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Top 7 Summer Activities You Can Do With Your Dog

August 10, 2018 by Mary Telesz

woman playing outside with her dog which is one of the best summer activities you can do with your dogWhen summertime rolls around you definitely want to be outside experiencing the warm weather and doing fun activities. But don’t just limit only yourself to the summer fun, activities that you can do with your dog are even better! Coming up with ideas for how to spend some quality time with your pet can be difficult. You may not be able to think of activities other than taking them on a long walk or cuddling up with them on the couch, but there are actually tons of things you both can do together. Whether you want to stay close to home or travel far away, there are many ways that you and your dog can enjoy the summer. Here are seven of the best summer activities you can do with your dog:

1. Water Adventures

If you’re looking for a fun activity to do with your dog this summer, consider taking them on a water adventure! This could be letting them swim in a local pond, taking them to a lake, or taking them with you to the beach. If your dog loves the water there’s more you can do with them than just allowing them to swim.

For example, you can take them paddleboarding with you. Paddleboards are large enough that most dogs will be able to comfortably sit on it with you paddle along in the water. This gives you the chance to enjoy the beauty and tranquility of nature on the water with your dog. Similarly, you also might consider taking them whitewater rafting, kayaking, fishing, canoeing, sailing, and/or surfing. With any water activity you take your dog on, it’s important to remember that dogs aren’t natural swimmers, so it might be a good idea to consider getting them a protective flotation device.

2. Go on a Trip

Dogs are a great companion to take with you on a trip. You and your dog could go on a trip somewhere new and discover all the new adventures and marvels a new place has to offer. If your dog likes going for long walks, maybe consider going somewhere a little excluded that has plenty of nature trails for you both to explore.

You might enjoy taking a trip to mountains or woods. Not only is this a great way for you to disconnect from your busy everyday life, but it’s also great to provide your dog with some beautiful, new scenery. Especially if your dog is curious and likes to adventure, they will love being taken to a whole new location for them to discover.

dog in the back of a car going on a trip to the pet store in the summer to meet other dogsGoing on a trip doesn’t mean you have to go far away either. Your dog will love going to new places! You could take them with you to a local farmers market, to a pet store, or maybe even take them with you to a restaurant with patio seating that is dog friendly. The options are truly endless and your dog will surely love whatever new place you take them to.

3. Volunteer Together

An activity that is not only great for you and your dog, but also helps others, is to volunteer and a local hospital or nursing home. You and your dog can go together to visit patients and spend time getting to know them. Dogs are very soothing animals and often times bring peace to people who are stressed or anxious. Not only will your dog enjoy playing with new people, but your dog will bring joy to people who may need it. This is a great way to spend some free time this summer, giving back to your community is always a good idea and it’s even better when you get to do it with your dog!

4. Let Your Dog Lead the Way

Another new activity: try letting your dog your dog be in control! Take them for a walk and allow them to lead you. This could allow you both to discover new places that are close to home. Giving up control and following your dog can be very soothing for you, and your dog is certainly going to enjoy leading the way for once. This may sound like a simple activity, but the places you wind up may surprise you. It’s always fun to change up a normal walk.

5. Pick up the Pace

Just like allowing your dog to lead the way, there are many simple activities you can do with your dog close to home. Consider riding your bike or wearing roller blades while you walk your dog. This will change up a normal walk as you move at a much faster pace, which will keep things interesting and exciting for your dog. The quicker pace is also beneficial to your dogs health as they will be getting more strenuous exercise. You will also be benefitting from the exercise. This could be a way for you to work on getting healthier while also spending quality time with your dog.

6. Go to a Dog Park

several golden retrievers running through a dog park which is potentially the best summer activity you can do with your dogTake your dog to a dog park! Most dogs love being social, and the perfect place for them to be social is at a dog park. You dog will be able to interact with other dogs in a safe and fun environment. Depending on the park, you may also be allowed to let your dog off their leash so they can run around to their heart’s content. This is also a great place for you to meet other dog owners. Maybe you can strike up a friendship with another dog owner and have your dogs play together.

7. Have Fun at Home

You don’t have to go out to have a great time with your dog. You could transform your backyard into your dog’s dream space. Maybe you could set up an obstacle course for them to run through or set up a small pool for them to play in. You could also use the space to teach them new tricks or teach them how to play fetch. It doesn’t matter which you choose, your dog will love spending quality time with you this summer!

Filed Under: Family Dog

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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Centreville – 20120, 20121
Chantilly – 20151
Clifton – 20124
Fairfax – 22030, 22033
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Reston – 20191, 20190

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4.9
Paw Pals Pet Sitting
Paw Pals Pet Sitting
4.9
Taylor Smith
Taylor Smith
21:22 03 Oct 21
I never worry when Mary and team take care of my dog!
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.
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.
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!
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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