No one likes to be pent up or locked in the house all the time. It feels good to get out, catch some rays, and enjoy the great outdoors.
Dogs are the same way, except even more. They love to go outside. It is also good for their health and mental well-being, plus it helps keep dogs from feeling bored, anxious, or getting depressed. So what are some fun things to do together with your dog outside? There are plenty of activities that you and your dog can share while enjoying the great outdoors (or just the outdoors if you live in a city).
Remember, dogs need bonding, shared experiences and interaction, as they are extremely social creatures, so go outside together on an adventure! Here are some fun and creative things to do outside with your dog.
Play fetch with anything
Number one on the list of fun things to do with your dog outside is a good, simple old game of fetch. You throw something and your dog chases it, gets it and brings it back to you. Then repeat this for 15 to 20 minutes at a time. This is great exercise for your dog and honestly, a staple when it comes to bonding with your furry k9 beast.
Get your dog’s favorite ball, stick, bone (so long as they aren’t brittle and don’t chip so teeth aren’t damaged), newspaper, rope, shoe, or anything else that won’t hurt their teeth, and enjoy!
Go swimming
Some breeds, especially hunter breeds like Labs, retrievers and pointers, are actually considered water dogs because they love the water so much. These dogs were actually initially bread to hunt in the water. The fact is though that, other than taking a bath, most dogs love to go swimming and love to play in water. Swimming can be fun for you, your kids, and your dog, the whole family, in a pool or in a safe swimming area.
Obviously you can’t let your dog swim just anywhere, you don’t want leeches or predators like snakes or other dangers to harm your dog. The Hudson river by NYC, for example, is questionable territory. But a good safe swimming spot can be a great way to spend a whole day outdoors with your dog.
Play keep away or tug of war
Simply put, dogs love playing keep away or tug of war. While these are games that can be played indoors, they are activities that are much more fun, safer, and better on your furniture and home when played outdoors. So while it is an indoor and outdoor activity, the better versions of these games are definitely played outside, therefore keep away and tug of war definitely both rank high on the list of fun things to do with your dog outside.
Get a safe, braided rope (they make safe rope chew toys for dogs just for this purpose) and start playing with your dog. IF you can manage to get the rope away from your dog, see how long you can keep it from him or her. You might be amazed by how persistent your dog is and how high your dog can jump when they want to get a toy back.
Play catch
Playing catch is one of the best ways to both exercise your pet and have fun outdoors with them. Most dogs love to play catch and would do so for hours if you let them. Of course, you can only exercise your dog for so long. You have to take breaks so they don’t over-exert themselves.
Dogs will often catch balls, based on size and shape, with their jaws, paws, or even body. It can be fun to use different types of balls to basically create different forms of fetch. Just make sure that all of the balls or other objects that you use are safe for your dog.
Sunbathe
Not every outdoor activity that you share with your dog has to be strenuous, some can simply be relaxing.
You can lay by the pool, lounge on the deck, stretch out and get a tan and many dogs will simply stretch out and sunbathe with you. Make sure, however, that your dog has access to plenty of water and shade, in case the sun gets to be too hot for them.
Go running
Many people run or jog for recreation, exercise or simply to unwind and expend energy. The same can be said for dogs. Most dogs love to go for a run or a jog, and it is great exercise for them, so long as you don’t push them too hard. You have to make sure your dog doesn’t get too hot or exhausted.
So if you are training for an upcoming marathon or simply taking an evening jog, grab the leash and take your dog with you. Just make sure you jog at a pace and to a distance that is safe for your dog.
In Summary
Dogs love the great outdoors, and they love spending time with their owners and with other animals. Dogs are social animals so they lie to be around other creatures, and they tend to love exercise and energetic activities. Just make sure you use summon sense and that you don’t push your dog too hard. But honestly, there are plenty of fun things to do with your dog outside. Basically most things you enjoy doing outdoors, your dog will as well.
