Activities For Dogs at a Farm
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4 Votes
Prepare for unexpected vet bills
Introduction
Hi-ho, the derry-o, the doggo in the dell! There are plenty of great places for a dog to be in the world, but a farm is like no other. With plenty to do, see, hear, feel, and smell, it’s a canine wonderland. If you live on a farm, you probably already understand that there’s plenty of work to be done and lots of fun to be had. How about bringing your furry best friend along for some chores and activities?
Hayloft Hideaway
Most Popular
2 Votes
Any Day
Free
Normal
2 hrs
Items needed
Hay
Dog toys
Dog treats
Activity description
Ever tried to find a needle in a haystack? Well, we’re not asking your pup to do that. This is all about discovering small beloved objects hidden in those deep mounds of hay. When people ask your dog if they were raised in a barn, they can wag their tail as an emphatic yes! Your pooch will love diving into the piles of straw and digging for their prized possessions or delicious treats. So grab some toys and doggie munchies, and come along for a fun time over in the hayloft. You might as well make hay while the sun shines, as they say.
Step
1
Round up the toys and treats
Gather all the toys up in a bag or basket, and collect some doggie treats to take with you. When you arrive in the barn, let your dog sniff around for a little bit. There are so many smells, so let them warm up to everything. If not, they’ll be so preoccupied with smelling what’s new that they won’t be able to focus on the activity.
Step
2
Hide it all
While your pup is sniffing around (or you can get a family member or friend to hold them outside on a leash), you will hide all of the toys and treats. Keep a count of what you place in the haystacks. When your dog begins to find the treasures, you’ll know if there are any still left after they’ve already pulled pieces out.
Step
3
Roll around
Before you go, take some time to roll around in the hay with your pooch. They’ll love it. And it’s certainly a waste to leave all that fun straw right there. It’s practically begging you to lie down, wrestle, and even hide within. Your fur child will never forget this day!
Animal Visits
Popular
2 Votes
Sunny Day
Free
Easy
2 hrs
Items needed
Farm Animals
Feed
Harness and leash
Activity description
More than likely, you’re living on a farm with a bunch of animals. At my house, we have donkeys, goats, catfish, turtles, and ducks. But up the road, my neighbor has all of that plus cows and chickens. If you want to spice up your dog’s morning or evening walk, go and visit the barnyard’s precious residents, both big and small. After a while, they’ll probably really warm up to your fur baby and look forward to seeing them. Animals are creatures of habit, so liven those habits and routines up. Check with your vet first, though. Make sure your dog is in the clear to make these visits.
Step
1
Keep them leashed at first
When you first start out, let your dog get used to their surroundings. If it’s a new puppy or rescue, you’ll want to ease them into the situation. Don’t just let them run wild. They could be seriously injured by large farm animals that simply aren’t used to this rowdy girl or boy. Keep them leashed.
Step
2
Feed the animals
One way to get the animals used to the dog being with you is to take your pup during feeding time. The farm residents are so happy to get their feed that all of their attention won’t be on your pooch. The animals will eventually begin to associate you and the dog with their mealtime.
Step
3
Hang out for a while
Don’t leave right after you feed the animals. Talk to the entire group. Introduce your dog. Animals often respond to sound, so the repetition of names makes everyone happy. Our goats and donkeys love to hear their names, and our fur child, Ellie, also appreciates when we call her by name in front of the larger animals. Actually, when the turtles hear Ellie barking now, they come up out of the pond to get their food. It’s awesome!
Doggo Hoedown
Popular
0 Votes
Any Day
Expensive
Hard
4 - 7 Hours
Items needed
Barn, shed, or covered porch
Lights
Music
Food for all
Activity description
When the sun goes down, it’s time to step into that true country living. You’ve heard of a shindig and a hootenanny, right? Well, that’s what we’re gearing up for here. Get ready to kick up your boots and have a good time. This is great for Friday nights, as you celebrate the weekend. But this could also be a way to throw your farm dog a birthday party. Invite all their puppy friends and human ones, too. Whip up some pupcakes and give thanks for your kindred spirit. You don’t have to go to bed with the chickens. Stay up and party into the night!
Step
1
Lights
First things first: when the sun goes down and those billions of stars you can only see perfectly out in the country make their appearances, you’ll need some lights closer to home. You can dance under the pale moonlight, but some string, rope, or globe lights give a nice ambiance.
Step
2
Camera
You want the night to be picture perfect, so lay out the red and white classic checked tablecloths, fill the table with fantastic farm-approved foods and drinks (appropriate for both people and dogs), and be sure your wagon wheels and haystacks are visible. Get ready for one good time.
Step
3
Action
Fire up the band (or turn on the music) and let the hoedown officially begin. Your doggo will be so stoked that you’re up and moving about with all of your friends. Your pup might even jump up and hug you for all the fun they’re having. So, dosey-doe and get those line dances going. All the dogs will certainly love running around, dancing, and getting all the belly rubs and scratches behind the ears that they want.
More Fun Ideas...
Barnyard Races
Roll some barrels or hay bales out into an open area. Show your dog the race trail, and then race your pooch. Last place has to milk the cow in the morning!
Country Swimming
If you have a pond or creek on your land, your pup might enjoy a quick swim during the spring and summer days. They can always play in the hose, though!
Conclusion
Down on the farm, there’s a lot of work to be done. But there’s also mountains of fun to be had. We hope you’ll try some of these activities out in the barnyard. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket: mix things up, and keep your pup guessing. How cool is it do be a dog at the farm? There’s no better life!