Outdoor Recreation and Sightseeing With Dogs

Outdoor recreational and sightseeing opportunities abound for pet parents and their canines. When planning activities with your pup, take their personality and activity level into consideration in order to find something enjoyable for both of you.
Consider taking your pup on a hiking or farmer’s market adventure to help connect them with nature, or provide them with fresh treats at the farmer’s market.
Hiking
Hiking is an outdoor activity you and your dog can enjoy together, providing them with exercise while simultaneously relieving their stress, anxiety, and hyperactivity by increasing the serotonin level in their brains.
Walking your dog together provides both of you with some quality time together, strengthening both of your relationships. Plus, walking gives your pup an opportunity to practice their leash skills – essential if they run off and chase other animals or become involved with local wildlife.
Before venturing onto any trail, be sure to read up on its rules and ensure your dog has received proper vaccinations in order to reduce her chances of falling sick due to poisonous plants or water that may harm her and her surroundings.
Picnicking
Picnicking with your dog can be an enjoyable way to spend quality time outdoors together while also making sure he or she remains safe and secure during this fun activity. However, it’s essential that they feel secure during this outing.
To ensure the safety of your dog, select an outdoor space which accepts dogs and is dog-friendly, such as a park or recreation center with plenty of shaded areas that offer shelter from direct sunlight and quiet spots for recreation.
Before embarking on any picnic adventure, it is also vital that your pup stays well-hydrated. This is particularly important in hot climates; therefore, make sure you bring along a travel bowl specifically designed for him/her.
Swimming
Swimming can be an ideal way to keep your dog active and healthy, providing excellent exercise for dogs who may be physically limited, overweight or have arthritis.
Your dog will love this fun activity that provides both mental stimulation and exercise! Not only will they have loads of fun playing around the ball pit, but it will help burn off any excess energy that has built up over time.
Smaller breeds that feature shorter legs and heavier bottom ends tend to struggle in deep water environments, whereas longer legs and water-repellant coats make these breeds natural swimmers.
Swimming may be an ideal replacement activity for older dogs as it doesn’t put as much strain on joints and bodyweight, while also strengthening muscle tone in their lower back region, providing protection from potential injuries in other canine sports.
Fishing
Fishing can be an enjoyable activity for you and your canine friend alike, and requires planning and training in order to maximize the enjoyment. Not all dogs will enjoy fishing though; preparation is key if you want the most from this activity with your pup!
As an example, some dogs might be too anxious or excitable for fishing trips and boats; this could make your fishing excursion unpleasant for everyone involved.
For effective fishing, an ideal dog must possess obedience, stamina, patience, energy, intelligence and water-loving capabilities. Furthermore, training must take place in order not to scare off or upset any fish that come their way.
Camping
Camping with your pup is an exciting and healthy way to explore nature together. Not only is camping enjoyable; it can even benefit both your health and theirs!
First step to finding a dog-friendly campground: seek out established public campgrounds which welcome multiple pets in one site and permit multiple camping spots for different dogs at the same time.
To ensure a positive camping experience for you and your canine friend, always keep him on a leash, even at campgrounds that allow on-leash pets.
Should it rain, remember to bring along collar, ID tags, poop bags and a light towel as well.
Protecting your dog’s paws from hot temperatures and rough terrain by using a pet-safe or veterinarian-recommended paw protectant is also recommended, or invest in booties specifically tailored to protect their paws on hikes or camping trips.