Outdoor Activities to Share with Your Dog

by Joan Harris | May 01, 2009

Warm weather is here!

So grab a leash and get outside with your best friend! It is a proven fact that sharing fun activities with your dog makes them easier and more enjoyable to live with. Dogs are pack animals, and they thrive on companionship and variety in their daily lives. Fun activities provide stimulation and exercise and reduce the boredom that is likely to result in behavior problems. Outdoor activities not only enhance your relationship with your dog, but may help you connect with other dog owners too. 

First things, first. Make sure your dog has received enough obedience training to be trustworthy wherever you go. If not, start by enrolling in a class. Obedience training is not only fun, but promotes teamwork for future activities. Let’s face it, a well trained dog is a joy to be around. Peace of mind concerning your dog’s safety is very important. Now you’re ready for fun.....

Take a walk! 

Walking is best way for both humans and dogs to stay in shape. Enjoy our local parks or take a stroll through a different neighborhood. A change from your regular routine is stimulating and refreshing. Many neighborhoods have unique architecture and incredible gardens and landscaping. Try a walk in Grant Park or along the many lakefront paths. There are also beautiful walking paths along the Chicago River that extend from Albany Park to Evanston. Purchase a doggy backpack for longer hikes and your dog can carry his own treats, water and bowl. 

Play Ball 

Many dogs love playing ball more than anything else. It is a healthy way to exercise and burn off pent up energy. If you’re short on time after work, go out and play a quick retrieve game with your dog. You can tire him out and unwind yourself by spending some time outdoors.

Head out to a dog park 

Chicago is currently known as one of the most “dog friendly” cities. Several areas around the city are listed as “Dog Friendly Areas” where dogs can play and socialize off-leash. Montrose Beach has an area sectioned off where dogs can run in the sand and enjoy the water. Bring a tennis ball or water toy if your dog likes to retrieve. A complete listing of “Dog Friendly Areas” in Chicago and suburbs can be found at www.chicagocanine.com, and www.dogpark.com lists dog parks all over the United States. 

Go to an outdoor cafe or restaurant 

You don’t have to leave your dog at home when you go out for lunch or dinner. Many outdoor establishments in the city allow pets. Some even put out water bowls so your dog won’t go thirsty. It’s a fun way to socialize without the guilt of leaving your best friend behind. 

Be adventurous 

If your dog likes a crowd, take him along to a “dog friendly” outdoor festival or art fair. Plan a vacation where you can hike and swim with your dog. Check out a dog camp that has structured activities for dogs. Most importantly, get out there and play!

WARNING 

Be particularly cautious when running your pet in the heat. Every summer, there are many instances of well-intentioned pet owners jogging their dogs to death, since dogs do not show warning signs when overheating. Be sure to stop frequently to allow your pet to rest, cool down and drink plenty of water.

Need more structure? 

The following activities and sports will exercise your dog’s drives and often, your own competitive side. 

Agility 

Agility is an obstacle course complete with jumps, dog walks, tunnels, A frames, weave poles and fast paced fun! It is great exercise for both human and dog, both body and mind. All dogs can participate and with practice, titles can be won. This sport is all about team work and provides year round enjoyment. 

Rally Obedience 

Love obedience and want to compete? The first step may be Rally Obedience. The dog and handler navigate a course with numbered signs that give direction indicating different obedience exercises such as Recall Over Jump, Sit-Down-Sit, Straight Figure 8. The course is done at a brisk pace and handlers may talk to and encourage their dogs during the performance. All dogs can participate. 

Flyball 

Another fast paced sport where dogs run a relay race as a team. There are four dogs on each team and they race another team down a lane, over jumps, hit a box with their feet that releases a tennis ball, and race back with the ball. This is a great sport for high energy, ball-crazy dogs. 

Disc Dog 

This is a sport where the dog and handler can compete in frisbee tossing. The handler tosses the frisbee and the dog catches it and brings it back. The judge issues points on accuracy, distance and speed. Another form is choreographed and accompanied by music. 

Tracking or Search and Rescue 

A dog’s sense of smell is very keen and complex. Dogs use their noses constantly and it is definitely their strongest faculty. A dog can be trained to follow a specific track to find an article. Search and rescue (SAR) dogs are trained to detect human scent in order to find a lost person. 

Animal Assisted Therapy 

If your dog is easy-going and loves people, you may choose to make him a therapy dog. There is nothing more rewarding than helping a person in need in a nursing home, hospital or group home for people with developmental disabilities.

This article is just a partial list of the many ways you can begin to enjoy your dog this summer. Every year new dog sports and activities emerge. Do some research to find activities that fit both your personality and the temperament of your dog. 

If you have an athletic dog that loves water, try Dock-Diving. Maybe your dog has strong herding instincts and would like to try sheep herding. Just remember that summer is a great time to get out there and have some fun with your canine companion.