It’s almost the weekend and you are thinking about fun things to do with a dog as our dogs are not just pets, they are our closest companions! 🐾
In this blog, we are going to explore all the possible activities you can do with your dog so you can spend quality time and create lasting memories with them. So, without any further ado let’s embark on this exciting adventure!
What Are the Fun Things to Do with a Dog?
Bonding with your dog🐾 is not only rewarding but also a lot of fun! You can do numerous activities with them, that will engage them mentally and physically.
Start with many tricks and find out what they like the best. Remember, the process of learning is just as important as the result, so approach it with patience and a playful attitude. Now, let’s look at some indoor activities:
1. Teach Your Dog a New Trick
Training your dog with fun new tricks strengthens your bond! Start with easy ones like “spin,” “shake hands,” or “high five.”
Use positive reinforcement, when they do the trick right, give excited praise👏 and treats!🍭 This makes training enjoyable. Laugh together over mistakes during practice.
Be patient, it takes some time and most importantly, have fun!
Learning tricks provides mental stimulation. And working together brings you closer, strengthening your friendship!
2. Play Hide-and-Seek
Hide-and-seek is a great game to play with your dog! Start by hiding treats and toys in easy places, like under a blanket or behind a chair. Use an excited voice to say “Find it!“🔍 so your dog knows it’s time to start searching.
Clap and praise them when they discover the hidden item! As your dog gets better at finding things, make it more challenging. Hide toys inside boxes or under beds. You can even hide small treats all around the room or backyard and let your dog hunt them down. 🐾
This game is mentally refreshing and burns energy in a way that engages their natural behaviours. Plus, taking the time to play together strengthens your bond.
3. Play with Bubbles
Get some dog-safe bubbles made just for pets. Then start blowing bubbles and watch your dog playfully chase after them!
They’ll run around captivated, trying to pop every bubble with their paws and mouths. All this game taps into their natural curiosity and gives them great exercise.💪
See if your pup can pop the most bubbles. Make it a friendly competition and cheer them on! The excitement and laughter will strengthen the bond between you.
Blowing bubbles is an easy way to entertain your dog. And it’s delightful to watch them joyfully chase after the bubbles popping everywhere!🫧
4. Schedule a Playdate
Setting up playdates with other dogs is great for your dog! Find a safe spot like a park where the pups can interact off-leash. Watching them play together in a fenced area is cute and entertaining.
See their different personalities as they romp. These meetings let your dog make friends, get exercise, and gain social skills. Going often helps them stay happy!
5. Make Homemade Dog Treats
Baking yummy snacks for your dog bonds you together! Use safe ingredients like peanut butter and be mindful of the foods that are harmful to dogs.🐶
Let your pup sniff and taste. Include them in the kitchen for fun! Then enjoy the treats you baked with ingredients they helped pick! Happy taste testing builds memories.
6. Watch a Movie Together
Snuggling up to watch a movie with your dog is a great way to bond and relax together. Pick a pet-friendly movie with calming sounds and sights. Make a cosy spot on the couch with soft blankets and your dog’s favourite toys.🧸
As you cuddle while watching, see if your dog🐾 enjoys looking at the screen or just likes the soothing audio. Some dogs may find the gentle lighting and rhythmic sounds very relaxing!
Sharing this downtime strengthens your connection through the shared experience of movie night. Being together gives comfort to you and your dog after a long day.
7. Play Tug-of-War
Tug-of-war is a classic fun game for dogs! In this game use a rope toy made for tug play. Let them grab one end while you hold the other end.
Gently pull back and forth to start a friendly competition. Watch their body language for when to take breaks. This game gives them great physical and mental exercise. And playing together helps strengthen your bond!💪
Just remember to keep it light-hearted. Let your dog “win” sometimes too! Tug-of-war is an enjoyable way to help your pup burn energy.
8. Try Your Hand at Obedience Training
Doing obedience training with your dog builds trust and strengthens communication between you. Start with basic commands like sit, stay and paw[1].
"Use positive reinforcement by rewarding them with treats, praise or pets when they listen", says Debra Horwitz from VCA Hospitals. 🏥
Keep the sessions short and fun so your dog enjoys the experience. Be consistent and practice commands in different places too. Training not only teaches good behaviour but also deepens your bond.
It takes patience and teamwork! Celebrate🥳 the small wins together on this shared, positive journey towards better understanding each other.
Now let’s see what are the outdoor adventures you can do with your dog:
Go on a Sniffari
Let your dog lead you on a “sniffari” walk to explore new scents. Keep them on a loose leash so they can sniff and wander at their own pace.
This allows them to fully engage with the outdoors on a deeper, sensory level as they take in all the fascinating smells. Watching your dog🐾 joyfully follow their nose on this adventure is lovely. It provides both physical and mental enrichment.
Giving your dog the freedom to guide the walk allows them to fully engage in scent-filled discoveries and exciting spots. It’s a relaxing way to see the world from your dog’s perspective!💬
Join a Social Dog Walking Group
Connecting with other local dog owners is great fun! Reach out on social media or through your community to find dog walking groups.
Go on group walks together. This lets your dog socialize with other dogs of all different breeds and personalities. Walking together not only gets your dogs exercise, but also lets you bond with fellow dog lovers.
