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10 Fun Summer Activities To Do With Your Dog

June 6, 2022 by Mary Telesz

With the arrival of summer, you may be considering what things you can do with your dog. There are so many fun things to do with your furry family member, all you have to do is get creative! That’s why we have compiled a list of ten enjoyable summer activities for you and your dog.

1. Take Your Dog To The Beach

A young man playing with his dog at beachside at sunset

Taking your dog to the beach is as much fun for them as it is for you. Play fetch with them, swim together in the water or take a stroll down the shoreline while they scamper through the sand. Just make sure they don’t come into contact with any jellyfish!

2. Visit New Places With Your Dog

Is there a town or park within easy driving distance that you’ve never before visited or brought your dog? Look for places with walkable neighborhoods, dog parks or hiking trails. Wander them together with your dog. It’s a great way to spend time with your pet and get exercise for both of you at the same time. This can also be an opportunity to visit local pet stores, different dog parks or puppy cafes that cater to canines.

3. Teach Them New Techniques

Teach your dog a few new commands. This strengthens your bond while improving their behavior and obedience. Here are a few simple dog commands to get you started:

  • Shake hands
  • Sit
  • Sit or stay in place, until you give the signal to release them
  • Speak (bark) on command

4. Play Fetch In Your Backyard

Playing fetch is a classic for a reason. You can play it with your dog almost anywhere that has open space. Toss a ball or stick for them to catch and return. It makes them happy, brings a smile to your face and gets both of you exercising outdoors.

5. Make Dog Treats For The Summer

Colorful fruits and vegetables are some of the best things summer has to offer. Be mindful of what you feed your dog, however, as some fruits and vegetables (grapes, avocados, etc) may be toxic to dogs. You can mix in fresh fruits or veggies with their normal dog food. If you have the time and resources, make homemade doggy ice cream for dessert. Slurping ice cream can keep your dog’s mind occupied for a while.

6. Purchase A New Toy For Them

A happy dog playing with his plastic bone in his mouth and a toy cart behind in a garden

Every dog loves to play with a shiny new toy. They can chew on them, toss them in the air and cuddle with them while they nap. This alleviates boredom and can even curb disruptive behavior by keeping your dog happy and occupied. Frisbees and balls make the best toys because they are lightweight.

7. Go For A Hike

Take your dog on a laid-back nature hike. It’s ideal for dog owners who live in an apartment or don’t have much room around their home or neighborhood. Hiking trails feature a variety of terrains. Younger dogs will love the challenge of rugged trails with plenty of hills. Of course, there are plenty of trails that you and your dog can enjoy without breaking a sweat. Look for flat, easy trails that are short and form a continuous loop.

8. Have A Camp Out

If you have a backyard or a nearby campsite that permits dogs, pitch a tent! If you don’t have a camping tent, make one from old sheets or towels. Your dog will appreciate the opportunity to stay close to home while still being outdoors. If it gets too sunny or hot, they can find refuge in the tent’s shade.

9. Host A Barbecue

Do you own a barbecue grill? Plan a party and invite your dog. Keep an eye on them so they don’t try to snatch a hotdog from the grill! If your dog enjoys lots of attention, petting and socializing, your party guests will give them plenty. It’s a win-win for everyone involved.

10. Play In The Sprinklers

Dogs are like magnets to sprinklers.A dog enjoying bath from garden water sprinklers in a sunny day Turn on your lawn sprinklers and set them loose. If you have a pool (even a kiddie pool), all the better. Most dogs appreciate any opportunity to cool off in the water. By the time they go back inside, they’ll be refreshed and ready for a nap.

We hope these 10 summer activities for dogs inspire you to take advantage of the season’s sunshine and beautiful weather – and spend some quality time with your dog. There are so many ways to enjoy time with your pet, and the summer months are the perfect time for the two of you to bond, exercise and stay active outdoors!

If your summer is busy and you are in need of pet-sitting or dog-walking services, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our friendly, dependable staff at Paw Pals Pet Sitting. We can’t wait to assist you and your beloved dog!

Filed Under: Dog Walking

Contact Paw Pals for More Information

Paw Pals specializes in professional dog walking, dog sitting, and pet sitting services. One of our reliable, adult staff members will keep your pet safe, while providing your pet the love and care they need when you are away. Contact us to learn more!

