It’s shorts season! So outdoor adventures usually take up the number one spot on everyone’s ‘summer fun list.’ But outdoor adventures wouldn’t be the same without sharing the memories with your best furry friend! So here’s a list of 5 paw-some activities you and your canine companion can indulge in together this summer.

1. Backyard Agility Course

A great way to help get some extra energy out for your furry friends is to build your very own obstacle course in the backyard. You can find some things around the house to do a DIY style course or grab some PVC pipe and wood. If DIY isn’t your style, there are kits online to help build your own course as well. Remember to keep heights low and to let your pup go at their own pace. This would be a great time to throw in some tricks as well - it could be a summer of learning and fun!

2. Check Out a Drive-In Movie

While it’s frowned upon to walk into a movie theater with your pup, hopping in the car and attending an outside movie theater could be a great way to spend a summer night with your four-legged friend. Grab some treats and dog-friendly food, toss some blankets or a dog bed in the back seat and put on your pajamas to head to a drive-in theater near you. This way everyone gets out of the house and your pup can join for a snuggle fest in the back (or front) seat! You can check out Penn Cinema Drive-In in Lititz or Haars Drive-In in Dillsburg. 

3. Attend a Local Baseball Game

Take Fido out to the old ball game this summer! The Barnstormers have Wet Nose Wednesday for all home games on Wednesdays that allow you to bring your dog to watch one of America’s favorite pastimes. You and your pup can lounge in the lawn section or walk around and meet other doggos that came for the company and food. Check with your local baseball stadium on dates and rules when it comes to bringing your furry friend to the ballpark and remember to always have your dog leashed and to clean up after them.

4. Have Some Geocaching Fun

A dog’s nose knows best sometimes, which will make geocaching a fun way to help your pup use their sniffer while having an adventure outdoors. Geocaching is finding a ‘cache,’ which is a mixture of items typically secured in some type of container. Inside you can find a notebook, to record your movement and any fun notes about your adventure as well as items from previous people. All you have to do is download a geocaching app on your phone and it will tell you how many geocaches are around you as well as directions on how to find them. This is a great off-the-beaten-path adventure that you and your pup can share together!

5. Do Some Star Gazing Together

As simple as this sounds, dogs love when we can get on their level and lay down with them; so why not turn that lying down into something fun and educational together. Whether it’s your backyard, front yard or a special spot that you have to drive to, grab your pooch and look at the stars together. You’ll enjoy relaxing, they’ll enjoy some snuggles and belly rubs and you can both try to find the Dog Star, Sirius!

Activities don’t have to be extravagant when it comes to your four-legged friend. They just enjoy spending time with you and getting that extra attention, but it never hurts to have some fun and different activities on standby when it seems like the regular ones aren’t quite cutting it. Remember when it comes to that summertime heat to always have plenty of water and shade for your pup! Try to get your dog active in the morning or the evening to avoid the heat of the day and always remember that if the pavement is too hot for your feet, it’s way too hot for your dog.

If you’re looking to switch some things up this summer, why not try a local dog walker to help! Going Mutts Pet Services offers daily dog walks, dog park trips and check-in services for potty breaks or playtime. We would love to help give your furry friend an extra chance to blow off some energy while you work! Contact us today to help customize your pet care needs for the summer.