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Summertime means long days, golden light, and endless chances to make lasting memories. And who better to share them with than your dog?
You may want to soak up the sun at the beach, hike through shaded trails, or maybe you’re still looking for creative ways to keep your pup active during these warm months.
Be sure to factor in your dog’s age, personality, and interests as you choose from the many summer activities to share with them.
In this guide, we’re sharing the best summer dog activities that are designed to keep your furry friend happy, healthy, and energized, while also giving you time to bond.
11 Summer Dog Activities
1. Go Swimming with Your Beach Dog
Going out for a swim is one of those quick ideas that come into our minds during a hot afternoon in the summer.
If your furry friend enjoys playing in water, feel free to tag them along for a safe swimming adventure at the beach or swimming pool.
Some dogs have the skills to swim embedded in their DNA, but others may need a little time to adjust before becoming pros.
As you introduce your canine friend to many waters, be sure to take it slow and allow them to adjust at their own pace.
We recommend using a dog life jacket for safety reasons, bearing in mind the probability of accidents happening in water.
A rugged float coat will also support your dog when in water, and this makes the experience better and much safer.
If you’re lucky enough to live along the coastline and can access the beach at any time, feel free to take your furry friend along.
But before you pack everything for the short trip, ensure the beach you’re planning to go to is dog-friendly.
Some will allow leashed beach dogs while others will designate a specific area where our furry friends can run and dig all day.
2. Paddleboarding with Dog
For more adventurous activities, you can try stand-up paddleboarding with your dog during these warm summer months.
There are several activities you can do with a paddleboard, including kayaking with dogs. You can let your dog stand with you, sit down, or swim beside the board.
We strongly recommend keeping the paddleboarding sessions short because your dog’s muscles are working overtime to maintain balance on the unstable surface.
Make sure to pick wider paddleboards if you’re sharing the space with your dog, because they offer better balance.
Just like swimming, you’ll also want to vest your dog with a life jacket. In addition to keeping your dog safe, this accessory also keeps them visible throughout the adventure.
Be patient. Some dogs may hesitate at first, but once they settle, there’s nothing like following the quiet rhythm of the water during a hot day, and your dog as co-pilot.
3. Camping with Dog
Are you looking to unplug and enjoy some quiet time with Fido by your side on a summer weekend?
Camping with dogs is one of those summer traditions that cannot get outdated. You can choose a dog-friendly local camping spot for this adventure or go out with your RV.
Apart from enjoying the open space breeze, camping also allows Fido to discover new scents, noises, and sights while being in a safe, supervised area.
After selecting the camping site, you’ll want to pack a few essentials such as extra water, collapsible bowls, poop bags, and a pet first-aid kit along with you.
Leash or keep your dog in a safe enclosure so that no surprise wildlife encounters or midnight strolls occur.
Camping is a cool idea, but the new territories can be overwhelming for your pup if enough care is not taken.
You can pack familiar bedding and some of your dog’s favorite toys to help them adjust to the new territory for the short time you’ll be there.
Take early morning walks when it is cooler, and relax by the fire with a chew toy and snuggle time.
We have written a comprehensive article about camping with dogs. Be sure to check it out if you’re planning for this activity with your dog.
4. Picnic with Dog
There’s something about spending a sun-kissed afternoon at the park that just feels different, particularly when bringing along your dog.
The picnic site doesn’t need to be far away to make the day memorable. A nearby garden can get the job done.
Just bring along a blanket, a mobile cooler with goodies (for both of you), and some favorite toys for your dog.
Pick a shaded area and spread out the treats. Frozen cubes of seedless watermelon, KONGs full of ice, or jerky bites are favorites with dogs during the hot months.
You may also want to invite some of your dog’s best furry pals to make the day even better for them.
Have a frisbee or tennis ball to let your canine friends burn off energy intermittently between bites.
If there is a dog-specific area or open space at your picnic site, the experience can be so much the better.
