Spending time with your dog outside taking in the fresh air, sights and scents, and more open spaces is one of the surest ways to keep both of you happy and healthy.
The beautiful bonus: you're building a stronger bond of trust and communication with your dog while you live the good life together.
Earth Day is a great reminder that engaging all our dog's senses as well as our own in the world around us doing outdoor activities is a simple, accessible way to reenergize and bring real joy to every day together.
10 outdoor activities with your dog for physical and mental stimulation
Whether you're at home in your backyard or off to a national park, spending time outside is great for your dog’s physical health and mental stimulation. Both mental and physical exercise are major stress-reducers for your pup (and you!).
When you're enjoying the great outdoors together, you're stimulating each other's oxytocin production (often called "the love hormone") along with other "feel-good" hormones, reducing stress naturally. Plus, it’s a chance to soak in some healthful Vitamin D while having fun and bonding!
Here are 10 ways to get out and get active with your dog on Earth Day and every day:
1) Play fetch in your backyard
Playing fetch might sound simple, but it’s a classic activity for a reason.
Fetch is excellent for dogs who love to run around, expending all their built-up energy. Just as important: in your dog's mind, fetching is a job, a problem to be solved, and an achievement to be rewarded by you on the return with another throw and treats. Dogs love the feeling of having control of their success and being validated by their most important person. With your dog, of course, that's you!
Grab your dog’s favorite ball or toy and head to your backyard or another safe, predictably controllable space. (Skip the dog park, for example, where you could have a ball conflict with dogs you don't know.)
Pro tip: Swap the traditional tennis ball for a flying disc or rubber "stick" for a change of pace. Many fetch toys are waterproof and float if you want to take your game of fetch to a beach or pool for your water-loving pup.
2) Set up an agility course
Turn your backyard into a mini-gym for your dog. Setting up an agility course is an interactive way to keep your pup active and teach new skills. Use everyday household items like chairs and broomsticks for jumps, hula hoops for tunnels, and cones for weave poles. When the weather isn't cooperative, you can set up an indoor obstacle course inside your home.
Agility training isn't just a physical workout; it's also a fantastic brain game for your dog. Reward your pup with treats or praise after each obstacle, keeping training fun and productive.
If your dog isn't the agility type, you can set up another kind of fun puzzle game in your backyard. Use your grass as a snuffle mat; hide treats and let your pup sniff away to find the rewards. It's another soul-satisfying game for your dog on multiple levels!
3) Go for a nature walk
Leash up and head outside for a walk, and make it more fun and stimulating by choosing a scenic path or a less-explored trail in your area. Whether it’s a local park or a quiet forest, changing the environment keeps things mentally and physically exciting for your dog.
Be sure to let your dog stop to sniff and explore – it’s your pup's way of making sense of the world.
4) Make your regular walks sniffaris
Some dogs live to play ball, some live to sniff... you know what makes your dog's heart sing. Whatever it is, your dog loves it even more with you. The number one sense for dogs is smell, before hearing or sight. Most dogs love to sniff. That's because all dogs are wired to take in most of their information about their world through their noses. Even on your regular walks around the block, think sniffari and let your dog sniff!
5) Teach new skills and cues out in the world
It’s never too late to teach your dog a new trick -- or life skill or cue. Dogs love to learn, and dogs learn best when it's positive and fun. Take your training sessions outside in a relatively distraction-free area and make learning even more engaging for your pup. It's perfect for teaching leash training or response to cues like "Come!" for recall (a super-long leash works well as insurance when practicing a reliable recall).
Use treats, clickers, or your dog's favorite toys to encourage positive reinforcement and celebrate even the small victories. Regular sessions will not only enhance your dog's skills but also deepen the trust and communication between you.
6) Enjoy dog-friendly state and national parks
Of the 63 national parks around the country, 61 welcome dogs and are dog friendly! That includes parts of parks everywhere, from Acadia National Park to the Grand Canyon and beyond. More than ever, state and national parks designate areas and trails so dog parents and their dogs can walk and hike in these beautiful, natural surroundings. Each state and national park has its own rules and regulations for dogs, so be sure to check ahead to confirm the details of trails and timing available for you and your canine companion.
7) Go swimming or take a stroll at dog-welcoming beaches or lakes
For water-loving dogs, there's nothing better than swimming, fetching, and playing in and around clean, refreshing water. Even if your dog isn't a fan of swimming, walking on a beach or near water still gives your pup a world of mentally stimulating smells different from the everyday scents around home. Another great adventure that's invigorating and relaxing for both you and your dog!
8) Go camping with your dog
What better way to celebrate the world around us together than sleeping under the stars with your dog?! Many campsites across the country are now dog-friendly.
And if cabins are more your style, check out state and national parks -- many have dog-friendly cabins surrounded by wonderful views and trails to explore.
9) Take a road trip together
If your dog loves to go in the car, hit the road together!
Pro tips:
- Plan your route in advance to know where you can easily make stops for your dog's leg-stretching and potty breaks.
- You can also make the journey as enjoyable as the destination by researching parks or scenic walks and working in fun walks along the way.
- You'll also want to book your dog-friendly hotel or rental in advance for your peace of mind and everyone's comfort.
10) Eat outside together at your local cafe or coffee shop
Of course, your best friend wants to go wherever you go, especially if it involves food. Let the warmer weather that usually comes with Earth Day inspire you to take your pup to your favorite dog-friendly cafe or coffee shop and enjoy outside dining together. You can bond over food and fresh air and brush up on your dog's public manners at the same time!
Pro tip: Get the right equipment to make being out and about simpler, safer, and more fun:
- Dual Handle Leash 2.0 - equipped with a second handle close to your dog for safety and control in tight spaces when necessary (like eating out together)
- Sport Dog Harness 2.0 - built for comfort and safety while keeping your dog's neck healthy by preventing strain from any pulling
- Long Leash - available in 15- and 30-foot lengths and perfect for giving your dog more freedom while you maintain control and safety for sniffaris, outdoor training for skills like reliable recall and playing fetch in open spaces
- Car Safety Belt - designed for your #1 priority on the road: keeping your pup safe and secure
- Collapsible Bowl Set - a must-have to keep your dog hydrated on the go (and fed on longer adventures)
Get outside and build a stronger bond with your pup
Spending quality time doing outdoor activities with your dog strengthens the emotional connection you share. Outdoor adventures like playing fetch, exploring nature, solving puzzles, and teaching skills aren’t just for fun; they help keep your dog happy, healthy, and mentally stimulated.
Enjoy these fun activities with your dog!
Our own dogs love nothing more than getting outside for physical exercise and adventures with us, and we wholeheartedly agree. That's why we're here to make it easier for you to get out for some quality time and have more adventures with your dog. And to make it all safer, more comfortable, and more joyful for your pup and you.
We're committed to creating high-quality products that are safe, healthful, and practical for everything you need for your dog, whether that's healthful supplements and chews your dog loves or durable, comfortable equipment for your favorite times together.
