Fun activities you can do with your dog help you create a strong bond. These activities offer exercise and challenge your dog’s mind. The best activity will vary based on your dog’s breed, age, and any health issues they might have. There are lots of good ideas to keep your dog lively.
Here are all the fun activities to do with your dog:
1. Take a Nature Hike
Choose a dog-friendly hiking trail with scenic views and varied terrain to take your pup on. Pack all your hiking essentials, including high-quality dog food, water, a collapsible bowl, waste bags, and a leash. As you hike up and down, front to back, let your dog explore and sniff to get that mental stimulation they crave.
2. Organize a Playdate
Coordinate a dog playdate with your dog and another. Ideally, you want to find dogs of similar size and temperament. As they meet and engage in play, supervise the interaction to ensure safe play at all times. If dog toys are involved or secondary activities, rotate them and work to keep things exciting.
3. Train Your Dog
Yes, training your dog can be fun. It’s a bonding experience and a chance for your dog to learn good behaviors. Start with basic commands, using positive reinforcement to keep training fun and productive. Unlike other activities on this list, when you train your dog, practice in short sessions spanning 5-15 minutes at most.
4. Play a Game of Fetch
Take your dog to a local park and play with toys like a frisbee or tennis ball. It’s an excellent opportunity to exercise yourself and work out your puppy. Select an open area where there are few distractions. Fine-tune a dog’s retrieval techniques and use a game of fetch as a training opportunity. Praise them every time your dog nails the catch!
5. Agility Training
Agility training can be challenging for some dogs, but it is an enjoyable activity for those who can handle it. Build an obstacle or set up simple tunnels, jumps, and weave poles. If your dog hasn’t undergone agility training, start with simple tasks. After they get it, the difficulty increases. Always reward them with treats or dog food to boost their confidence.
6. Practice Nose Work
Hide a treat in different spots around the room and let your dog sniff it. Add different treats or scents to make the nose-work game even more complex. When a dog sniffs something out, reward it with verbal praise. This can be a fun way to occupy their time with something fun and mentally enriching.
7. Dress Them Up for Photos
Some dogs do not like costumes or clothes, so this can be a bit of an iffy activity. However, if your dog is comfortable, you can go for it and dig in. Choose simple costumes for your furry friend to jump in, and don’t forget to snap many photos. This can be even more fun with a few friends at a doggy playdate.
8. Dog-Friendly Restaurant
Visit a dog-friendly café or restaurant. Research local spots with an outdoor patio or that welcome dogs indoors. Bring a portable water bowl with you if you take them out to have a container to put water and food scraps in. When in public, practice calm behavior and commands. A dog-friendly restaurant is a great pick if you have another activity planned for before and after.
9. Explore the Urban Environment
Take your dog to the city and explore the urban environment together. If you know of dog-friendly shopping areas or outdoor markets where dogs are welcome, these may be the place to explore with them. For this, keep your dog leashed and watch for others. Let your dog explore new sights, smells, and sounds for enrichment.
10. Go for a Swim
Take your dog to a beach or pool with shallow waters where dogs can swim. If your dog hasn’t swum before, always use a life vest. Use a life jacket, especially if you’re outdoors and there’s a risk of a current. A dog new to swimming may be a bit nervous at first, so give them lots of patience and don’t put too much pressure on them.
11. Night In with Your Dog
Schedule a movie night with your dog! As silly as it may sound, hanging out with your dog on the couch or in bed is an excellent way to maintain a connection with them. Offer your dog a snack and lots of affection throughout the night. A night in with your dog and a nice meal can make for a fun activity.
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