Have any great outdoor activities to share? If so, add 'em here...


If you’re looking for something to do together try these ideas on for size:

Take a Hike. If your dog loves the great outdoors, look up a local trail and bring your pooch. Don’t forget water for the both of you, and bring plenty of plastic bags!

Visit a Dog Park. If Fido loves a good playdate, find a local dog park and let Fido romp with pals. Dog parks are designated areas where dog owners are welcome to visit with their dogs. Owners are encouraged to follow good doggy etiquette. Many parks may have a specific off leash area where dogs who are trained to follow voice commands are allowed off leash.

Join a Local Dog Club. There are tons of dog clubs, or meetups that get together for a howlin’ good time. These clubs usually meet once a month and are based on breed or another characteristic. You can usually find a meetup or club that your Fido will fit in, but if there isn’t one, start one up! The activities vary by club, but range from playdates in local dog parks to Halloween dress up parties.

Play Ball. There are some great toys out there for dogs that love to play ball. Check out the amazing scoop-type kit, which allows you to throw the ball w-a-y out there. If Fido loves ball, but prefers teamsports, you could get involved with something more organized like Flyball. This is an organized relay race between two teams of four dogs. More info can be found through the North American Flyball Association.

Go swimming! Swimming is a great form of exercise for dogs, particularly older dogs or those with arthritis or hip dysplasia. Many dogs take to the water immediately and enjoy retrieving their favorite toys, while some will even dive for rocks under the surface! If you're not sure if your dog is a great swimmer, Ruff Wear makes colorful life jackets to wear until your pup becomes an honorary fish!

Take a bike ride. Biking with your dog is a great way to give lots of exercise to them and to you at the same time! Every dog will differ when it comes to how long or fast they can go, so it's best to start with "calmer" runs at first to acclimate your dog to both the bike and the exercise. Unless you are very confident of your dog's obedience capabilities, it is really best not to have your dog run off leash next to you or hold the leashed dog by your hand while you're riding. There are several attachments that your dog can fasten to to make a much safer ride for you both, such as the Springer, Walkydog, or the K9 Cruiser. You'll probably also need a harness rather than a collar since some dogs like to pull (gotta protect those necks!).


There’s no doubt that outdoor together time with your dog can be great fun for you both. Check out these other ways that your dog can be good for your health!