Unfortunately, it has become a norm for dogs to spend most of their days at home alone as their parents go to work. While it is understandable for you to be busy and lack time to offer outdoor stimulation for your dog, they need it. Here is why you should get your dog outdoors more often and some outdoor activities you can try with them.
Why You Need to Get Your Dog Outdoors
Dogs are active creatures, and they tend to get bored if you fail to give them a variety of activities. With boredom, they might become anxious, lazy, and irritable. Yes, they might move around the house, but it has limited space, so they do not adequately stretch their legs. Over time, the lack of enough activity might stiffen their bones and cause them to gain weight, which can cause health problems. Outdoor activities keep them active and give them enough space to exercise. Thus, working on their bones and muscles and helping them keep a healthy weight.
Outdoor physical activity will also provide the sensory stimulation that your dog needs. Your pup can see other animals, dogs, and humans when out. They can smell different trees and plants and listen to nature. These interactions will stimulate their senses and offer them numerous experiences they can’t get indoors. Sensory enrichment helps prevent boredom in dogs which can lead to negative behavior like eating shoes, scratching furniture, or excessive barking.
5 Outdoor Activities You Can Do With Your Dog
Here are the five best outdoor activities for you and your dog:
Kayaking
One of the outdoor activities you can do with your dog is kayaking. However, kayaking with your dog is not as simple as having it board and setting off to the river or lake. You need the right equipment and training for dog kayaking. Here are four tips to go kayaking with your dog.
First, ensure your dog is among the best dogs for kayaking. A good dog for kayaking is confident, enjoys a new environment, and preferably enjoys the beach. A dog with bad balance or that does not enjoy swimming may not be your perfect partner for kayaking.
Second, ensure your dog can swim. Safety is paramount, and to prepare for the worst-case scenario, the best dog for kayaking should know how to swim. You should also have a life vest for your dog, even if they are remarkable swimmer.
Third, you should be great and experienced with kayaking. Avoid having a dog on your kayak if you are not skilled and experienced. A beginner may have low confidence and might find it hard to navigate, and could put you and your dog in danger,
Fourth, you need a lot of practice with your dog. It is best to practice kayaking first on solid ground. Start by training your pup to sit in the kayak and remain on it while on the ground. You can have it wear its life jacket during these practice sessions.
Main Kayak Features to Consider
If you are looking to go kayaking with your dog, ensure the kayak is stable. Stability is an important feature to keep you both safe. Usually, an inflatable and sit-on-top kayak is a good choice because they are stable, wider, and have a considerably higher weight capacity. Furthermore, the kayak should be stable enough to carry your and your dog’s weight.
The kayak should also be spacious enough to accommodate you and your dog comfortably. The right size will depend on your dog. For example, a single person might be ideal if your dog is small. On the other hand, you might need a tandem for a larger dog.
Best dog gear for kayaking
Solstice Inflatable Pup Plank – since kayaks are not designed with dogs in mind, dogs find it hard to enter and exit kayaks. This plank will be useful for your dog climbing on the kayak. It is lightweight and air-filled to add buoyancy. Solstice plank is also non-slip designed and has drop-stitch technology for a rigid feel.
Ruffwear Float Coat-this lie jacket comes in various sizes, ideal to fit all dogs. It is brightly colored, so you can easily spot your dog, and it has handles at the top to make it easy to lift your dog.
The Snuggly Dog Towel– when you are out in the water with a super active dog, it will be almost impossible to keep them dry. This drying coat will help dry your dog. It is made of microfiber and, thus, will quick-dry your dog.
Hiking
Enjoy nature with your dog by going hiking together. However, it is important to ensure your pet is safe before hiking. Some trail hazards- aggressive wildlife and steep or uneven terrain might be dangerous for pets.
Hiking may be fun, but it is a strenuous activity that should only be done with a dog strong and healthy enough to handle the rigorous activity. The dog you choose to go hiking with should be well-trained. It should be under a leash and follow voice commands at all times.
Best dogs for hiking
The three best dogs for hiking are Siberian Huskies, Australian Shepherds, and German Shorthaired Pointers. Siberian Huskies were originally used to pull sleds in Russia. They are powerfully built, have lively spirits, and look forward to adventures and spending time outside.
Australian Shepherds are efficient and were originally used for herding. They are athletic, agile, and very obedient. Australian Shepherds can also handle strenuous activities for long hours, making them great hiking partners.
German Shorthaired Pointers were previously hunting dogs and could engage in strenuous activity for long hours in different climates. Thus, making it suitable for going hiking. They are also eager to work with their humans and are always ready to make new friends.
Best dog gear for hiking
IceFang Tactical Dog Harness– you will need a harness during your hike to ensure your dog is safe and secure. It also relieves the dog of the strain that comes with having a leash on. This leash has reflective detailing, is durable, and the no-pull design keeps your dog comfortable.
XSY&G Dog Boots-while most dogs will be fine without boots. It does not hurt to protect your furry friends’ paws. They come in various sizes, have enough space for your pup’s claws to fit, and have ample padding.
Adventure Medical Kits Me and My Dog First Aid Kit– it is important to have a dog first aid kit with medicine and supplies if it gets wounded on the track.
Running
Before setting out to run with your dog, ensure it is a good running dog. Some of the best running dog breeds are huskies, dalmatians, collies, gundogs, and golden retrievers. They can go for long-distance runs. On the other hand, some breeds like Salukis and Greyhounds, are great at running but only for short distances.
The dog should also be in good health and neither be too young nor too old. While puppies are usually excited and have a lot of energy, their bones are still growing and prone to injury. When running with your dog, start slow, be willing to take breaks, and stop when needed. Like humans, dogs will need to build their tolerance, so start easy. Also, have the right equipment with you during the run to keep your dog comfortable and control it.
