Activities For Dogs In Nice Weather
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Introduction
Whether or not you and your canine pal have been cooped up all winter, when the weather is nice both of you likely can't wait to be outside. Your companion will love the feeling of the sun on their back and the feeling of a light breeze blowing through their fur. Of course for those beautiful days, it is good to have a plan to make the most of your time together in that nice weather. Fortunately, regardless of your dog (and your) energy levels, there are a myriad of activities that you and your pooch can engage in when the weather is nice.
Pool Party
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Sunny Day
Cheap
Easy
2 hrs
Items needed
Hard Plastic Kiddie Pool
Activity description
A pool party for your pup sounds harder than it is; with the purchase of a hard plastic kiddie pool you can provide your best pal with a place to play and cool off, right in your yard. Your pup will love the opportunity to splash around in cool water and can return to the pool repeatedly upon getting warm from other activities. This is also a great way for your dog to become more comfortable in water prior to embarking on more intense water activities, like visits to the beach, lakes or rivers. While your dog enjoys some water play, sit back and revel in their good time!
Step
1
Purchase a kiddie pool
A kiddie pool made of hard plastic should not be hard to come by as the weather starts to warm up. Fortunately, these are typically pretty affordable as well. Make sure to avoid inflatable pools; in your dog's enthusiasm they may accidentally puncture the material, leading to the pool leaking air. The size of your pool will be based upon the size of your dog; a smaller pool will be perfect for a Chihuahua, whereas you will seek something larger for a German Shepherd. Once you have your pool, you can choose a place to put it. The place may change of course, depending upon the weather. During really hot days, you will likely find it to be preferable to put it in the shade.
Step
2
Fill-er up!
Once you have your pool and you have placed it where you want it, you can start filling it up. If your pup has not had much experience with water, start with a small amount of water in the pool, depending upon their size. Once your pooch is able to get comfortable with the low water level, go ahead and add some more. You can keep adding water as your dog displays comfort, until the pool is full. This may be a slow or quick (or somewhere in between) process, depending on your particular dog.
Step
3
Have fun!
Once the pool is full and your dog is comfortable, let them have some fun! You can interact with them while they are in the water, perhaps by throwing in toys for them to "fetch" and bring back. You may also choose to play with your pup outside of the pool, with the pool being there for your dog to cool off each time they want. After some quality interaction, you may enjoy pulling up your chair, sitting back and watching your pup splashing around and playing in the water.
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Dog Park
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Sunny Day
Free
Easy
1 - 2 hrs
Items needed
Leash
Treats
Water
Ball or Frisbee
Activity description
When the weather is nice, a trip to the dog park is a great way to spend some quality time with your pup while enjoying the warm sun and a cool breeze. Your canine companion will love the chance to enjoy the sunshine and frolic through the park, whether chasing a ball or Frisbee that you throw their way, or making new friends while you watch. While your dog happily runs around and socializes with the other pups, you too can take in the nice weather while enjoying the chance to watch your special pal have a great time outside.
Step
1
Decide on a dog park
If you have numerous dog parks in your area, this can be a challenge! Each dog park will be unique and will likely offer something different from the other. Some parks may have larger trees, offering more shade, while others have plenty of empty space to run. If you have more than one park nearby, you can visit them all and see which is the best match for you and your dog or base your visits upon the particular park and the day's weather. You will likely see that some parks are more popular than others on certain days, which can also factor into where you decide to take your pup.
Step
2
Come on in!
Once you know which park you plan to visit, you and your pooch can head on over. Before leaving, make sure that you have your dog's leash as well as some water; your pup will need it to remain hydrated during all of his activity. You can also bring treats as well as a ball or a Frisbee to throw. When you arrive at the dog park, make sure to put your dog on the leash as you are getting out of the car. This is important even if your dog tends to do a good job of staying with you, as other dogs may not share this ability and you will want to be sure you have control of your pup. When going into the dog park, there are often two gates that create a pen between the outside and inside of the dog park. If this is the case, you will want to be sure to close the first gate prior to opening the second gate. This way your dog and any other dogs on their way in or out are able to remain safe. Once inside the park, you can remove your dog's leash.
Step
3
Have a blast!
