Epic Adventures Awake: 4 Things to Do withYour Dog

Are you getting bored with your tired and true walk around the block with your dog? Has a game of catch lost all its luster? The good news is that there are tons of things you can do with your dog. Get out of your rut with these four things to do with your dog.

1. Get Out and See Nature on a Fabulous Hike

When’s the last time you took your dog on a hike? If you’re like many dog answers the answer is: never! While older dogs and younger puppies may not be the best hikers, most medium to large sized dogs in decent health love the great outdoors.

Before you take off make sure you have everything you need:

• Dog shoes to protect their feet and ensure they can grip the rocks and trails.
• Dogs can fall prey to waterborne illnesses so it’s best not to let them drink from ponds, rivers, lakes, or other bodies of water.
• Extra food. They’ll burn more calories than usual out on the trails.
• Plastic bags. You want to leave nature as you found it so be sure to clean up after you and your dog.
• A dog harness. You could bring a leash if you prefer but harnesses give you more control. As a general rule of thumb, don’t let you dog run loose if there are other hikers or dogs around.

2. Take Your Dog to the Beach or Park

Sure, you probably take your dog to the park all the time but what do you do when you’re there. Walk around a few times? Next time grab a blanket, lie down, and get yourself a fabulous suntan. Just be sure you pack sunscreen for yourself and dog sunscreen too. Everyone needs to protect against skin cancer!

3. Go on a Camping Trip with Your Favorite Furry Friend

Owners who’ve never taken their dog camping often thing it’ll be difficult but with the right gear it’s fun for everyone. One key component is a dog sleeping bag. You want to know right where your dog is, you want to make sure they have a comfortable place to rest, and you want to keep them dry. A dog sleeping bag does it all!

Make sure you bring plenty of food and water for your dog. As with hiking, a dog harness is often a better choice than a dog leash. If you’ll be camping during the colder months you may also want a dog sweater to keep your dog warm and cozy. Make sure you’re camping somewhere dogs are allowed.

4. Play Tracking Games

If you have a dog that’s a natural tracker you can turn that into a fun and rewarding game. This works especially well in the winter months. Just put a treat in a glove and hide it under the snow. Your dog will be off and running trying to find it. Of course, when they do they’ll have an immediate reward: a treat!

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