Activities For Dogs In Idaho On Nice Days

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Activities For Dogs In Idaho On Nice Days

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Introduction

There is no question that Idaho gets some cold weather; fortunately, those cold days make the nice weather that comes even more enjoyable. The state of Idaho has plenty to offer when it comes to things to do with your canine companion. With plenty of natural areas located throughout the state, there are many opportunities to come up with your own adventures for you and your pooch. There are also a variety of options outside of the wilderness areas found in the state, meaning that you should have no problem finding ways to enjoy the nice weather in Idaho with your best buddy.

Take A Cruise

Popular

0 Votes

Sunny Day

Moderate

Easy

2 hrs

Items needed

Leash

Waste Bags

Water and Bowl

Activity description

On a nice day in Idaho, consider taking your pup on a cruise of Lake Coeur d'Alene. Lake Coeur d'Alene is considered the Playground of the Pacific Northwest as a result of the scenery it offers, which both you and your pup can enjoy from the deck of the boat. Lake Coeur d'Alene Cruises are dog-friendly, welcoming well behaved dogs on their daily scenic cruises for no additional charge. Dogs must remain on their leash for the duration of the cruise. The touring boats have two decks and are climate-controlled with picture windows, sound systems and a full bar.

Step

Choose your cruise

The first thing you will want to do is plan when you will go on the cruise. Cruises run daily beginning on April 21st and running through October 28th. You can visit the website for Lake Coeur d'Alene Cruises to learn more about available tour times. Once you find one that works for you, it is easy to book your ticket online.

Step

Plan your adventure

Depending on where you are in Idaho, some planning may be required to get to Coeur d' Alene. You may choose to come the day prior to your cruise and spend the night, or leave home early to arrive on time. You will want to be sure to bring your pup's leash, waste bags and some treats, in case you need them for distraction. Check the weather forecast and if rain is a possibility make sure to bring a rain jacket. Binoculars may be fun to have along so that you can get the best view possible of sights along the ride. Planning ahead will help you and your pup avoid unnecessary stress.

Step

Time to enjoy

Make sure to arrive early for your cruise so you are sure not to miss the adventure if held up by a hesitant canine cruiser. Keep your pup on their leash as required and after getting onto the boat, take the time to enjoy the vessel. Once the cruise departs, you will have the opportunity to enjoy beautiful views, including the world's only floating golf green. Narration will be provided and talks about local history and points of interest. And make sure to look out for wildlife!

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Trail Hike

Popular

0 Votes

Sunny Day

Free

Normal

1 - 2 hrs

Items needed

Leash

Waste Bags

Water and Water Bowl

Treats

Activity description

Idaho has many trails located throughout the state. When the weather is nice in Idaho, it is the perfect time to embark on a hike on one (or more) of the trails. One such hike, the Upper Saint Joe River Trail, is in Avery, Idaho. The trail itself is 17 miles long and offers views of St. Joe River, a National Wild and Recreation River and you may spot a bear, deer or elk. Hike as much or as little of the trail as you and your pup would like. Another long trail is Upper Priest River Trail, located in Bonners Ferry, Idaho. The 16 mile trek is located in the Selkirk Range, where grizzlies and caribou roam. With a little research, you can learn about the many trails located in the state, some short and some long and choose which ones to explore.

Step

Decide on a Trail To Hike

There are so many trails in Idaho that the hardest thing about going on a hike may be choosing just where to go! With a little online research, you can learn plenty about options throughout the state so that you can choose a hike that works best for you as far as location, length, difficulty and what scenery you are interested in seeing. Depending on the hike you plan to do with your pup, some planning may be involved, particularly if the trail is not close to where you are in Idaho.

Step

Pack what you need

Some items you will need no matter where you hike, while the other items that you bring may depend in part on where you are hiking and how far you are will be traveling. Regardless of where you are hiking, it is definitely important that you bring a leash, as well as waste bags, water, a water bowl, and treats. Be sure to check the weather forecast; if there is a possibility of rain, you will want to bring a rain jacket along, just in case and layers can be helpful if weather changes are anticipated.

