Activities For Dogs In Montana On Nice Days

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Activities For Dogs In Montana On Nice Days

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Introduction

Located in the northwestern United States, Montana is known to have cold weather and a lot of snow, however the state has its share of pleasant weather, particularly during the summer months. As the home of Glacier National Park, Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument and Yellowstone National Park, the state gets millions of visitors. With the western third of the state including a number of mountain ranges and the eastern part of the state consisting of prairie land and badlands, there are a variety of activities in which to engage. When the weather is nice in Montana, there are numerous things that you and your canine companion can do together that will offer your pup the activity they require while ensure that you have the opportunity to spend quality time with one another.

Hiking

Popular

0 Votes

Sunny Day

Free

Normal

1 - 2 hrs

Items needed

Leash

Water and Water Bowl

Treats

Waste Bags

Activity description

Considering the frequently chilly weather in Montana, when the weather is nice, you will likely want to take advantage of it and spend some quality time with your pup outside. A lot of the state's landscape offers the opportunity for you and your canine companion to embark on some hiking adventures. Options will depend upon where you live as well as how far you would like to drive. The varied landscape means that you will be able to choose hikes that best meet the abilities of you and your pup and you can walk for as long as you and your pup choose. Hiking is an excellent opportunity to enjoy the nice weather while getting some exercise and spending time together.

Step

Choose your trek

Before you can head out for a hike, you will want to decide where it is that you will be hiking. Even the mountainous western part of the state offers trails without a large amount of elevation gain and loss; through some online research you can determine which trails are a good fit for the experience and endurance level of you and your dog. Should you be looking to hike in a national park in the state, make sure to look closely at any restrictions that the park has when it comes to animals. In some national parks, dogs can only hike on particular trails. If you are in the eastern part of the state, while elevation gain and loss will be minimal, there will still be options for you and your pup to experience an outdoor hiking adventure.

Step

Be weather wise

Before heading out on a hike, make sure to check the weather forecast. Particularly when embarking on a longer hike, it is important that you don't count on the weather staying the same during your time on the trail. Depending on potential weather changes, you will want to pack additional items as appropriate. Is rain a possibility, however slight? If so, then bring a rain jacket. If it appears that harsh weather conditions are possible, consider changing the location of your hike to one where such weather is not anticipated. Make sure to bring plenty of water (for you and your pup)!

Step

Enjoy your adventure

Once you have decided on a place to hike and have packed what you will need, it is time for you and your pup to head out for some fun. Keeping your dog on their leash will be important as you begin your hike. While your dog may do well with other dogs, you don't know how the dogs that you encounter will react to your special friend; therefore, it is best to have control of your dog should you need to quickly get them out of the way. Treats can be used as a distraction during times that you encounter another dog during your hike. Keeping your dog hydrated during your adventure is very important; make sure to offer your pup water frequently during your trek.

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Kayak Or Canoe

Popular

0 Votes

Sunny Day

Cheap

Hard

1 - 2 hrs

Items needed

Canoe or Kayak

Waste Bags

Water and Water Bowl

Harness or Life Vest

Treats

Activity description

Montana offers a number of beautiful lakes to explore. You and your canine buddy can visit these lakes and explore them by kayak or canoe. Your dog will be able to join you in your watercraft while you paddle along and take in the fresh air and clear sky. Your pup will be able to relax and should they so desire, take a quick dip into the lake's fresh water. Getting your dog to enter a kayak or canoe make take some work as they may require time to get comfortable in the item. Another helpful item is a harness for your dog. Your pup may decide to jump into the cool water and a harness will allow you to easily haul them out.

Step

Choose a location

First you will want to decide where you would like to take your kayak or canoe. This will depend in part on where you are and how far you are willing to drive. The internet can be helpful as you research lakes to visit where you can kayak or canoe with your pooch. In addition to learning about the lakes you can visit, you will also want to check the weather forecast for the time that you will be out on the lake. If there is a possibility for inclement weather, it may be worth your consideration to choose a different lake to visit in order to ensure your safety.

Step

Getting comfortable

Before you can bring your kayak or canoe onto the lake, make sure to give your pup the chance to get comfortable with it. To do this, lay the kayak or canoe out in a place of your choice. Your dog will likely come and explore it at their own pace. You can watch while your dog "inspects" the item. Once they appear to be comfortable with the item, you can put it on the water and put your dog into it. Remember to put a harness on your pooch; this way, should they jump into the water, you can pull them out of you need to. Some dog owners may choose to use a life vest with a handle as opposed to the harness. It is important to not tie your dog into the boat, as should the boat turn over, you pup could become stuck.