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Paw Pals Pet Sitting, LLC
14001-C Saint Germain Drive #213
Centreville, VA 20121
(703) 345-1695

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Office Hours

Monday
9am - 5pm
Tuesday
9am - 5pm
Wednesday
9am - 5pm
Thursday
9am - 5pm
Friday
9am - 5pm
Saturday
Closed
Sunday
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Areas Served

Centreville – 20120, 20121
Chantilly – 20151
Clifton – 20124
Fairfax – 22030, 22033
Fairfax Station – 22039
Manassas – 20109, 20110, 20111
Reston – 20191, 20190

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4.9
Paw Pals Pet Sitting
Paw Pals Pet Sitting
4.9
Julie Shildt
Julie Shildt
17:45 14 Nov 21
It has been a pleasure doing business with paw pals. We have used this company for several trips we have taken over the past 6 months. They have been wonderful caretakers for our 2 cats. Anytime there is ever a question they don't hesitate to give us a call and they leave the best notes and pictures in the emailed report of each visit. We are so glad have found such a great company.
laceyrt
laceyrt
18:03 08 Mar 23
The folks at Paw Pals pet sitting are fantastic to work with. This review includes a bit of a long story but goes to show how dedicated they are to their job and the care they have for the animals they watch over. I reached out to Paw Pals, even though I live outside their service area, in a bit of a panic because our scheduled dog sitter for our family vacation suddenly wasn't available. The local sitters we've used in the past seemed like they wouldn't be able to accommodate us on such late notice and so we were scouring the internet for other options.When I submitted a request to Paw Pals, I expected to get a polite no thank you - you're out of our service area. Instead I got a call from Jen, who was so kind, helpful and accommodating and essentially bent over backwards to help set up a sitter for us. We met the sitter at her home and it was more of the same. So friendly and welcoming to our dog and fully prepared to watch her for two weeks.We ultimately didn't end up booking with Paw Pals, only because our local sitter had an opening that allowed someone to stay in home with our dog (who is a very anxious senior shepherd-collie mix). But just based on the limited experience I had with them, I would highly recommend Paw Pals. These folks are fantastic and I only wish we lived closer so we could utilize their other services on a regular basis. Five stars all the way!
Michæl Silva
Michæl Silva
21:38 01 Jul 22
Mary at Paw Pals Pet Sitting is the greatest! She has helped me train my pooch Chico how play nice with other dogs and for that I am extremely grateful! A+A+A+A+A+A
Kwi Kim
Kwi Kim
22:37 17 Jun 22
I hired Paw Pals based on my sister’s referral. Meet & greet was very thorough and detailed. I was surprised that my finicky cat came to check the sitter out. Subsequently, a sitter watched my cat over several separate visits, and it was clear through the visit reports that my cat loved the sitter. All the visits were completed having followed my directions & with professionalism.I would highly recommend Paw Pals to anyone who’s looking for a dependable, personable, & professional sitter.
Joseph Walter
Joseph Walter
19:55 13 Jun 22
Paw Pals provided a large number of photos of our pets along with a personalized message on how our pets were doing with every single visit. I would highly recommend using Paw Pals, we'll be continuing to use them whenever we go on vacation.
Ashley Manning
Ashley Manning
09:50 11 Jun 22
Highly recommend as pet sitters!Initially, a sitter from the company will visit the house to meet the pets and learn where everything is. Tatiana took careful notes and we got her some spare keys.While we are away, Paw Pals sends sitters to come and look after our boys. They feed them, scoop litter, bring in mail and packages, and they will even manage trash, recycling, blinds and lights so that everything is comfortable for our kitties. Each time they check in, we receive an email message with updates and pictures, which is so comforting when we are on the road.Also, if you don’t let Paw Pals know when you are home, they assume something has happened and will continue to care for your babies. If something were to happen, I know they would be okay.Five stars for Paw Pals!
Brian Wood
Brian Wood
04:08 22 May 22
We have used Paw Pals for a number of years now and would highly recommend to anyone looking for help with their pets. Great communication from owner Mary and flexibility to make adjustments in schedule as life changes over time. Have had a consistent set of walkers who have gotten to know our pup and the various walking routes around our neighborhood quite well.
Lesley Bush
Lesley Bush
13:58 18 Mar 22
