Fun Things to Do With Your Dog this Spring

I am so happy that spring is finally here. I still took my dogs for walks in the winter but other than that they did not spend much time outdoors. Now that spring is here, we can all enjoy the sunshine and warm weather. For fun in the sun, here are some fun things you can do with your dog this spring too.

Dog Park
If your dog enjoys sniffing around, trail walking, and/or playing with other dogs, the dog park is the place to be. This is my Labrador Maya’s most favorite place to go, especially if it is the Shawnee Mission dog park where they have a water front for her to go swimming.

Nature Trails
If your dog park doesn’t have trails for walking, you can still take your dog on some fun nature trails. The only difference would be that your dog has to stay on a leash. Use a longer leash if you’d like and let your dog explore nature. Be sure to pick up after him and make sure to bring him closer to you when you walk by other people on the trail.

Outdoor Dog Games
Not all dogs like the dog park and some like my Aussie mix Pierson don’t do well with other dogs at the park. Play at home instead. If your dog doesn’t already know how, teach him to play fetch with a ball or frisbee.

Perhaps you can teach some agility with a make-shift agility course. Pierson loves to jump so I am thinking about teaching him to jump through a hoola hoop. I can also teach him to jump over a pole or crawl under it. Take some big cardboard boxes outside and make a tunnel for your dog to run through, blocks of wood for steps to go up and down. Agility can be fun.

Find-It is a fun game your dog can play both indoors and outdoors. Hide your dog’s favorite treats and see if he can sniff them out. Careful not to encourage digging.

A game where you call your dog back and forth is a fun outdoor game to play. This game also teaches your dog to come when he is called. Two people stand on either side of the yard and call the dog. When the dog comes, reward with lots of praise and possibly even a treat too. Make it as rewarding as possible.

How about playing in the sprinkler or with the water hose with your dog? If your dog likes water, maybe they will like this too. Make the water hose fun by seeing if your dog will catch the end of the spray. Don’t use a spray that is too harsh or it will hurt your dog. Get your dog to run after you as you run back and forth over the sprinkler. Make bath time a fun event.

Revisit Training
Despite the fact that I still took the dogs for walks this winter, it was not as often. And so some practices, such as walking properly on a leash, have been a bit lax. Spring is the perfect time to brush up. Reteach your dog to walk properly on a leash, have him sit automatically whenever you stop walking, practice stay in the back yard with distractions, etc.

Swimming
If you have a place where you can take your dog swimming, spring is the perfect weather for it. Some dog parks have a water front. And some out of the way lakes or rivers may have areas where dogs are allowed to swim.

Around Town
Find some outdoor pet-friendly activities in your area at DogFriendly.com. You might be surprised to find that some restaurants with an outdoor patio allow dogs. Some shops allow does to come inside. And some botanical gardens too.

Just Lay Around in the Sun
After a fun day outside, it might be fun to just lay around in the shade. Enjoy the fresh air and take a nap under a tree. Or you relax and read a book while your dog rests in the shade.

There are so many fun things to do with your dog this spring. Enjoy the beautiful weather with your best friend, get some exercise in the meantime, and have fun!

Tags: dog, dog park, fun things to do with your dog, outdoor dog games, spring