Activities For Dogs Outside
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Introduction
Regardless of the weather, sometimes you just want to be outside. The same is true for your canine companion. Fortunately, there are plenty of activities that you and your dog can enjoy outdoors together, many of which will cost you very little, if anything at all. Whether or not your dog has a high or low energy level, or the weather is warm or cool, there are plenty of options to consider when looking to spend time outdoors with your special friend. With so many options available, you and your dog will be able to keep busy, while enjoying some adventure and growing even closer.
Outdoor Patio Dining
Popular
0 Votes
Sunny Day
Moderate
Easy
60 min
Items needed
Water and bowl
Treats
Leash
Activity description
Even less active and older dogs enjoy time outdoors. If your dog is not particularly enthusiastic about physical activity, they might still want to enjoy the sun on their back or belly. Fortunately, there are plenty of places with dog friendly patios that you can check out. Some places will have a water bowl ready for canine customers; some will even offer your dog treats. In addition to enjoying the fresh air, your pooch will likely attract the attention of other humans, earning them plenty of head and belly rubs. In the meantime, you can enjoy coffee or a meal while enjoying quality down time with your pup.
Step
1
Find dog friendly eateries with patios
You may have to do a little research to find places that offer a patio where your dog can spend time with you and enjoy some outdoor time. Depending on where you live, you will likely have multiple options to check out together. In cooler weather, it is a good idea to check if the patios offer heat lamps as that will keep your dog (and you) warm. If the weather is rainy, look for options with a covered patio so that you and your pup can enjoy the outdoors without getting wet. Take a water bowl with you so that you can ensure that your pal has a way to remain hydrated.
Step
2
Show up, relax and make friends
Upon arriving at your destination, you may have to tie your dog to a chair or table while you run into the restaurant to get what you would like. Be sure to mention that your pal is outside; many places have treats for these special visitors. Make sure to fill up the water bowl that you brought. Your dog will be able to drink as they like while you relax and enjoy their presence. Be ready to be approached by strangers who are interested in meeting your dog. In fact, having your dog with you is not only a great way for you and your best friend to bond, but a great way to meet other people who also enjoy dogs.
Step
3
Wrap it up
Depending on your dog, this activity may be short or can be hours long. Make sure to pay close attention to your dog and their behavior. If your dog appears to be ready to get moving, it is a good time to wrap up your meal or finish your coffee. It is important to avoid your dog getting destructive at the place you are visiting. Also watch for signs that your pup may need to "take care of business" and take them to an appropriate place if necessary. Enjoy this quiet time with your canine companion and further develop your relationship.
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Agility Activities
Popular
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Any Day
Moderate
Normal
1 - 2 hrs
Items needed
Hula Hoop
PVC Pipe
Kiddie Tunnel
Ramp
Activity description
Agility activities are a great outdoor activity for you and your dog. Not only will your dog be kept busy, they will get the exercise that is needed. Â A great thing about agility exercises is that you can gear them to the activity and skill level of your dog, making them an activity that works for any dog. It is a good idea to smart small, with one or two items, and as your dog gets used to the activities, you can add additional ones until you have an obstacle course for your canine. Start each activity so that it is easy for your pup and then slowly increase its difficulty, rewarding your dog for each accomplishment. Agility activities are great for interacting with your canine and strengthening your relationship.
Step
1
Obtain what you need
Choose items that you can use for each activity that you have in mind. You can use PVC pipes for poles for your dog to weave through and to create jumps for your pup that you can increase in height as they conquer each challenge. A used kiddie play tunnel can be great fun for your canine to run in and out of. Some old lumber can be used to build a ramp for your pup to run up and a hula hoop can be fund for your pooch to initially walk through and then jump through. Don't forget treats to reward your dog with.
Step
2
Get set up
Get your first activity set up for your dog to try. Remember to start small and allow your pup plenty of time to adjust to the task. For example if you are going to set up a kiddie play tunnel, allow your dog some time to check it out. If your dog is not sure what to do, show them by starting to crawl inside yourself. When your dog completes a particular task, provide a treat as a reward. You can increase the difficulty of each challenge as your pooch masters it. Jumps can become higher and more weaving poles can be added for example. Allow your dog the time needed to be comfortable so that the activity is fun and not overwhelming.
