Backyard Activities To Do With Your Dog

Summer means warm weather is here! With warm weather, I know all I want to do is be outside.  I am sure you can agree and if not your dog definitely agrees with me!  My dog, Sassy, loves being outside in the sun and spending the afternoon lounging and sniffing every inch of the yard. If you are spending time outside with your pup, there are any great activities that you can do to bond and reinforce skills with your dog.

Upgrade your fetch game

Fetch is a great activity for your pup and mimics their instinct to hunt and retrieve.  Tennis balls or any balls that bounce are great, they bounce in unpredictable paths and give your pup the hunt they want.  Why not take it to the next level? Frisbee discs, plush toys or even rope toys can be thrown for your pup to retrieve.  Mixing them up can be great stimulation for your dog.  If your dog is a runner, consider a ball launcher so they can get that sprint in. There are automatic launchers out there as well, but just remember your pup might not be as interested in playing if you are not involved.

Agility Courses

When you hear agility, you may think of a dog competing in a competition course. But, any dog can benefit from a backyard agility course.  Teaching your pup a new skill, such as completing an agility obstacle, and giving positive reinforcement can make your pup feel accomplished and good about themselves.  Agility engages dogs in a few different ways.  The equipment and coursework provide mental stimulation while teaching new tricks and skills. Agility also provides rigorous physical exercise and opportunities to use and develop a large variety of muscles. For example, if your dog likes to tunnel, a collapsible training tunnel can be great for play sessions.  You can find reasonably priced agility equipment most places that sell pet products, and some of them can grow with your dog’s skill level.

Scent Work

I am a big supporter of scent work.  I take my dog on scent walks where she dictates our speed and takes her time taking in all the smells. Dogs love sniffing everything and anything. Good smells, bad smells, questionable smells—each one is worthy of a lengthy inspection.  Allowing your dog to sniff can provide great mental stimulation.  If you want to do some scent work with your dog, leave your pup inside and hide some treats around the yard.  I suggest placing them in boxes without lids.  Then let your pup sniff to find them! Always give verbal praise, as petting can be distracting while on the hunt. As your pups skill progresses, put a lid on the box or switch up the places the boxes are or hide them.  Scent work is very exhausting for dogs, so always give your pup breaks about every 10 minutes.

Hide and Seek

As a child, hide and seek was one of my favorite games to play with my sister.   This can also be a great game to play with your pup.  Hide in your yard while having another family member or friend hold your dog.  Once you are hidden, call your dog's name once and….SEEK! 

Splish, Splash, Water Fun!

Many dogs enjoy playing in or with water, mine is not one of them.  But, many dog do! Something as simple as turning a sprinkler on can be great for your dog.  Some love to chase the water and some like to try and drink it, either way they are having fun.  You can also place tennis balls in a bucket of water and encourage your pup to retrieve them while the balls are bobbing up and down.

There are many fun things you and your pup can do in the yard while the weather is warm and sunny.  If your pup would love some outdoor fun while you are away or busy, our staff at The Pet Lady will come and give your pup the playtime and enrichment they need during the day.  We would love to meet your dog! CLICK HERE to get started!