Step

Have fun!

Once your dog is comfortable with your watercraft, you can begin paddling on the lake. Set the pace so that it works for you and breathe in the fresh air as you explore the lake. Your pup will appreciate the feeling of the wind in their fur as well as the chance to spend time with their favorite person. On a particularly hot day, your pup may choose to jump into the water to cool off. This is where the harness will be helpful; with one on, you will be able to pull your pet back onto the kayak or canoe. Stay out on the water as long as you and your pup like, paddling to shore when ready.

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Agility Activities

Popular

0 Votes

Sunny Day

Cheap

Hard

1 - 2 hrs

Items needed

Hula Hoop

Kiddie Tunnel

PVC Pipe

Water and Water Bowl

Treats

Activity description

During the winter months in Montana, you and your pup may feel desperate to get outdoors and be active. When the weather is nice, both you and your dog will likely be more than ready to enjoy some time under Montana's clear blue sky. Agility activities will provide the chance for your dog to be active, as well as gain and develop new skills, which will meet their physical and mental activity needs. Perhaps most important, setting up and participating in agility activities is a great way for you and your pooch to spend time together and further develop your relationship. Make sure to start small and simple and build from there!

Step

Collect agility course items

First, you will want to collect items that you can use for your pup's agility activities. The internet is a great guide to learn about what activities are fun for dogs and can be helpful to you as you go about collecting what you will need. PVC pipes can be used to create jumps for your pup, as well as poles for your dog to weave through and a kiddie tunnel will be great for your dog to run in and out of. A hula hoop can be used first for your dog to walk through and then raised off the ground for them to jump. Make sure to have some treats available for after your dog completes an activity!

Step

Set up the fun

Once you have collected the items, you can begin setting up an activity. Start with one activity and make it simple. If you are creating a jump, for example, start with it at a low height. As your pup accomplishes the height, the bar can be raised. Keep in mind that every dog has a different skill level. You will want to meet your dog where they are at, so that your pup is comfortable and has a good time.

Step

Create an agility course

As your dog becomes more comfortable with each activity and improves their skills, you can begin creating an agility course for your pup. An agility course is made up of two or more agility activities that your dog can complete one after another. As your dog completes two tasks in a row, add a third, and so on. Make sure that you let your dog set the pace and that you follow their lead. This way the activity will be fun for your dog and for you. Offer your dog water regularly during agility activities. Even if the day is not particularly warm, you will want to keep your canine pal hydrated!

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More Fun Ideas...

Try BikeJoring

Bikejoring is a great way to spend time with your dog outdoors when the weather is nice. Ideal for more energetic pups, bikejoring involves connecting your canine companion to your bike and having them pull you (and your bike). This unique activity will require a bikejoring kit in order to attach your dog to your bike, as well as safety gear. Before getting started, make sure to research bikejoring; it can be helpful to meet with others who engage in this activity in order to learn more about it and whether it would be a fit for you and your dog. You can also get helpful advice on how to get started and be successful. Bikejoring is a lot of work for your pup; make sure to bring plenty of water and a water bowl!

Visit The Dog Park

The dog park is excellent for helping your pup meet their activity needs, particularly when you are not feeling quite as energetic as your pooch! At the dog park, your pup will have space to run safely as well as meet other canine pals. Depending upon where you are in Montana, you may have several dog parks to choose from; as there are always different dogs at the dog park, even visiting the same dog park will be a new adventure for your pup every time! Bring along a Frisbee or a ball so that you can interact with your dog through a game of fetch. Don't forget water so that your dog can remain hydrated!

Outdoor Patio Excursion

When the weather is nice you will often want to take advantage of it and spend the time outside; realistically, however, you and your dog may need some down time. Relaxing on an outdoor patio at a coffee shop or a cafe is a perfect way for you and your dog to spend time together without involving physical activity. Many outdoor patios welcome canine customers and will even have a water dish and treats available for pups. While you and your canine companion will enjoy your alone time together, your dog is also likely to meet new people (and possibly other pups) making this a great way to help their socialization.

Conclusion

It can be challenging to keep your pup active when the weather does not cooperate. With the frequently chilly weather experienced in Montana, it is understandable that you and you pup want to make the most out of a day where the weather is nice. Fortunately, there are many outdoor activities for you and your canine companion to engage in, regardless of either of your energy levels. Through participating in these activities, you and your pup can enjoy Montana's clear blue sky; as well as one another's company!