6 Spring Activities to Do with Your Dog

Hello spring, we've missed you! We've all had a little bit of cabin fever this winter, our dogs included, and since the temperatures are finally warming up, it's time to grab our dog's collars and leashes, take off our thick sweaters and get outside to enjoy the fresh air! If you're looking for some fresh ideas for what to do with your dog this spring, check out the 6 ideas below that you and your pup will enjoy!

1. Go Camping with Your Dog

Springtime is one of the best times to go camping with your dog! It's finally not too cold, not too hot, and the days are longer which leaves more room for fun outdoor activities! Many dogs love going camping since they get to be around their two favorite things: their pawrents and the great outdoors and all of its' smells. 

If you're new to camping with your dog, make sure to do your research first to find out the following:

1. What campgrounds are dog-friendly near me?
2. What do I need to bring for my dog when camping?
3. What are the pet rules at my campsite?

2. Enjoy a Picnic Together

Since the weather is so beautiful outside, what better way to enjoy it than to have a picnic with your pup! Grab a picnic basket, tote bag or small cooler and pack you and your dog a tasty snack that you can enjoy together on a comfy blanket. 

The best part about this idea is that you can either choose to go to a dog-friendly park, or you can do this right in your own backyard! Your dog will be thrilled to be spending time outdoors, eating snacks with you no matter what.

**Always make sure to pack dog-safe food and snacks and keep your dog away from food they cannot have at all times.**

3. Learn a New Dog Sport

Spring is the perfect time to try a new dog sport! Many dog sports like dog agility, dog dock diving, fast cat and more, have tons of local training classes and competitions that you can go to! Learning a new dog sport can not only be a great form of physical exercise for your dog but also provide tons of mental enrichment and exercise from learning something new!

Find out what trainers and locations are near you and sign up for your first class to see what you and your dog think! You may have just found your new favorite activity to do together!

4. Go on a Hike with Your Dog

In addition to enjoying the great outdoors on a camping trip, Spring is also a wonderful time to go hiking with your dog! Before you go, there are some very important things to keep in mind:

1. Know your dog's capabilities.
   • Is your dog younger or older? Older dogs don't have the same mobility and strength as young dogs and might not be able to do longer hiking distances. 
2. Pack your supplies.
   • Being prepared on the trail is extremely important. Always make sure to pack plenty of water, a dog first aid kit and any other gear that will be necessary for the trail you are taking.
3. Research your trail.
   • Knowing the trail you are going on ahead of time can help you plan ahead for the first two points shared. This can help you understand the terrain to know if you need proper boots & gear for your dog and the length can determine if it's too long for your older dog, or if it's a nice short trail that they'll enjoy!

5. Bike With Your Dog

Did you know that you can bike with your dog? Many companies make special gear that attaches to your bike that allows you to bike with your dog safely. Some important things to note before biking with your dog are:

1. Stay away from busy roads
2. Always keep your pet on the inside of the sidewalk away from the street
3. Ensure your dog is at least one year old before doing any long-form activities like this
4. Verify that this activity is safe for your dog (some activities aren't always safe for "flat face" breeds like pugs or bulldogs)

6. Plan an Easter Egg Hunt for Your Dog

Another fun activity you can do with your dog this spring is to plan an Easter egg hunt! Amazon has giant Easter eggs that you can fill with anything your dog loves like squirrel toys, treats, and more.

Grab a set of Easter eggs, fill them with your dog's favorites and spread them out all over your yard! You will love watching your dog solve each Easter egg as a puzzle while having an absolute blast. 

Which activity will you be doing with your dog this spring? We definitely want to do all of the above! Share your fun spring activities with us on Instagram by tagging us at @carlsonpetproducts. We can't wait to see all of the fun you and your pup have this season!