Step

Enjoy your trek

Once you know where you are going and have what you need, it is time for you and your pup to enjoy your hike! Be sure to bring along plenty of water (for you and your pup) and pace yourself so that you can complete the hike that you have decided on. Keep your pooch on leash so you can ensure their safety and the safety of others. As you walk along the trail with your pup, make sure that you allow them ample time to take in the new smells that they encounter. Slowing down to let your adventurous companion explore the scents will give you the opportunity to take in the beauty of your surroundings!

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Visit Winstead Park

Popular

0 Votes

Sunny Day

Free

Easy

1 hr

Items needed

Leash

Water and Bowl

Waste Bags

Ball or Frisbee

Activity description

On a nice day in Idaho, you and your canine companion can enjoy spending some time in Winstead Park in Boise. Many areas within the park are available for hourly off-leash use, allowing for plenty of opportunity for your pup to get some exercise and have loads of fun. Locate the signs and maps in the park that identify the areas and times of day where your pup can be off leash. At other times, your pup is welcome in the park but must remain on leash. Make sure to bring waste bags to clean up after your pup, and water so that your canine buddy can keep hydrated.

Step

Plan your visit

As you look to plan your visit, you will first want to be familiar with the times that your pup can be off leash at Winstead Park. From June 1 through August 31, dogs can be off leash in designated areas from sunrise to 8 am. From September 1-May 31, dogs can be off leash from sunrise to 10 am and from November 1-February 1, dogs can be off leash from 3 pm until sunset. You can keep these times in mind as you decide when you plan to arrive at the park, especially if you would like your pup to have time free of their leash.

Step

Things to bring

Once you have a plan and are ready to head to Winstead Park, you will likely want to bring a few things along with you. A few required items are your dog's leash, water and a water bowl, treats and waste bags. Include a few toys for extra fun. Make sure you check the weather before you depart; should any changes be anticipated, you may choose to bring an additional layer or a rain jacket. Consider bringing a picnic blanket and some food - you and your pooch can relax and enjoy a picnic together after some play time.

Step

Have a blast

If you and your pup are at the park during one of the times noted above, your pooch can spend some time off leash. Off leash time is one of the best ways to exercise your energetic pal, as well as allow them to make new friends. You can sit back and relax and watch your pup, or engage in activities with them; for example, Frisbee or fetch. While at the park after the off leash time has ended, you and your dog can still spend time together with them leashed, further enhancing your bond and allowing you both to get some exercise and fresh air!

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More Fun Ideas...

See A Drive-In Movie

When the weather is nice in Idaho, why not enjoy a visit to a drive-in theater with your pooch? Located in Idaho Falls, the Motor Vu Drive-In is pet-friendly. You and your dog can watch a film together, whether in the car or outside. If outside of the car, your dog will need to be on a leash. While you can't bring outside food or drink, refreshments are available for purchase. Visiting the Motor Vu Drive-In is a great opportunity to catch a movie and enjoy a nice day, without having to leave your best buddy at home.

Visit Ponderosa State Park

Located in McCall, Idaho, you and your pup will find plenty to do at Ponderosa State Park. You can plan a trip for the two of you that involves camping, hiking, and fishing. You can also visit in the winter and spend time snowshoeing or cross-country skiing. Take a break from the activity for a relaxing picnic and enjoy the sounds (and smells) of nature. Your dog is welcome in all areas of the park except the designated swimming area. Make sure to keep your pooch on a leash and clean up any mess!

Visit The Dog Park

On a nice day in Idaho, it is a great time to visit a dog park. Fortunately, there are numerous dog parks located throughout the state for you and your pup to check out. At McEuen Park's dog park in Coeur d' Alene for example, dogs can run and play with one another and take advantage of agility equipment. Baxter Park, in Twin Falls, is another dog park to check out, offering separate areas for larger and smaller canines. Located in Salmon, Idaho is Island Park Off Leash Dog Zone, where one side of the park is fenced and the other three sides are water. You and your pooch can explore the state's many dog parks and find the ones that are the most enjoyable for your special friend!

Conclusion

When the weather is nice in Idaho there is no shortage of opportunities to keep you and your pooch busy while allowing you to take full advantage of a beautiful day. You and your canine companion can hike in any number of beautiful places at a distance and level of difficulty that you are comfortable. And after that hard work, you and your pup can take in a movie at the drive-in or enjoy a cruise on a lake. Whichever activity or activities you and your furry friend pursue, you will find the opportunity to further develop your relationship.