Just take note of the heat. Stay out of the sun at lunchtime, keep the bowls full of water, and take breaks under the cover of some shade.
5. Travelling with Dog
Summer is peak travel season, and taking along your dog makes the experience even more special.
From a local forest retreat to a cross-country getaway, traveling with dog is stress-free as long as you put in the preparation required.
First, ensure that your canine friend is comfortable and safe riding in the car. You can use a secured dog seatbelt harness or dog crate for safety purposes.
Prepare a “doggo go-bag” with dog food, water, collapsible bowls, poop bags, and a few comfort items, for example, their favorite toy or blanket.
Feel free to use apps like BringFido to help you find dog-friendly hotels, parks, and restaurants along the road.
Take frequent stops along the way, every other couple of hours, for bathroom time, stretching, and cooling off when needed.
And don’t forget that summer road trips are the ideal time to take random pics and create that happy dog aesthetic look on Instagram or for memory purposes.
6. Dog Enrichment Ideas Outdoors
You don’t need a big trip to create meaningful moments with your dog. Sometimes, the best kind of summer fun is just a few steps from your door.
Try setting up a simple outdoor obstacle course using cones, a broom for jumping, or a cardboard tunnel. It’s playful, low-cost, and great for physical exercise.
You can also turn your yard into a scent trail, hiding treats for your dog to sniff out during a hot afternoon. This taps into their instincts and keeps their brain working.
Flirt poles, homemade agility setups, or even a splash pad can turn your backyard into a fully furnished dog summer park.
7. Dog Games Indoor
Some days during this summer season will be too hot to even think about going out, let alone with your dog.
When the sun is scorching outside, indoor games become your dog’s best outlet for summer fun. The goal is to keep their body moving and mind engaged without risking heatstroke.
Start simple with games such as tug-of-war, fetch down the hall, or a round of hide-and-seek. You can hide treats, toys, or even hide yourself for engaging dog games indoors.
If your dog enjoys learning, use this time to teach new tricks or polish old ones. Dog brain games can be just as satisfying as a run in the park.
Try puzzle toys, or make your own by stuffing treats under tennis balls in a muffin tin, and let them sniff it out.
8. Doga – Yoga with Your Dog
Yes, you heard that correctly, doga is a real activity, and it’s precisely what it promises to be – yoga with dog.
The soothing, low-impact exercise is ideal for peaceful summer mornings and is good for both you and your canine best friend.
It’s not about your dog performing a perfect downward dog, as cute as that would be, but about stretching, relaxing, and bonding with your dog.
Begin by spreading out a mat or blanket in a peaceful, covered space, your backyard or living room is just as good.
Gently stretch or pose your dog, with the use of treats as motivators, or simply have them stay next to you while you get on with your own routine.
Our furry friends are attuned to their humans’ vibration, so your relaxation will help them relax as well.
Not only is it amazing for anxious or aging dogs, but it’s also a lovely way to slow down, take deep breaths, and connect with a tranquil environment.
9. Dog Date Ideas
Summer is not only a time spent with your dog; it is also a wonderful opportunity to be with other dog lovers.
Holding or joining a couple of dog date activities is a good way for both your dog and yourself to burn some energy and get to know other people at the same time.
Look beyond the dog park. How about a hike in the mornings with a group of other dogs and their people, or a stroll at a pet-friendly café with patio seating?
Some cities even have dog-friendly brewery nights, movie nights, or group dog walks.
These casual outings are ideal for those pups who appreciate doggy companions but prefer a relaxed atmosphere.
Socialization makes a dog feel confident and adds sunshine and good times that both you and your dog will remember.
10. Hiking with Dog
Hiking with your dog on a sunny afternoon while rocking a loose summer outfit has a special kind of magic to it.
With longer days and lovely weather, it is the ideal time to swap out a standard walking loop around the neighborhood for a longer, riskier trek into the woods.
