Dogs love warm weather as much as people. If your pup is watching the world through your home’s windows with fascination, you may need to spend more time outside together. Discover some of the best outdoor spring activities to entertain your pup and make new memories before it gets too hot.
Importance of Physical Exercise for Dogs
Getting out of the house is important for your dog. They can’t entertain themselves like humans, so they spend hours sleeping or watching you move around your home. Exciting playtime outdoors prevents boredom.
Physical exercise also prevents dogs from becoming overweight, which can negatively affect their long-term health. Although you might love relaxing on a picnic blanket with your pup, they should get at least a few minutes of cardio to support their well-being. Every dog requires a different amount of exercise, depending on their size, weight and energy. Find an activity routine that best suits your dog's unique needs.
Fun Outdoor Spring Activities for Your Pup
Grab a leash and a water bottle, and head outside. You and your pup will have tons of fun if you schedule a few activities perfect for warm weather afternoons.
1. Create an Obstacle Course
If your dog is naturally curious and energetic, they may love an obstacle course. Set up equipment in your yard, like hurdle cones or an agility tunnel. You could guide them through each step with some treats in your pocket. Your pup might ace every challenge and become a leading competitor in local competitions.
2. Enjoy a Frozen Snack
Create a frozen treat to make your pup’s next snack extra tasty and intellectually challenging. Jessica Sims — a dog enrichment expert and partner with Nature’s Recipe — recommends halving a mango and filling the skin with kibble and unsweetened yogurt. Your four-legged best friend will love the new flavors while snacking in the sun.
3. Pose for Pictures
Spring brings nature back to life, so everything’s likely blooming where you live. Take your dog on a walk or visit a local park. You’ll have the perfect backdrop to walk around and snap adorable pictures or action shots while your dog plays fetch. You could hang the photos around your home or update your Instagram after your furry best friend stretches their legs.
4. Try Riding a Skateboard
Traditional dog training fosters a line of communication that you can use daily. Commands like "sit" and "stay" are important, but you can also take advantage of the seasonal weather to teach your pup something new. Use treats, patience and lots of love to help your dog get comfortable standing on a skateboard. As they get used to it, you could even teach them to ride the skateboard while pushing themselves.
5. Chase Bubbles Together
Bubbles can lead to some of the best outdoor spring activities for dogs. Test their comfort level by blowing tiny bubbles with a miniature bottle at home. If the floating suds don’t make your dog nervous, get giant bubble wands and spend time outside. They’ll have a blast chasing the bubbles that drift away in the wind. Invite your pup’s best friends to join the party if they have dog pals nearby.
6. Let Them Dig in Your Garden
Some dog breeds enjoy getting their paws dirty. Experts agree that dachshunds and terriers love digging more than most pups. Your four-legged friend might have fun digging in your garden. Point to where they should dig and encourage them to go crazy. You’ll quickly have holes for your seedlings, which you can use to plant peppers, tomatoes, and other seasonal fruits and veggies.
7. Take Costume Walks
If your pup loves a stylish accessory, dress them up in a costume and go for a walk. They’ll get extra exercise and attention when people see their adorable outfit. Spring is the ideal time to do something like costume walks because it may get too hot in the summer for your dog to wear anything other than their natural fur coat.
8. Search for Hidden Treats
Researchers found that dogs can track scents for at least 200 yards and potentially longer. Put your pup’s nose to the test by hiding their favorite treats in your yard. Show them what you have — like a toy stuffed with xylitol-free peanut butter — before hiding it when they’re not looking. Your pup will have the best day ever after they sniff out their treat and get a round of applause.
Make Exciting Plans This Weekend
You can do many outdoor spring activities with your pup besides going to the dog park. Enjoy every moment of the beautiful weather by making memories with new snacks, costumes and even some bubbles. You’ll have the happiest four-legged friend and wear them out enough that they get their deepest sleep during their next nap.