Activities For Dogs With Pet Parents Who Like Traveling
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Introduction
You love to travel, whether alone or with your family. As a dog parent, you wonder; "how can I incorporate my pup in my travel adventures?" Even when traveling, it will be important that your dog is able to meet their physical and mental activity needs. Fortunately, there are many activities that are perfect for the dog parent who enjoys traveling. Adding to the fun of the activity is that even the same activity will be somewhat different depending upon the location that you are visiting. So pack your bags (and some dog treats) and enjoy your travels with your furry companion by your side!
Outdoor Patio
Popular
0 Votes
Any Day
Free
Easy
1 - 2 hrs
Items needed
Treats
Leash and Harness
Activity description
A great way to check out a new place is to sit and relax on an outdoor patio with your dog. You will be able to take in the scenery and people-watch, as well as enjoy some down time. Your dog will enjoy spending time with you on the patio and many cafes or coffee shops offer water and dog treats for canine customers. An added bonus for your pup will be the opportunity to make new friends, as other visitors to the establishment may want to say a quick hello to your special pal.
Step
1
Choose a patio
Perhaps during one of your walks you will come across an establishment with an outdoor patio, or you can ask around as you are out exploring. The internet will also be helpful in learning about places in the area that offer a patio for you and your dog to spend time. You will definitely want to determine whether or not the patio is dog friendly prior to bringing your pup.
Step
2
Get ready
Fortunately, you won't need to bring much with you when you and your pup are planning to spend some time relaxing on an outdoor patio. Water and a water bowl are good to have along in case there is no water available for dogs at the establishment you are visiting. Treats are also good to have, not only to reward your pooch, but to help distract them when necessary. A leash will also be necessary; even if your dog is good at staying with you, remember that they will be in a new place for them and that can alter their behavior. A leash will ensure that your dog stays where they should.
Step
3
Patio time
Once you have what you need, you and your pup can head to the outdoor patio that you have chosen. You can spend time taking in the sights or reading a book while sipping a coffee or enjoying a good meal. How long you can continue relaxing will likely depend on your dog's temperament. Some dogs can relax on a patio for hours while others will be ready for more action after 15 or 20 minutes. Do you best to read your dog; should they appear to be getting stir crazy, it may be time to pay your bill and get moving!
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Exploration
Popular
0 Votes
Any Day
Free
Easy
1 - 2 hrs
Items needed
Leash
Treats
Water and Bowl
Activity description
For dog parents that like to travel, it is likely that part of the fun is exploring a new place. Fortunately, you can enjoy exploring new places in the company of your canine companion. You may enjoy visits to the wilderness, small towns or big cities; regardless of where you are visiting, your dog can be along for the adventure. Your pooch can be by your side as you stroll along a city sidewalk or on a hiking trail in the wilderness. With new locations bring new sights and smells, which are sure to be appealing for your dog!
Step
1
Plan a trip
Before you can take your pup on a walk in a new place, you will have to choose a place to visit and plan your trip. Your options will depend on where you live and how far you are willing to travel. It is likely easier to travel by car than plane when your dog is accompanying you; therefore you will want to seek locations that you feel comfortable driving to. While some prefer not to drive for hours, others love to take long road trips. Your trip should be something that you are comfortable with. As part of your planning, should you be staying somewhere overnight, make sure that you can find a place to stay that allows dogs.
Step
2
Pack and prep
Of course it will be important that you pack what you and your pup will need for your trip. What you should bring will depend on where you are traveling to, the weather that you anticipate and for how long you will be gone. In addition to what you choose to bring for yourself, there are likely some important items that you will want to pack for your canine companion: food, food dish, water dish, treats, leash, toys and kennel, for example. If your pup is not a frequent traveler, bringing a blanket that they are used to being around from home may help.
Step
3
Walking and exploring
When you reach your destination, you and your pup can walk for as long or as short of a time as you like. Your walk can encompass any part of the place that you are visiting, whether it be along sidewalks or hiking trails in the mountains. Be sure to bring water for you and your pup so that you remain hydrated, even when just planning a short walk. You may find yourself so interested in the scenery that you don't want to stop and head back!
