Activities For Dogs In Arkansas On Hot Days

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Introduction

When it is hot in Arkansas, it is likely also humid. With that kind of weather, it can be hard to get motivated to spend time outdoors with your pup. And guess what? Your dog may feel the exact same way! Fortunately, there is no need to panic; there are plenty of activities that you and your pup can embark upon when the weather is hot in Arkansas. Whether the activities are indoors or out, they will allow your pup the chance to get the physical and mental activity that they require, even during the hottest of Arkansas days.

War Eagle Cavern

Popular
0 Votes
Hot Day
Moderate
Easy
1 - 2 hrs
Items needed
Leash
Waste Bags
Water
Activity description
When temperatures are hot, spending time inside a cavern is a great way to stay cool. The temperature inside War Eagle Cavern stays at a consistent 58 degrees year-round, ensuring you and your pup will be comfortable while you explore, no matter how hot the weather is. Located in northwest Arkansas, War Eagle Cavern is the largest in the area and tours are offered every twenty minutes until 4 pm. While on the tour, you will see huge rooms, domes and other formations within the cavern. Your guide will also share history of the area and of the caverns, adding to the experience.
Step
1
Plan your trip
Located in the far northwestern part of the state, a visit to the cavern may require some planning. Other activities are available at the cavern include a maze and gem panning. Depending on how much you think you and your pup would like to engage in and the length of your drive, you might consider staying in the area overnight. Make sure to bring a leash and waste bags along with you, as well as sturdy shoes for your adventure.
Step
2
Head to the cavern
Fortunately, no reservations are required to explore the cavern, so if you don't plan ahead, you and your canine companion can still enjoy the adventure. The tour will begin just outside the trading post on the property. Upon arrival you can check out the trading post or wait outside for the next tour to begin.
Step
3
Explore the cavern!
Your guide will take you, your pup and other visitors for a walk along the bluff of Beaver Lake to begin the tour. You will then arrive at the entrance to War Eagle Cavern. Continue following your guide into the cavern, where you will walk along the edges of a stream that flows through the it. Your guide will take you through the large rooms and talk about the cavern's formations as well as the lifestyle of the bats (more than 100,000) who live there. Enjoy your experience in this unique place while learning about the cavern, its history and its inhabitants!
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River Or Lake Exploration

Popular
0 Votes
Hot Day
Free
Easy
1 - 2 hrs
Items needed
Leash and Harness
Ball or Frisbee
Treats
Activity description
When the weather is hot in Arkansas, being outside may be less than appealing. Fortunately, the state offers rivers and lakes that you can visit with your pup that will allow your dog to get the physical activity that they require while remaining cool during a hot day. The Mississippi River, for example, runs through the state of Arkansas and the state has lakes throughout. The water in a river or lake will be refreshing for you as well; you can choose to accompany your pup in the water, engage in a game of fetch with a Frisbee or ball, or relax in the shade while they play. And of course you can also enjoy kayaking or canoeing with your dog in the lake or river that you are visiting.
Step
1
Choose a river or lake to visit
First, you will want to decide on what river or lake you would like to visit. There are plenty of options in the state of Arkansas for you to consider. Where you choose to visit will likely depend on where you are and how far you are willing to travel to visit a water source. If you are not familiar with the rivers and lakes in the state, you can search online to get ideas.
Step
2
Pack what you need
Once you know where you and your dog will be visiting, you will want to pack a few items for your adventure. What you decide to bring with you will depend, in part, on how far you will be traveling and what you plan to do once at the river or lake. A picnic is a great way to spend time with your pup at the water source, for example. You can also pack a Frisbee or a ball for a game of fetch. It is a good idea to check on the weather forecast before you leave in case you need to bring anything for rain.
Step
3
Have fun!
When you and your pup get to the river or lake, give your dog a chance to explore the water and get comfortable. Some dogs will jump right in, while others will need some time to get used to the water. Once your dog is comfortable, they will likely enjoy splashing around and might even go for a swim. You can join your pup in the water or engage them in a game of fetch. Kayaking or canoeing can also be on the agenda. Just make sure to not tie your pup to the watercraft; if it were to flip over, your dog would be stuck.
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Trick Training

