With summer right around the corner, beautiful weather is near! With sunny skies and warm temps, there are so many opportunities for fun with your pup. While you may think walks or runs are the go-to activity, there are many more unique options as well. Some require mental and physical activity, but some are just fun for your pup! Check out some ideas for new things to do outdoors with your best friend!
Agility and Obedience
Agility and obedience are both important and helpful skills you can teach your dog outside. Not only are they a fun way to get in some exercise, but they will make your dog a more athletic and well behaved pup. For obedience training, you can go to a local dog training facility or find obedience videos to try. You can decide how seriously you want your dog to be trained. No matter what you choose, you and your dog will have better communication and a stronger bond. With agility, there are so many options for how to train. You can create obstacle courses with hurdles, teeter-totters, tunnels, balance beams, weave poles, climbing structures, etc. Find random items around the house to create a course and show your dog how to move through it. Just like obedience training, you can decide if you want your dog to compete seriously or just learn agility skills for fun.
Therapy and Activities
If you want your dog to be used to help others, animal assisted activities or therapy can be a exciting idea for you and your pup! Animal-assisted activities (AAA) are activities used to improve a patients mood or socialization. These types of activities usually take place in nursing homes or a hospital. Another option is animal-assisted therapy (AAT), which usually takes place in a rehabilitation setting and is used to meet a goal for a patient. Both of these activities are a great way to use your dog’s skills to help others and create bonds. Visit Pet Partners to learn more about how you and your dog can become certified.
Hiking and Backpacking
If you love getting outdoors and exploring nature, it might be time to take your dog along with you! Hiking or backpacking on a trail with your dog is a great way to spend time together in a new place. Be sure to research before your hike to find trails in your area that are dog friendly. Before you go on your trip, make sure your dog can handle the hikes by doing some conditioning. Always carry a first aid kit, poop bags, and water for your dog. Safety comes first, so be conscious of how your dog is handling the trip.
Dog Parks
This may be an obvious choice of an activity to do, but it is always a fun one. Dog parks are a place where dogs can not only get exercise and be free, but they can also socialize with other dogs. Research dog parks in your area and be sure you look at the rules before you go. Many parks have rules on vaccinations, how many dogs you can bring, etc. Always clean up after yourself and watch your dog at all times! Here are some dog parks in the Boise area!
Frisbee
Another classic activity, frisbee is a great way for you and your dog to be active and have a great time outdoors. If your dog loves other fetch activities with a ball, try out frisbee. It does involve a lot of running and jumping, so you should consult with your vet beforehand to make sure your dog is healthy and capable of all the activity. After your dog is prepared, head out to a park or grassy field and start practicing. Your dog will get the hang of it and love it in no time!
Tricks and Skills
There are so many different trainings you can try out with your dog. One great training that is new and unique is nose work, which trains and tests the capabilities of the canine nose. Once again, nose training can be done just for fun or competitively. Check out how to start nose training your dog here! You can also work on other tricks using a clicker or treats. Tricks are more than just a way to show off your dog. Tricks improve your relationship and bond with your dog, as well as give you a way to spend time together. There a hundreds of tricks you can teach your dog and doing it outside is an even more fun place to do it!
When doing any of these activities. Consider your dogs health and ability. If your dog isn’t usually active, start slow and work up to doing harder activities. Everything takes time, so be patient. Have fun enjoying your time with your dog outdoors!