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Go Camping
Popular
0 Votes
Any Day
Cheap
Easy
24 hrs
Items needed
Camping Gear
Dog Food
Water And Water Bowl
Leash
Activity description
Camping is a great way to get away from it all and spend time with your canine companion while enjoying the outdoors. Your pup will appreciate having you to themselves and having the opportunity to explore a new place (and new smells!). When camping, there are often a myriad of other activities that you and your dog can engage in as well. Fortunately, camping can be done in many different places. You can choose to camp at a developed campground in the wilderness or even within a town or city. More adventurous campers can camp on their own in the wilderness, whether by pulling their car to the side of the road or backpacking to a particular location.
Step
1
Decide where to camp
When camping, your first step is to decide where it is that you want to go. This will depend upon where you reside, how far you are looking to drive and the anticipated weather.. Fortunately there are opportunities to camp nearly everywhere. If you are not sure of where you would like to go, you can look online for ideas as well as reviews on dog campgrounds. Or, ask your friends about where they have camped that they would recommend.
Step
2
Get packing
There are some items that you will need no matter where you are camping and what the weather is like; for example, a tent and a sleeping bag are imperative when camping. A sleeping pad is also helpful to ensure that you are comfortable when heading to bed. A tarp is always a good idea and necessary should you be camping in a place where there is a chance of rain. In colder weather, you will want to be sure to have firewood so that you can start a campfire, as well as warm clothes for when the sun goes down (and before it comes up). Make sure to bring plenty of water and a water dish for your dog so that they can remain hydrated. You will also need to bring food for yourself and possibly a camping stove so that you can cook or warm things up.
Step
3
Set up camp
Once you are packed, you can head to the place that you are camping at and get set up. If your dog is one that will stay with you without a problem, you may not have to worry about a leash (check the rules of the campground). If you have any concern about your dog running off, make sure to keep your pup on a leash, particularly as you are setting up your tent. Once your tent is set up and your bedding is in place, take some time to sit down and enjoy your surroundings and lack of distractions with your canine companion. As the sun goes down, if the weather is cool, get a campfire going and relax with your dog while keeping warm and making some S'mores!
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More Fun Ideas...
Food Puzzle Toys
When traveling, it is likely that your dog will have to endure some down time, whether or not they are ready for it. For example, they may face a long car ride to get to your destination. A food puzzle toy is a great way for your pooch to get some mental exercise and keep them occupied during the journey and through your trip itself. A food puzzle toy will be well-made (usually of hard rubber or plastic) and can be filled with your pup's food or treats. It will require some effort to get the treats or food out of the toy, and figuring out how to do so will keep your pup's attention for awhile!
Practice Tricks
No matter where you have traveled, you can likely find a place with enough space that you can work with your dog on learning some tricks. Find a dog park, use your campsite or even an indoor space and make sure you have treats available as a training tool. You can work on new tricks or review tricks that your dog has already mastered. Your pup will appreciate the one-on-one time and the effort will provide them the physical and mental activity that they need. Depending on where you choose to practice, your efforts may also be a great opportunity to interact with others (people and dogs).
Check Out Dog Parks In Other Places
For dog parents that like to travel, your trips offer you the chance to check out dog parks in other cities and states. It can be fun to try out different places with your pup and see how they compare to the dog parks that you visit at home. You and your dog will be able to have fun, release some energy AND make new friends away from home. Make sure to bring a ball or Frisbee so you and your dog can play some fetch while at the dog park, as well as some water and a bowl so that you can help your pup remain hydrated!
Conclusion
For dog parents that love to travel, there is no need to leave your dog companion at home. You can incorporate your pooch into many of your out of town adventures, allowing for you and your pup to explore a new place together. When out of town, there are plenty of activities available that will keep your pup busy and ensure they meet their activity needs. Whether in the woods, a large city, or somewhere in between, you and your dog will have a chance to see (and smell) new things as well as revel in the time spent with one another.