As pet parents we are gleefully aware that the best things in life truly are free; the joyful wagging from head to toe when we return home-even if it was just a trip to the mailbox…All of the fabulous companionship ,the cuddles, the kisses. I could go on and on… But, today I want to share some fun and some FREE activities for you and your pooch. The ideas may be simple but, they are sure to strengthen your bond & put a smile on your faces! I hope you enjoy reading my Tope free things to do with your dog. Please let me know which you enjoy doing most with yoiur pooch.
play in the water with your pup
Everyone knows that most dogs love water. Whether you have an Irish Water Spaniel or, like me a Heinz 57 you can find a way to enjoy the water together. Feel free to be as adventurous or as cautious as need be to suit your pooch’s activity and comfort level. Find a park that has a lake or creek where your precious pet can wade or swim. Fetching sticks thrown by you can give you both some much needed fun & exercise. My dog, Evie is an explorer who is happiest when she’s only in up to her ankles. You could also enjoy your puppy water play at home by repurposing an old kiddie pool or any large pan. You can have a great time playing in the water with any pet safe toy or ball you have around.
Join them on the floor
Yes, simply sit on the ground with your beloved baby & see them light up with delight. As long as you are able to safely get up and down from the floor this is an excellent way to bond with your pup. Plus, Sitting on the ground also improves posture and increases overall strength, flexibility, and mobility. Studies connect the ability to ‘sit and rise from the floor without support’ to a longer life expectancy. Sitting on the floor also improves your musculoskeletal fitness. You can make it more cozy by adding a mat and some pillows to lean on. While you are down on your pets level talk softly & pet them gently. You could bring a book to read aloud to them- Your voice is soothing music to their ears!
Take your 4 legged friend to visit the Grandparents
If you are fortunate enough to have a lovely senior in your life who is a fan of your furbaby it makes perfect sense to schedule some regular visits. Both your pup and your senior friend stand to benefit. Plus, According to the CDC “There are many health benefits of owning (Or regular interactions with) a pet. They can increase opportunities to exercise, get outside, and socialize. Regular walking or playing with pets can decrease blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and triglyceride levels. Pets can help manage loneliness and depression by giving us companionship.” If your pooch is calm & friendly enough you may even consider training as a licensed therapy dog. Your best friend could brighten many lives & have a super fun time socializing & being spoiled by many dog lovers! I
Bring your baby to the beach
For many dogs there is nothing as exciting as a trip to the beach. A dog with sand in their paws is a happy dog! The smells and the sights are enough to bring out the waggily puppy in almost any dog. When I visit a new dog friendly beach I like to use a long retractable leash so she can explore safely. When you take your fuzzy pal to the beach don’t forget to bring extra towels, a leash, a toy to fetch, your doggie bags & plenty of drinking water for everyone. Bring Fido https://www.bringfido.com/attraction/ has a fabulous list of beaches all over the country to help you plan your next pet friendly vacay!
Dine alfresco
Whether you hit up a local pet friendly hot spot or choose to stay home dining outdoors is sure to please your favorite 4 legged friend. You could even pack up a picnic and hit a local park or hiking trail. It is up to you how fancy & extravagant or how low key your dining experience is. You may choose to have your pooch stay put on the ground or, set an elegant dog friendly place setting up at the table with you. The key is to keep it fun and affordable.
visit a dog park
Dog parks offer the perfect free outing for you and your pet. Your local dog park will give both of you the chance to socialize with new and old friends. Be sure to learn the rules of your park plus, be sure to have your pup up to date on all shots. Some dog parks have fun little perks such as agility equipment, baby pools & pet waste stations. But, it is always best to bring your own water & bags just in case.
go for a hike
Hiking with your canine plus one…or two…or three..is a great way to get some exercise & take in some cool vistas. There are so many pet friendly trails for you to explore. Most dog friendly trails request that you keep your canine companion on a leash at all times. All Trails has an excellent list of some of the best trails to hike with your pooch. As always, don’t forget your pick up bags, water, snacks & a towel.