Upon entering the park, it is time for your dog to have some fun! When other dogs are in the park, your pooch will have a chance to interact and make new friends. Sometimes, the dogs will run and chase one another, providing an opportunity for them to get some energy out along with some entertainment for you. It is a good idea to keep an eye on your buddy in case they become too aggressive or insist on interacting with a pup who is not interested. During some visits, the park will be quiet or your pooch may not hit it off with the other dogs, leading to a perfect opportunity for the two of you to enjoy one another's company. This is a great time to throw the ball or Frisbee and practice fetching!
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Walk or Hike
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Sunny Day
Free
Easy
1 - 2 hrs
Items needed
Leash
Waste Bags
Treats
Water
Activity description
A great thing to do with your dog in nice weather is also the most simple; take a walk. The great thing about taking a walk is that it can be geared to the energy and activity levels of both you and your pet. If your dog has a lot of energy (and you can keep up), you can choose to take them on a hike with as much or as little elevation gain as you both can handle. For older, less active pooches, or if you are short on time, a walk through your neighborhood can be just as nice, offering you and your dog the chance to spend time together, relax, and enjoy the fresh air.
Step
1
Choose your adventure
First, think about where you would like to walk. You will want to take into account the abilities of both you and your dog, as well as the amount of time you have available for your walk. In addition, you will want to consider potential changes in the weather. If the forecast calls for an increase in heat over the next few hours, or a thunderstorm, you might want to plan on a short walk, rather than a day long hike, for example. You will find that your pooch will enjoy walks of any length, happy to enjoy the fresh air and time with their special person.
Step
2
Get ready
Once you know where you will be walking, you will want to be sure that you have what you and your dog will need. As you plan for your walk, you will want to think about a few things. First, how far and for how long will you be walking? For a short walk, perhaps around your neighborhood, you won't need to bring much; just a leash, waste bags and a few treats. For a longer walk, you will want to consider bringing water for you and your dog as well. If you are planning to hike or walk for a significant length of time and the forecast calls for rain, you may also want to consider bringing a jacket and hat.
Step
3
Off you go
Once you know where you are going and have what you need to bring, it is time to head out on your walk or hike. Regardless of the speed you and your pup decide upon, take the time to enjoy your surroundings, and take in the fresh air. Allow your dog to sniff as they like while you walk, ensuring that your pooch gets the opportunity to explore. For longer walks, make sure to regularly offer your pup water so that they can remain hydrated. And of course, be sure to dispose of any waste your canine eliminates along the journey.
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More Fun Ideas...
Go For a Boat Ride
When the weather is nice you and your dog may enjoy spending sometime out on the water together in a boat. This can include a kayak, canoe or even a motorboat. Prior to setting out, you will want to be sure that your dog has time to become comfortable with the watercraft. With a kayak for example, set it out on land first and let your pup explore it before taking it out on the water. Particularly with a kayak or canoe, you will want to be sure that your dog does well with commands, so that they are not jumping overboard as they please. A life jacket for your dog, as well as a harness, is recommended.
Agility Activities
When the weather is nice and you and your pup are looking to spend some time outdoors, agility activities are a great activity where you can enjoy the weather and your dog can burn some energy. Agility activities are easy to set up; you can obtain a children's tunnel, for example, that your pooch can run in and out of. You can set up jumps using PVC pipe or even a hula hoop. Whatever activity you set up, start simple, and as your dog shows success, you can increase the difficulty, offering treats as a reward. As they develop their skills, you can put several activities together, so that your pal has their own obstacle course!
Visit a Natural Water Source
When the weather is nice, it is a great opportunity for you and your pup to explore. Depending on where you live, this can mean trips to the beach, a lake or a river. Some pups will run right into the water, while others will be more tentative and take some time to get comfortable. You can enjoy a pleasant walk beside them while they play in the wet stuff, as well as initiate games with your pooch like fetch while they run through the water. During warmer weather months, being close to (or even in) the cool water will be great for both you and your canine companion.
Conclusion
Nice weather will usually mean that you and your dog are excited to get outdoors. Fortunately, there are a myriad of activities that you and your pooch will enjoy and that are ideal for the most (and least) active of pups. These activities will ensure that you make the most out of each day where the weather is nice. Keep a list of activities in mind for these beautiful days and give them all a try. Those that your pup seems to particularly appreciate can be enjoyed again and again. In addition to a lot of fun and exercise for your dog, these activities will further develop your special bond with one another.