We can't rave enough about Paw Pals. They took care of our 18 year old Cat and 20 year old Chinchilla while we were away and when our flight got cancelled, they were so accommodating and available last minute for an extra day. We worked with Jen to coordinate visits from Miko and Danny. I loved the pictures and updates on how our Lil geriatric guys were doing. Thanks a million, Paw Pals!! Our special pets were so well cared for.
Sebastian Barnes
Sebastian Barnes
01:06 17 Jan 22
I have used Paw Pals for several trips over the last few months, and they have been phenomenal every time! Mary is extremely kind and responsive, and she makes sure that my cat and dog have the care that they need every time I am out of town. All of the pet sitters that I've had have been incredibly sweet to my pets, and they treat them like their own! Will gladly continue using Paw Pals every time I need a sitter.
Andrea Hall
Andrea Hall
22:45 03 Oct 20
I wasn't sure about hiring a new doggie walker service... after all they are our kiddos... my babies were in great hands and I felt relaxed having them in their care. Thank you for everything!
Taylor Smith
Taylor Smith
21:22 03 Oct 21
I never worry when Mary and team take care of my dog!
Katie McCune
Katie McCune
19:19 15 Jul 21
I honestly cannot recommend Mary and her whole crew enough! We started using Mary originally about 7 years ago to stop by occasionally when our Aussie Lana was younger. Over the next couple years Lana stayed with Mary and her family for a couple weekends when we went on vacation. When we moved to our new house in Manassas, Lana stayed with Sam, who lives in Manassas, overnight for moving day, and did great. Right before the pandemic, we adopted our second Aussie, Goose, and Mary recommended a fantastic trainer for him.We now have weekly walks for the dogs, and they love all of their walkers! Trevor, Paul, Hazel, Sofie, and probably a couple others have helped Goose get used to more people, and have helped my husband and me when our schedules are crazy.Paw Pals is our go-to for any help with our dogs, so I highly recommend them!
Alexandra Hill
Alexandra Hill
22:43 23 May 21
I was a nervous mommy to leave my cats with a sitter service for the first time. Paw Pals went above and beyond to care for my cats and ease a nervous mommy. I already made a reservation to use them again!
Cindy Welgoss
Cindy Welgoss
13:12 27 Nov 20
We have been using Paw Pals for several years, and through a variety of pets that we have loved. Mary and her team have always been *exceptional* in every way. They are professional, courteous, and truly love our fur family! Mary herself is an organized and stellar administrator of her pet care business, keeping detailed records of our pet’s needs, scheduled pet visits, payments, and balance due easy to keep track of as the pet owner. The pet caretaking team is reliable and trustworthy. When our dogs see any of their Paw Pal friends, they get SO excited to see them! Follow up comments are left via text to keep the pet owner informed of the visit and how the pets are faring. Paw Pals has allowed our family the peace of mind to leave our pets at home, for work, weekend getaways and longer times away when necessary, where they are the most comfortable and familiar. We are grateful to Mary and her team for giving us the ability to enjoy pet ownership without feeling tied down. The responsibility of having pets comes with the need to keep them safe and comfortable at all times, and Mary and her team affords us this when our family has to be away.
Dr Tammy Cashion
Dr Tammy Cashion
21:11 12 Mar 19
We have used Paw pals pet sitting on multiple occasions for our bunnies while we are away. Many pet sitters are not interested in small pets however; Mary and her team, are amazing and we trust her implicitly! We are very happy with the outstanding service we have received from her team including texts and photos of our pets when we are out of town. They always go the extra mile and we highly recommend them!
Kristin Conrad
Kristin Conrad
16:00 16 Nov 19
We are so grateful we found Mary and her team at Paw Pals. They are exceptionally responsive, amazingly organized and detail-oriented.We have such peace of mind when we travel knowing our home and pets are so well cared for. Paw Pals is the best pet sitting service we’ve used, and we’re so happy we found them.
Katie Russell
Katie Russell
15:01 17 May 20
Paw Pals is fantastic! I have had a great experience with Mary! Compassionate, professional, responsive, and prompt! Thank you!
Phillip Evans
Phillip Evans
14:38 11 Jul 20
When we adopted our new dog in January, Paw Pals agreed to walk her and give her some outside time so she wasn't in the crate all day. She loved her dog walker and you could see her excitement every time the walker showed up. We moved out of the area but would recommend Paw Pals to anyone needing someone to care for their pets.
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