Prepping and Planning for Summer Pet Activities

The weather is getting warm and there is no better time to get outdoors and explore new things with your dog. Whether you are the adventurous type or just want to enjoy a casual outing to get some fresh air, there are plenty of fun activities that both you and your pup can enjoy. Before you take in the scenery together, you should gather the summer essentials necessary to keep your pooch safe in the great outdoors.

Essentials for Summer Outdoor Activities with Your Dog:

• Travel bag: The perfect place to carry all of your dog’s necessities; from water to treats, a good travel bag can hold everything.  
• Collapsible bowl and water: Dogs need to be kept well hydrated in the summer weather. Whether the activity is extremely strenuous or not, be sure to have plenty of fresh water on hand.
• Toys made to maximize summer fun: From toys that float to puzzle solving toys, you can keep your dog occupied in the warm weather with toys made to withstand the elements outdoors. 
• Proper leash and collar: Whether your dog rocks a harness or wears a delicate leash and collar, make sure these tools are in good condition before heading outside with your dog. For tips on purchasing these items, read our recent blog post on harnesses, head collars, and more, here.

Once you are packed and prepared, you're ready to hit the trails, pavement or even sand with your pooch. Looking for someplace different but still dog-friendly? Try any of the following options:

Hiking: If you are looking for a workout for both you and your pooch, hiking is a great option. Not only will you be exercising your dog, but you can enjoy the benefits of a good hike as well. If you want to go hiking but can’t find a good place where you can bring dogs, check out the BringFido.com list of dog-friendly hiking trails in New Jersey.

Dog Beaches: If you have a dog that loves the water, you are in luck; a variety of beaches along the New Jersey shore line are dog friendly. Make sure that you check the beach hours beforehand because beaches that do allow dogs tend to have limited hours. You can go to BringFido.com for a list of dog-friendly beaches.

Flea Market: If you want to get outside with your dog but don’t want to do anything too strenuous, flea markets can be a great place to bring your four-legged friend. The flea market is a great place for a walk that also introduces your dog to new social situations.

With the proper essentials, you can take on a new adventure with your pooch this summer. Stop by our lobby for even more advice on summer preparedness.  

Outdoor Dog Games

With beautiful weather finally arriving, it’s a great time to get out and be active with your dog. There are many different ways to play with your pooch. A fun game will not only help improve the bond between you and your dog, but it will also help stimulate your dog mentally and physically.

Playing with your dog doesn't have to be complex, and it is a great way for them (and even you!) to get some exercise. Every dog has a different activity that they love, so try out a few to see which one your dog prefers. Here are some of the most common ways to bond, exercise and play with your furry companion:

• Tag, You’re It!: Tag is a great game to play with your pooch that also reinforces good recall. The point of the game is simple; while your dog is distracted, give them a slight tap and run in the opposite direction. This will encourage your dog to run towards you, and reinforce their recall. You can also add in your dog’s name with the tap, which will only further reinforce this good behavior.

•  Puzzle Games: Puzzle toys provide a way to stimulate your dog’s mind. They force your dog to think as well as use their nose to solve problems. Puzzle toys can be indoor or outdoor games. They provide a great way to keep your dog occupied while you relax. Remember that it’s important to supervise your pooch while they are playing with puzzle toys; dogs who solve them quickly can turn the toy into a chew toy. For tips on creating your own puzzle toys, check out last week’s blog post on DIY dog toys, here.

•  Fetch: Fetch is a high-energy game that not only exercises your dog, it can train your pooch to learn the foundation for crucial skills like “drop it.” If your dog is known for taking the toy and running away with it after you throw it, play fetch with two toys. Once you throw the second toy, your dog is apt to chase that toy and drop the first one. Most dogs will learn to anticipate the second throw and begin to come to you and drop the toy regularly.
  

There are so many different games that you can play with your dog. These examples provide a good place to start. Try them out and see which one your dog loves, or make up your own fun game!

Keeping You Both Busy - De-Stressing Tip Four: How to Entertain Your Dog with Homemade Toys

Making your own dog toys can be an inexpensive and easy way to keep your dog entertained. Whether or not you consider yourself a crafty person, these toys are simple to make and can give your dog hours of enjoyment. For details on how to play with your pooch using everyday items, check out the instructions below.

Box Braid Tug Toy

You will need:

4, 4”x48” Fleece Fabric Strips (You can easily customize the toy by using different colored fleece or even strips of an old T-shirt!)
Scissors

Ruler

1. Use the ruler and scissors to cut your strips of fabric into 4”x48” pieces.

2. Tie the four pieces together in a knot at one end.

3. Lay the fabric down on the table, so the fabric falls in four different directions and looks like a lowercase letter t.

4. Fold the first vertical strand to the opposite side, creating a loop. Fold the opposing vertical strand to the opposite side, creating another loop.

5. With the other hand, weave a horizontal strand over the closest loop and under the next loop. Do the exact opposite with the last horizontal strand.

6. Pull the four strands tightly. (Pulling the top left hand side strand and the bottom right hand stand extremely tight simultaneously, and vice versa, will help you keep your box uniform.)

Continue steps 4 through 6 until you only have about a foot of fleece left, then knot the end of the toy. Now your tug toy is ready for use!

If you are not particularly crafty, there is another quick toy that you can make for your dog with everyday items that you probably have lying around your house. These toys are super easy and inexpensive to make and are a great way to occupy your puppy’s time.

Bottle Kibble Toy

You will need:

Old Bottle
Scissors or Exacto Knife

Small Kibble

1. Remove the cap of the bottle and throw it away.

2. Cut small holes in the bottle at different areas. (You can vary the size of the holes and the amount of holes in order to change the level of difficulty for your pooch. Smaller and more infrequent holes will make it harder for your dog to remove the kibble.)

3. Add treats to the toy, and give it to your pooch for them to enjoy.

Make sure that you supervise your dog when you give them their new kibble toy. It’s easy for a destructive chewer to get through a bottle quickly. In order to make the toy last longer, you can use sturdier bottles. Although water bottles will work fine, a thicker plastic will be harder for your pup to chew through.

For a quick, easy and inexpensive way to keep your pooch entertained at home, making homemade toys is a stress-free way to go. Looking for more ideas? Take a look around your house; the closet, the garage sale box, even the recycling bin! You’d be surprised how many potential homemade toys are already at your fingertips.