Best dog gear for running
RUFFWEAR Grip Trex Dog Boots– while most dogs find booties unnecessary, they help protect paws, especially during hot weather. The boots also improve traction and keep your pet from slipping,
Blazin LED Light Up Dog Collar– this collar provides visibility as far as 300 meters away and has a 360-degree illumination circumference. It is USB-rechargeable and waterproof.
PupFlask Large Dog Water Bottle- your dog should be adequately hydrated during your run. This water bottle gives them access to enough water and is easy to carry since it is collapsible and does not leak.
Camping
Your dog might enjoy camping a little more than you do. When you want to go camping with your dog, it is important to ask if the campground has an animal hospital and if it is equipped to handle emergencies. It is also important to have your vet’s number readily available.
Depending on your preferred campsite, if there is no access to clean drinking water, ensure you carry enough water with you. You will also need to have a leash for your dog. Dogs can easily run off and might encounter wild animals, which could be dangerous for them.
Always have pet-friendly mosquito repellent to keep your dog from mosquitos and other bugs. Ensure you have the right gear depending on the weather condition to keep them comfortable and protected.
Best dog gear for camping
Ruffwear Highlands Dog Sleeping Bag– you will need a lightweight sleeping bag. The Highlands sleeping bag is lightweight, synthetic, and compressible, thus easy to carry. Depending on the temperature, the dog can sleep in or on the bag. They can also get in or out of the bag easily as the zipper runs half-side length.
Quencher Packable Dog Bowl– your dog will need access to water and food. You can use the Quencher Dog Bowl to serve food and water to your dog. They are lightweight, packable, and come in different sizes.
Ruffwear Crag Leash-this multipurpose leash is strong, adjustable, and has reflective trim. It is comfortable for your pup. It is hands-free, allowing you to continue doing other camping activities like setting up the tent if you secure it elsewhere.
Swimming
Swimming is also among the fun outdoor activities you can do with your dog. However, not all dogs can swim. While all dogs will attempt to paddle, not all dogs can float. For example, dachshunds and bulldogs have shorter legs and find it hard to distribute their weight. Therefore, they might not be the best dogs for swimming. If you are wondering what dogs are good swimmers, the best are Labrador retrievers. Portuguese water dogs also do well in water.
Whether you have gone swimming with your dog before or are trying it for the first time, it is important to keep your pet safe. Ensure they do not go swimming on their own because they might find it hard to get out and might need help. Train your dog to swim, and only swim with them when comfortable with the water. And always have the right gear for swimming with your dog.
Best dog gear for swimming
Kurgo Dog Water Life Jacket– some dogs, like bulldogs, with heavy tops and large chests, or small breeds like chihuahuas, are not the best for swimming. So, they might need a life jacket. Additionally, life jackets make it easier to deal with accidents and emergencies that can happen at any time.
BONAWEN Dog Bathrobe Soft Super Absorbent– you need to dry your dog after swimming. This bathrobe is super absorbent, and you don’t need to keep chasing after your dog to get him dry.
Outward Hound Floatiez Dog Toy – Floating Fetch Pool Toy– adding swimming toys to the water can improve your pup’s experience. You can also use these toys to play fetch games and have your dog swim across to collect the toy. It will also keep your dog engaged and exhausted after your swim.
Riding Bikes
If your dog has massive energy reserves, and you have tried running with them, but they still don’t get worn out, you might try dog mountain biking. Dog breeds like hounds may need more than regular enrichment opportunities like walks.
You shouldn’t, however, go mountain biking with just any dog. Ensure the dog breed is up for it. For example, short-nosed breeds are not the best mtb dogs. Additionally, brachycephalic dogs, e.g., bulldogs, find it hard to breathe. Therefore, going dog mountain biking with your bulldog is not ideal as it is a rigorous exercise. Dogs that are heavy and large may also not enjoy biking activities.
Biking with dogs is a great outdoor activity, but you need to transition slowly. You should first teach your pup to walk next to you before biking. They should also know safety cues and be obedient to make it easy to give instructions when you are out. It is also important to get your dog comfortable around a bike before going mtb.
Best dog gear for riding bikes
Nonstop Dogwear Biking Kit-it will ensure your dog remains safely attached to you as you bike. This kit contains a free-motion harness, an antenna that connects to the bike, and a bungee leash. So, instead of dragging your dog, your paw friend can set the pace for your bike ride. The free motion harness keeps the dog loose enough and moves with him instead of stifling it. This bungee cord also offers freedom for your pooch without being a tripping hazard.
Burley Tail Wagon-do you have an older dog who spends time lying around in the house? You can get this tail wagon and go exploring with them. The Burley Tail Wagon has a thoughtful, comfortable design for your old pup. It is also lightweight and can hold a 75-pound dog. There is enough space for your canine to sit up, admire the surroundings, and lie down when tired. The floor is removable, so you don’t need to worry about cleaning. Each side also has a mesh, so there will be a free flow of air, which will keep your dog cool.
K9 Sport Sack Air 2-if your dog cannot go biking but still wants to enjoy the activity with him/her, you can carry your canine in this sack air. Instead of your puppy being on the trails, you can pedal with them on your back. This Sack Air 2 comes in different sizes and is large enough to accommodate a 30-pound heavy dog. It is suitable even for wiggly pups and will ensure comfort during the ride.
Take Away
Remember to keep your paw friend safe as you plan outdoor fun with your dog. Always take breaks to ensure you don’t overdo activities. Remember to have a GPS locator or a microchip to find your dog easily if it gets lost. You can use any of these hammocks to transport your pooch to and fro. Have fun!