If you really enjoy spending time in the great outdoors you may want to consider a career in dog walking. Many busy professionals would be thrilled to hire a bona fide dog walker to exercise their pooch while they are at work. You can use an online app. There are many to choose from. Two of the most popular are Rover & Wags
You may also be interested in my article BEST HOME BASED BUSINESSES TO START WITH NO MONEY which talks about how to start a pet sitting & a pet waste removal business.
be in a dog friendly parade
The best type of parade to bring your doggo to is one that features dogs as the star of the show. Mutt struts are becoming more and more popular. Many times they are fundraisers for local animal shelters & pet related causes. Some are even breed specific such as The DOO DAH parade in Ocean City, NJ that features over 300 Bassett Hounds. This comedy parade welcomes the spring season. Also, in O.C. is the Howl-O-Ween parade where dogs and their people dress up & compete for prizes. It hosts pet related vendors & benefits The Humane Society. Depending on the time of the year a quick search on google can usually help you locate some local pet parades & related events such as fun runs & strolls you can do with your doggie.
throw a puppy party!
Oh what fun! Gather some of you & your dog’s besties & have a party! This can be as frugal or extravagant as your heart desires. To keep costs down you can host a potluck party and ask guests to bring their favorite food to share. Also, being budget minded & environmentally friendly encourage guests to bring a previously owned white elephant gift (White Elephant is a party game where amusing and impractical gifts are exchanged during festivities). Any dog friendly or themed items should be fun!
allow your pet a forbidden endulgence
Yes! Allow your sweet pooch to sit on the couch, sleep on the bed or do something normally off limits. Small simple privileges can be such a treat for our best friends. Be forewarned however that this small treat could become a habit…
teach your pet a new trick
Working with your pet to learn a new trick increases your bonding and communications. Your buddy is eager to please you + earn teeny training treats as a reward. Don’t fall for the “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks” line. I adopted my beloved “daughter” Evie when she was 5. She is now 10 & eager to learn new things as she yums down any & all goodies that come her way. Start slow & simple to ensure success & a love of learning.
take your poochie on your next vacation
This past summer we took a trip to beautiful Lurray Va. We were able to easily find an airbnb that allowed dogs. We were able to save money on pet sitting while bringing everyone’s favorite family member along for the trip. She enjoyed the hikes, the scenic car rides and all of the fabulous overlooks of the valleys below. She also enjoyed a stop at Cooter’s Place which features Dukes of Hazzard Museum and Replica Cooter’s Garage with General Lee, Cooter’s Tow Truck, Boss Hogg Caddy, “Cooter’s Garage Band” and appearances from the man himself, Ol’ Cooter and much, much more!
“Cooter” does a free Concert every Saturday at Cooter’s Place in Luray from 1pm-3pm. Every Sunday at Cooter’s Place in Luray they have free Bluegrass concert from 2pm-4pm. The museum was free, pet friendly plus, the ice cream was superb! However, Call/check the website before you go to verify events. That is just one trip idea. There are so many dog friendly places to visit! Where will you go?
brush and groom your beautiful baby
Last but in no way least, spend time washing ,brushing & grooming your doggo. Some dogs really enjoy the spa treatment but, if yours does not start slowly with light brushing which most dogs enjoy. You can really strengthen your bond with your pet by grooming them. When they were newborns their birth mothers groomed and cleaned them. So, as long as you are gentle and start small your dog should feel even more loved by you after a good grooming session. A perk is that you will save money by not needing to pay someone to groom your beautiful baby.
summary
Dogs really are man’s best friend! THANK YOU for reading my article and visiting A Penny Star! I appreciate you & the love you share with your dog. I hope you enjoyed and are inspired by some of these ideas.
Let me know which ones you try and feel free to share your favorite furbaby activities!
