As the heat of summer subsides, fall is a great time to get outside with your dog and enjoy the fresh air. Enjoy the weather and bond with your dog by trying these four dog-friendly fall activities:
Go Hiking
The crisp fall air provides perfect hiking weather, and you don’t have to live in the mountains to hike. There are great trails just about anywhere you live, and by keeping a few things in mind while hiking, you can have a lot of fun and great photo opportunities.
Here are some hiking safety basics:
- Make sure to bring lots of water for both you and your dog. Just because the temperature is cooler doesn’t mean that your dog can’t get dehydrated.
- Be on the lookout for wildlife. Many wild animals are out more during the cooler months.
- Be aware of leash laws and areas where they apply or do not.
- If you are going to be off-leash, be sure to work on a reliable “come when called” cue to keep them from getting too far ahead, into trouble, or both.
Play ‘Find It’
Find it is a dog-friendly fall activity you can do inside or out. The only supplies you need are your pet’s favorite toy and your his or her nose. Playing outdoors during fall raises the fun factor by providing piles of leaves. Hide your dog’s toy in the leaves and ask them to “find it.” Here’s how to get started:
- Without your dog seeing, place your dog’s favorite toy next to a pile of leaves.
- Release your dog and say “find it.”
- Once your dog finds their toy, say “good” and play a short game of fetch or tug.
- Once your dog gets the hang of finding their toy, you can start hiding the toy within the leaves.
Take a Working Walk
Working walks are walks with your dog that include mental stimulation as well as the physical activity of walking. There are valuable benefits to this kind of walk:
- Using your pet’s mind and body during a walk wears them out more quickly when you only have time for a short walk.
- Dogs remain focused on working with you, which reinforces the bond.
- If you are engaged with your dog during a walk, they are tuned in and more likely to hear you if an emergency presents itself.
Working walks are simple, just go for a walk and work in some training at every corner, driveway or even as you are moving. Here are things to practice:
- Have your dog practice “sit” and “stay” at every corner. Release them when you cross the street.
- Play “touch” on the side of the sidewalk when you see another person/dog coming towards you.
- Use “watch me” before you release your dog to go sniff their favorite tree.
- Practice “come” when your dog gets out in front of you.
- Be mindful of loose leash walking/not allowing your dog to pull you down the street.
- Encouraging your dog to visually check in with you on the walk by rewarding them any time they glance up at you.
Outdoor Agility
Agility is a great sport any time of year, but it can be especially fun on a cool fall day where you can get more space outdoors. You don’t have to have expensive agility equipment to have fun. DIY jumps and weave poles work just fine, or you can look for an agility class that holds their classes outdoors in nice weather.
No matter what you do with your dog, just make sure to have fun and stay safe!