Popular
0 Votes
Hot Day
Free
Normal
30 min
Items needed
Treats
Activity description
Let's face it. On the hottest days in Arkansas, neither you nor your pooch are going to be enthusiastic about spending time outdoors. But of your your canine pal still needs to get some activity. A good way to meet their needs on these hot and humid days is to stay inside where it is cool and work on tricks together. Choose some tricks that you would like to work on with your dog and research how to best go about training your pooch to do them. Make sure to have plenty of treats handy as they may be a great motivator!
Step
1
Choose your tricks
First, you will want to decide on what it is that you would like to train your dog to do. You may have some ideas in mind; otherwise, some online research will introduce you to a myriad of things that you can train your dog to do. If this is the first time you have worked with your dog on training, choose a few simple tricks so that this will be fun for you and your pet.
Step
2
Research the methods
Once you have decided on a few tricks, it is a good idea to do some research to get guidance on how to work with your dog to perform each trick. The internet offers a wealth of information on this, from articles to videos, that will walk you through the steps that will help your pup learn each trick. Books on training are also available at the library or for purchase. You can refer back to these resources as you proceed with training your dog and possibly encounter questions.
Step
3
Get started!
Once you have done your research, it is time to get started. Have some treats available for your pup so that you can reward them and guide them in their efforts. Small pieces of bacon or cheese make great treats that your pup will be enthusiastic about. Make sure to be patient. Each dog will catch on at their own pace, however will feel your change in mood if you get frustrated. If either you or your dog start to feel that way, go ahead and take a break. You can also refer back to your research for additional ideals on how to make progress. Keep things relaxed so that the activity is fun for you and your pup!
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More Fun Ideas...

Visit Ozark and St. Francis National Forests

The Ozark National Forest and the St. Francis National Forest are great places to visit with your pet. Located in the western part of the state, the Ozark National Forest consists of 1.2 million-acres in the Ozark Mountains. The St. Francis National Forest is one of theĀ smallest national forests in the United States with a little more than 22,000 acres in the eastern part of Arkansas. Visitors, both canine and human, can enjoy camping, hiking, swimming and fishing, as well as taking scenic drives. Visiting dogs must be on leash in the forests and of course, make sure to clean up after your pet.

Visit the Bentonville Bark Park

Located in Bentonville Arkansas, the Bentonville Bark Park offers two sections; one for large dogs and one for small dogs. An added bonus is the section in the middle that includes agility equipment that you can engage your pup with. On a hot day, you can expend little energy as you relax and watch your dog have a great time running, playing and making new friends. If you are in Little Rock, McArthur Bark Park is another great option to consider. The park also has sections for small and large dogs, trees for shade and running water to help your pup cool off on a hot day.

Visit Post Familie Vinyards and Winery

PostĀ Familie Vinyards and Winery is located inĀ the Arkansas River Valley, in Altus, Arkansas and is the largest winery in the state. It is also the first commercial vineyard to produce wine in the state. You and your pup can visit and spend time together while you enjoy free wine tastings and take a tour. The winery is open on a daily basis. As the Post Familie Vinyards and Winery are centrally located, it is easy to visit from anywhere in the state. Make sure to bring your dog's leash as well as waste bags to clean up any mess!

Conclusion

On hot days in Arkansas, it can be hard to find your motivation to be active with your dog. No matter the weather, your pup needs their exercise, which means you may have to get creative. It turns out that there are quite a few things that you and your pup can do together when the temperature is high. From active indoor activities, to taking advantage of the state's natural water sources, it is definitely possible to help your dog meet their activity needs. In addition, your relationship with your pup will benefit from the time that you spend together, regardless of the weather.