You can share stories and advice as the dogs play. These social gatherings create a fun community of people who understand the ups and downs of having a pet.
Go for a Hike
Go on a refreshing hike together on a scenic, dog-friendly trail. Pack plenty of water and some yummy snacks to share to stay energized.⚡
Let your dog lead you at times to sniff exciting new smells. Various sights and sounds make this outdoor adventure exciting. Physical activity keeps your dog🐾 healthy and happy. Embracing the freedom of nature together strengthens your bond even more.
Appreciate the natural beauty all around. A refreshing hike makes for a perfect shared exploration!
Go Camping
Find a pet-friendly camping spot where you and your dog can engage yourselves in nature’s beauty. Bring your pup’s bed and blankets from home for comfort.
Sit by the cosy campfire together and unwind, taking in the peaceful surroundings. Your dog will love exploring and connecting with the outdoors.
Camping gives you both a break from the hustle of daily life. And being together in the tranquillity of nature deepens your bond even more. You’ll make wonderful memories out under the starry skies with your dog by your side. A camping trip makes for a special adventure!
Play Fetch
Fetch is a classic game that dogs love! Use your dog’s favourite toy or ball⚽ and toss it a short distance so they can run after it. This gives them great physical exercise. Having a job to focus on also improves them mentally.
As your dog🐾 brings the toy back to you, celebrate with praise or a small treat. Then throw it again, gradually increasing the distance for more of a workout. Just make sure you play fetch in a safe, open space.
Go for a Picnic
Make special memories together by having a dog-friendly picnic! Pack some yummy treats and snacks to share. Find a peaceful, safe spot and set up a blanket so you both can relax.🏞️
Sit together munching on the snacks you brought while taking in the nice weather and pretty outdoor surroundings. Bring their water bowl too so they can sip and nibble.
Sharing a chill picnic meal outdoors is a great way to connect. It’s a relaxing activity you both can enjoy together. Enjoy the lovely view and the loyal company!
Go on a Road Trip
A road trip with your dog can make for exciting shared memories! Plan stops at dog-friendly places for breaks. Use a dog safety harness or crate in the car, and bring supplies like food, toys and their bed.
Take regular bathroom and stretch break walks. Exploring new sights together is fun! Capture moments playing tourist that you’ll both cherish. Travelling as co-pilots bonds you more through the common experience.
➡️Adapt How You Spend Your Outdoor Time Depending on the Weather
The secret to making sure your dog has a good time outdoors is planning activities based on the weather. On rainy days, have raincoats🥾 and boots ready so you both stay comfy. Embrace puddle play and indoor games.
In hot weather, be mindful of shade, and hydration and avoid overheating. Bring extra water and keep high-energy activities short. Snowy days call for cosy sweaters, booties to protect paws, and winter-friendly games like snowball chasing.☃️
By getting ready properly and picking the right activities, you and your dog can safely enjoy every outdoor adventure together!
Play Outdoor Hide-and-Seek
Playing outdoor hide-and-seek is your dog’s natural hunting instinct. Hide treats and toys around the backyard or park. Start with easy spots, then make it challenging as they improve.
Use an excited voice and celebrate each find! This mental workout is also bonding time as you share in the joy of discovery together.
Go Fishing
Take your dog fishing for calming waterside time together. Pick a safe, dog-friendly place. Bring a leash, water, treats, and their bedding.🎣
Set up a comfy area for them to relax in while you fish peacefully. Keep hooks and gear safely out of the dog’s🐾 reach. The soothing environment and quality time together make fishing a great outdoor activity you both can enjoy!
FAQs
❓Why Do Dogs Lick You?
Licking is a natural and instinctive behaviour for dogs. For them, it’s a way of grooming, bonding, and expressing themselves. Your dog may lick you to say they love you, to get your attention, to help soothe themselves if they’re stressed, to show empathy or because you taste good to them!
❓What Are the Fun Things to Do with a Dog?
If you’re looking to find out what dogs can do for fun, the answer is just about anything. Running, swimming, jumping, sniffing, eating, rolling, lounging, playing, posing, or socializing — the list of activities our dogs enjoy is endless.
❓How Bored Are Dogs?
Dogs do get bored if they’re sat around not doing anything and being left for an extended period. Dogs are social creatures and like having us or other dogs around for company, they also need a good level of physical and mental exercise each day, along with plenty of attention from us.
❓Why Are Dogs So Fun?
Dogs have some amazing athletic skills. They can help you socialize and encourage you to get out and explore. Dogs will give you something to laugh and smile about every day. Whether you’re roughing it or enjoying a plush hotel, dogs make great travel companions.
❓Do Dogs Like Tummy Rubs?
Stanley says that some dogs like rubbing, while others like more of a patting motion, and some like their belly to be scratched. Smaller dogs generally prefer gentler rubs, but even some large dogs may prefer a less enthusiastic belly scratch. The sides of the belly are an especially good spot for gentle scratches.
Conclusion
It’s a wrap of all the fun things to do with a dog, all of this is important for the bonding. These experiences will bring joy and fulfilment to you and your dog’s life.🐾
All the shared experiences from learning a new trick to going fishing have left a lasting impact on your relationship. Continue doing these activities now and then and enjoy the sense of understanding and companionship together.
Reference:
- “5 tips for successful dog training.” (n.d.). Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine | Virginia Tech.