By hiking, not only do you and your dog stay physically fit, but venturing out onto new trails also gives your dog a whole lot of mental stimulation from new smells, sights, and sounds.
Of course, the hot sun of summer is hard on dogs, so it’s a matter of timing. Schedule your hikes for early morning or later evening when the sun is not so strong.
The heat of the middle of the day is hard on everyone, especially on hairy animals, so that is a good time for napping in the shade or staying indoors.
Not sure where to head out to hike? Local dog-friendly travel websites or apps, such as AllTrails, are wonderful resources for finding scenic and dog-accessible trails.
What to Pack for a Safe and Enjoyable Dog Hike
A well-packed bag makes all the difference. Here’s a streamlined list to keep you and your dog safe, comfortable, and ready for anything on the trail:
- Hiking Belt: A Hands-free leash configuration using a strong hiking belt may be able to keep you free and allow for a comfortable hike.
- Durable leash: Use a longer leash with a bit of stretch to allow a slightly freer run for your dog while maintaining control.
- Breathable harness: opt for a comfortable-fitting, ergonomic harness that doesn’t irritate longer trails.
- Dog Booties: Rough terrain is hard on paw pads. Booties protect the hot ground, rocks, or when your dog is recuperating from a paw injury.
- First aid kit: A wise choice always, for those occasional small scrapes.
- Adequate water: Drink plenty of it. Bring plenty for both of you and take frequent breaks to hydrate and cool yourself down.
- Essentials bag: Pack a light waist or back pack with water, snacks, poop bags, and some treats for your dog.
11. Scent Games for Mental Stimulation
You may be amazed to find that stimulating your dog’s mind tires them out quicker than a long stroll around the block.
That is correct. 10 minutes of sniffing or problem-solving is enough to be more exhausting, in a pleasant way, than a whole hour on a leash.
Perhaps one of the most gratifying methods of mentally exercising your dog is with scent games.
Your dog’s nose does a lot of work because they were bred to smell things out. You don’t even need special equipment to get started.
Bury some treats on the living room floor or sprinkle some kibble on the grass and take your dog on a sniffari.
It’s a simple and rewarding activity and a good way to keep them occupied, particularly on sweltering afternoons when outdoor time is not on the agenda.
To take it to the next level, do some beginner-friendly tracking exercises with a comfy harness, a long leash, and lots of treats on hand.
Here’s one way to begin:
a. Mini scent area:
Clear a small section of your backyard or a designated area at the local park, about 2 x 2 meters or so.
Walk a subtle path across it, scattering small treats along the way (12 – 15 pieces). Invite the dog along the trail by appealing to their sense of smell.
Make sure to praise your canine friend or give them an interactive toy when they complete the trail.
b. Construct a simple track:
Begin with a straight line that is 20 to 50 meters long. Set a treat at each step. As the dog becomes accustomed to it, start to space the treats far apart to test their nose even further.
Not only do these types of dog brain games enrich your dog’s life, but they also provide a front-row seat to their amazing natural talents.
For many dog parents, watching their furry friends locate snacks with intensity and excitement is simply a lot of fun.
Conclusion – A Summer Well Spent
Summer’s real gift is time, time to slow down, get outside, and build memories with the ones who matter.
For those of us with dogs, that means bringing them along for the ride, the hike, the splash, the stretch.
Feel free to explore the ideas in this guide by following where the joy leads; what matters most is the bond. That shared sense of play, trust, and wonder, those are the memories that last.
So, here’s to a season of sunshine, shared adventures, and quiet moments with your favorite companion. Let their tail be your compass.
Laura is the founder of Furs'n'Paws. She is a also a pet writer and expert with more than 20 years of experience of working with dogs and cats. She developed a very strong love for animals at a young age. Her passion led her to establish a thriving pet sitting and dog walking business in Dubai. As an expert in pet training, behavior, and nutrition, Laura is committed to helping pet owners and pet lovers by offering high-quality information on a wide range of topics.
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