthy fat to promote a healthy coat and skin, support normal brain and nerve function, and assist in the digestion and absorption of essential nutrients.
Quick Calm Water-Soluble CBD for Dogs
Quick Calm water-soluble CBD for Dogs has been specifically designed by Earth Buddy to offer a faster absorption rate. By emulsifying the raw plant extract, and mixing it with distilled water, it may be used as-needed to help maintain contentment during separation, travel, motion sickness and tension caused by changes in your pet’s daily routine. This could be particularly helpful in situations that require a faster response, like if they needed relief from occasional discomfort.
For further reading, we recommend:
- https://bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12889-017-4422-5
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9992179/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7537661/
- https://www.bringfido.com/blog/most-pet-friendly-cities-us/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6338022/
- https://www.veterinarians.org/dog-yoga/
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