Step
3
Build an agility course
As your dog gets better at each activity, you can not only increase the difficulty of the activity but start to connect the activities. First add one, so that your dog can complete two in a row. As your pup masters that, you can add a third, and so on. Before you know it, you will have an obstacle course of agility activities developed for your dog. It is important to pay attention to how your pup feels about each activity. As you want this to be fun for your canine, if your dog is uncomfortable with an activity or task, you do not want to push them to complete it. This will ensure that the agility activities provide the chance for a good time and for bonding with your special friend.
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Camping
Popular
0 Votes
Any Day
Cheap
Easy
24 hrs
Items needed
Tent
Camping supplies
Leash
Activity description
Camping is a great way to spend time with your pup for hours outdoors. When it comes to camping, the activity level of you and your dog does not matter. If your dog prefers lounging to adventuring, they will be happy to relax at the campsite by the fire or next to you inside the tent. If you and your dog are more active, there are plenty of activities that can be enjoyed during your camping trip, like hiking or swimming in a river or a lake. Your canine companion will appreciate the opportunity to spend hours with you outdoors and the cost will be minimal.
Step
1
Prepare for your trip
Get ready for your adventure! Choose a place to camp and pack your gear. What you bring will depend upon the weather; you will definitely need a tent and a sleeping bag. And of course, don't forget your dog's food as well as food and water bowls. Make sure to bring your dog's leash as depending on the campground (and your canine's temperament), your pooch may have to be on leash while at the campground and if you go for a hike. If your pup has not gone camping before, it can help to set up the tent before you go, so that your dog can have the opportunity to explore it and get comfortable with it. This way, your dog will be ready to hop in when you are ready for slumber!
Step
2
Set up camp and explore
Once you arrive at the place you plan to camp, whether a campground or a place to set up camp without facilities, go ahead and get your tent set up. This will give your dog time to become comfortable with the tent long before having to go inside for bed time. Once your tent is set up, give your pooch a chance to explore it. From there you can enjoy your surroundings, whether by relaxing together at your campsite, enjoying a walk in the wilderness or a jump in a lake or a river.
Step
3
Relax and repeat
In the evening as the sun goes down, you can enjoy a campfire with your canine companion, relaxing after a day of activity. Enjoy some food and treats (human and dog). When you are ready, you can go into your tent together and climb into bed. Your pal will be an excellent help in keeping you warm if the night is chilly! Repeat this day as often as you like. Your dog will no doubt enjoy his time outdoors as well as the undivided attention of their best friend.
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More Fun Ideas...
Spend Time in the Water
There are many things that you can do with your dog involving water. You can start simple as you see how your pup feels about that wet stuff; take a plastic kiddie pool, fill it with a few inches of H2O and see what your pooch thinks. You can add more water as your dog gets used to it. From there you can visit water sources together; take your dog for a swim in a lake, river or the ocean. You can go on boat rides as well, from kayaks and canoes to boats with a motor. These adventures will cost you little but reward you with a lot of fun AND a stronger bond with your canine companion.
Take a Trip to the Dog Park
Many dogs love the dog park. Visiting a dog park gives your pup the chance to socialize with other dogs (and people) as well as get plenty of exercise. You can interact with your dog while there, or sit, relax and watch your pooch have a good time. You may even make some new friends yourself. An added benefit is that there is no cost to visit the dog park where you can enjoy hours of fun with your buddy.
Hiking
Hiking is a great way to get exercise and enjoy some quality time with your pup for very little or no cost. No matter how energetic (or not) your dog is, there is a hike that can be enjoyed by you and your canine companion. You can go whatever pace you and your dog are comfortable with and choose a trail that meets your fitness level as far as length and elevation gain. Make sure to bring water for you and you dog as well as a few treats!
Conclusion
When it comes to spending time with your dog outdoors, there are a myriad of activities to choose from. There is much for you and your dog to gain from spending time together outdoors. For one, you both will have a good time together. In addition, you will further develop your bond to one another, building trust and growing your relationship. Through outdoor activities, you will get to know one another better while getting exercise and having a blast. And with outdoor activities typically being low or no cost, all of this will come without your breaking the bank!