Humans aren’t the only animals that get spring fever. With crocuses cropping up and days growing longer, your dog is probably raring to go right about now. If you’re wondering about what to do with all your (and your dog’s) newfound energy, here are our top 10 ways to enjoy the spring with your dog.
1. Schedule a shopping spree.
Spring is a great time to seek out some new toys and games for your dog. Visit a pet-friendly retailer and shop together for some new activities you can enjoy with one another. You may even want to spruce up Fido’s look with a new collar and leash! Whatever you buy (or don’t buy), the point is to have fun together on your shopping trip.
2. Plan a play date.
Plan to meet other pooch parents at a dog-friendly park or at one another’s homes. Dogs love to play with one another, and being around other dogs is good for yours, body and soul. If you have a fenced-in yard, you might also consider hosting a Paw Party by having your friends and their dogs over. Have lots of treats on hand and plenty of activities planned (such as a DIY agility obstacles), as well as supervised time for your furry friends to just relax and socialize together.
3. Have a photo session.
Spring flowers make for gorgeous pictures. Schedule a photo session with a friend or a professional photographer to capture the beauty of your dog in a springtime surrounding.
4. Take a hike.
Dogs appreciate the great outdoors and love few things more than roaming through the hillside, enjoying the sights and smells. Hiking together will give you both plenty of fresh air and exercise. Be sure to start up slowly if you haven’t been walking much recently. 10-20 minutes a day is a good start.
5. Hone those fetching skills.
While the spring landscape is often full of sticks that have fallen from trees during the winter. Sticks can splinter and cause unintended splinters in your dog’s mouth. Bring along a variety of toys, too, like Frisbees and balls, to keep the fun going. Playing fetch is a fantastic way to sharpen your dog’s eye-mouth coordination and give him some much-needed exercise after a long winter.
6. Take to the lake or the beach.
Dogs take to water like flies to honey. If you live near a dog-friendly lake or beach, now is the time to go enjoy it. And while your pooch enjoys splashing in the water (see our tips for safe water play), you can enjoy soaking up some sun.
7. Go camping. Grab your “pup” tent and head for the hills.
Look for a pet-friendly campsite, or make our own. Just be sure to pack all your pet’s essentials in addition to your own: food, clean water, bowls, grooming kit, bedding, pick-up bags and an extra leash and collar. Consider booties and a cooling vest, as well. And make sure your pet is properly identified in case you are separated.
8. Exercise together.
Need to get rid of some winter weight gain? Whether it’s on you or your dog, you can start shedding those pounds by exercising together. Hit the road by running, biking, roller blading or just walking. Find a dog-friendly park and do some work-outs together. You’ll have a great time getting the endorphins flowing and just bonding with your dog.
9. Create an agility course.
Put together a simple obstacle course in your yard and teach your dog to go through it. Use lawn chairs, cardboard boxes, hula hoops … anything on hand that won’t cut or harm your pet. And have plenty of treats on hand to reward him when he does it right!
10. Take a vacation together.
If there’s somewhere you’ve been wanting to go, do it now! There are lots of pet-friendly hotels these days, so bringing your best friend along is easier than ever. Choose a location with plenty of outdoor space for your dog to exercise and play in, maybe along a lake or ocean or in the mountains. If you travel by car, make sure your dog has a car seat and all the gear a traveling pooch needs. If you travel by plane or train, learn about their dog policies in advance and be prepared.
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Spring is the perfect season for quality time with your dog. What spring activities do you enjoy with your dog? We’d love to hear from you!
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Top 10 Spring Activities For You and Your Dog is written by for www.bil-jac.com
