9 Fun Outdoor Dog Activities for You and Your Pet

With warm weather upon us, we know that you and your dog are itching to get outdoors! Fortunately, if your pooch packed on some pounds over the winter, there are lots of fun things you can do to get some exercise while enjoying the sunshine. Below we list some of our favorite outdoor dog activities:

Play Frisbee

Pick up a flying disc that is appropriately sized for your dog and visit a large open field. While some training may be in order (look online for training tips), most dogs find this an enjoyable activity. It gives them the opportunity to run and chase, two of their favorite things to do.

Keep Your Dog Cool

Got a water hose? Turn it on and point it in different directions around your yard. Lots of dogs enjoy chasing the water stream. And if you have a sprinkler, even better—your dog can race around the propelling water until it tires out. Save this activity for a hot day!

Go for a Swim

Along those same lines, most dogs enjoy playing in the water. So why not take your furry friend for a swim? It’s great exercise, easy on older dog’s joints, and it works a lot of different muscles. Not all canines are good swimmers so make sure to watch your dog carefully when you take him or her for a splash in the pool.

Make a Play Date

After being cooped up in the house throughout the winter, your dog probably hasn’t had much opportunity to play with others. Schedule a play date with a friend who also has a dog. Or, for extra fun, take your dog to the dog park so he can choose his own canine companion.

Create a Treasure Hunt

Cook up a delectable treat for your dog like a chicken breast. Cut it into smaller pieces and allow your dog to sample a bite. Then, hide the rest of the treat throughout your backyard while your dog remains inside. To make it easier, you can let him sneak a peek through a window. When you’re done, let him outside to sniff out the savory snack!

Challenge Your Dog with Hide and Seek

Searching for fun outdoor games for dogs that will help your pup tap into their problem-solving skills? Hide and seek with their favorite toy is the perfect choice!

First, show your furry friend their toy and then hide it in front of them in an easy spot. Use phrases such as “Go find it!” and try to get your dog to understand the objective of discovering the toy. This may take a couple of tries, but they’ll get the hang of it soon.

Once your dog understands the objective of the game, you can start hiding the toy in harder-to-find areas. This will keep your dog interested and excited to find their toy wherever you hide it.

When your dog finds the toy, you can reward them with treats and lots of pets. Places to hide the toy include bushes, flower beds, and outdoor seating areas. This game will challenge your dog in an interactive way and be fun for both of you!

Build an Obstacle Course

Another backyard activity for dogs that keeps them active is creating an obstacle course for them to navigate. This gives your dog the chance to run and get the exercise they need, and it’s also fun to watch!

Best yet, building an obstacle course does not require any fancy equipment, and you can create a course with items at home. Equipment you can use for the obstacle course includes:

• Pool noodles
• Cardboard boxes
• Hula hoops
• Bricks
• Flower pots

You can use these items for your dog to jump over, run around, or run through. You can also use a treat or positive reinforcement to encourage your dog to run through the complete obstacle course. Be sure to make it a fun game and get creative!

Go for a Run

If you’re searching for fun things to do with your dog outside beyond your backyard, another idea is to go for a run with them! You can jog around your neighborhood, along a local hiking trail, or at a dog park. Here are some things to keep in mind when taking them on a run:

• Start slowly if your dog is not used to running
• Make sure you’re running on dog-friendly paths
• Keep your dog hydrated
• Stay aware of signs of fatigue

This is a great outdoor adventure for dogs that will get them out of the house and burning some energy.

Go All Out and Create a Backyard Dog Park

If you’re looking to create the best of the best for outdoor dog entertainment, you can try building your own backyard dog park. This can be an all-encompassing area for backyard dog activities, such as the ideas we discussed above, and more! When creating a backyard dog park, you can include key features such as:

• Fencing so your dog can run freely and safely
• A fountain for cooling off
• A sensory garden with dog-safe herbs
• A sandbox for a digging zone
• An area for playing fetch

Plus, anything else that your love dog loves! Of course, these outdoor dog area ideas can be customized to your pooch’s needs, so feel free to change them up.

Getting outside with your dog not only gives them the opportunity to play, but it also strengthens the quality of your bond. So, visit a park or a pool, or just head outside and enjoy these backyard activities for dogs!

Outdoor Dog Games at Pet Palace 

If you don’t always have the time to engage in backyard dog activities, let Pet Palace take over! Our doggy day care and dog boarding programs prioritize getting your pet the activity they need to be happy, which includes outdoor dog entertainment. Our team also focuses on taking a personalized approach with every furry friend, so we’ll ensure that your dog participates in activities that they’re comfortable with.

Interested in hearing more about what Pet Palace has to offer? Contact our team today!

Categories: Dogs