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Canines are outdoor creatures, they were made to be one with nature! I know this may be hard to believe if your pup is a major couch potato. But today’s domesticated dogs descended from canines who survived and thrived without the cushy comforts of indoor-living. We humans also need some quality outdoors time between TV binges. So, we’ve rounded up 20 of the best, year-round activities for you and your pup to connect with the great outdoors!
Spring-Time Fun
Stop And Smell The Roses!
Cherry blossoms, daffodils, and tulips – oh my! Introduce your pup to the magic of springtime by perusing your local gardens. This may be an arboretum, botanical garden, or even the flowerbeds in your neighborhood. The fragrant and colorful flora of spring are a treat to your dog’s eyes and nose. Plus, it’s the perfect photo op! What could be cuter than your pup scampering through fields of flowers? Just make sure he doesn’t dig up any flower beds!
Fitness With Your Furry Friend!
Spring is often the time when humans feel motivated to shed their “winter coats.” Let’s face it, this isn’t the easiest task after endless holiday meals and weeks curled up in fuzzy sweaters. Make working out a more pawsitive experience with an exercise buddy! Your dog is the perfect candidate: she’s your #1 cheerleader, totally nonjudgmental, and makes being active fun. Plus, exercise is vital to keep your pup healthy and happy. You both can run, bike, hike, swim – the possibilities are endless!
Day At The Dog Park!
During winter, many pup parents merely walk until their dogs finish their business then scurry back to the heated refuge of their homes. Once springtime hits, dogs are dying for more outdoor time! What better place for you and your pup to savor the lovely weather than at the dog park? Here, your dog can roam and play as she pleases. Plus, the dog park is a great opportunity for your dog to socialize with other pups. Who knows, maybe you’ll make a friend too!
Dine Out With Your Dog!
Spring weather means eating outdoors! Many restaurants welcome doggy diners in their outdoor patios. So, bring your pup along for Sunday brunch or Friday drinks! Just try to resist the puppy dog eyes or half of your meal may end up in your pup’s mouth
Frequent The Farmer’s Market!
Spring is the ideal time for trips to the Farmer’s Market. Make this time even more special by spending it with your dog. The Farmer’s Market offers an array of novel sights and smells that are sure to delight your dog. He may even get to taste a few samples! However, be mindful that any samples given to your dog are canine-friendly.
The Dog Days Of Summer
Beach Time Bonding!
Stay cool during the dog days of summer! The beach is an excellent place to swim, surf, play Frisbee, and sunbathe with your dog.
Grill And Chill!
Summer afternoons are perfect for grilling with your buds. Why not include your dogs in the fun? This is a great opportunity for your pup to bond with you, meet new friends, and snag table scraps when no one’s looking.
Lake Day With Lassie!
The lake is filled with endless opportunities for outdoor, furry-friendly fun! You can sail away from stress with your canine captain, kayak with your pup, or even downward dog with your dog during paddleboard yoga.
Agility Training Day!
Agility training is a great way to bond with your pup, exercise together, and teach an old dog new tricks. You can take a professional agility class or set up an obstacle course in your backyard. All you and your dog need is outdoor space, makeshift equipment (like cones and tubes), and motivation (aka treats).
Doggy Drive-In Movie
Change up your binge-watching ritual with a drive-in movie. It’s a movie-worthy doggy date that even the cutest Instagram couples would be jealous of. Don’t forget the pawpcorn!
Fall Into Fall (With Your Dog)
Frolic in Fall Foliage!
Kick off Autumn with canines and crunchy leaves! You and your pup can enjoy the fall foliage at a park, on a hike, or even in your own backyard. Want to make it even more fun? Gather piles of leaves for you and your pup to jump in!
Apple Picking!
Is your pup the apple of your eye? Then why not take her to an apple orchard? Apple picking is the quintessential Autumn activity. Nothing like roaming around orchard rows and basking in the smell of hot apple cider doughnuts!
Take A Hike!
Want an extra adventure? Take your dog off the beaten path and into nature. Why not enjoy the remaining days you can spend outdoors without frostbite? Many hikes are canine friendly and come in various levels of difficulty. So, if your dog loves water, hike to a waterfall! If your dog is a crunch leaf fanatic, hike into the woods! The possibilities are endless.
Take Your Pup To A Pumpkin Patch
Turn your pumpkin patch day to a pupkin patch day. Many pumpkin patches welcome canine companions. You and your pup can navigate a corn maze, search for the perfect pumpkin, don your matching Halloween costumes, and meet new friends at the petting zoo!
Dog-Friendly Winery or Brewery
This may come as a surprise, but many wineries and breweries welcome dogs. So, kick back, relax, and enjoy some booze with your pup. You can even invite other pup parents to join in on the fun! Remember, in America you must be 21 years or older to drink – sorry, dog years don’t count.
Winter Wonderland Adventures
Canines and Christmas Trees
The holidays are a magical time, why not include your pup in the festivities? Bring your dog along for Christmas tree shopping. This is a wonderful opportunity for a canine-friendly tradition. Your dog may even find the pawfect branch to carry home.
Gaze At Holiday Lights!
Though dog eyes and human eyes perceive colors differently, both species can enjoy the sparkle of holiday light displays! Brighten up your daily walk by strolling through neighborhoods adorned with seasonal lights and decor.
Romp Around In The Snow!
Wintry weather doesn’t have to mean staying indoors all day. Have fun with your dog as she is baffled, confused, and delighted by the magic of snow! It’s the perfect excuse to bundle your pup in those picture-perfect booties, sweater, and hat. You both can race in the snow, play “fetch” with snowballs, and even build a snow-dog that resembles your furry friend.
Go On A Doggy Playdate!
Winter is often thought of as “cuffing season” – a time when humans seek a cuddle buddy to ease through the winter blues. Well, what about canine cuffing season? Hey, dogs need love and friendship too! Help boost your dog’s social life with doggy playdates. This can be as simple as coordinating potty breaks with a neighboring pup parent or venturing out to the park for extended playtime. Plus, the company of an additional human-dog duo can help make those freezing cold walks more enjoyable!
Caroling With Canines!
Got a howling hound or a choir-worthy Corgi? Add them to your caroling posse! Caroling with your pup is a wonderful way to socialize, exercise, and entertain your pup. Plus, let’s face it, a canine caroler is far more delightful than any human caroler!
There you have it, 20 activities to fill 365 days of outdoor, furry-friendly fun! Again, remember to check whether your planned location is dog-friendly before each adventure. With this list, you’ll always have an excuse to enjoy the great outdoors with your furry best friend!
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