Dog-friendly and Fun Activities
for a Happy Pup

Valentine’s Day

• Valentine's Day Walk: Take your dog on a romantic walk in a park or along a scenic trail. Enjoy the fresh air and bonding time.

• DIY Valentine's Treats: Bake homemade dog-friendly treats shaped like hearts or other Valentine-themed shapes.

• Valentine's Day Costume: Dress your dog in a cute Valentine's-themed outfit or accessory, but ensure it's comfortable and safe for them to wear.

• Valentine's Day Photoshoot: Capture adorable moments with your dog by setting up a Valentine's Day-themed photo shoot, whether it's with heart-shaped props, themed costumes, or just cuddling together. Share the photos with friends and family or create a special memory book.

• Interactive Toys: Give your dog a new interactive toy or puzzle feeder to keep them mentally stimulated and engaged.

• Valentine's Day Party: Host a small Valentine's Day party for your dog and their furry friends. Invite fellow dog owners for some playtime and treats.

• Love Letters: Write a heartfelt letter or card to your dog expressing your love and appreciation for them. Include it in their scrapbook or keep it as a keepsake.

• Gift Exchange: Surprise your dog with a new toy, cozy bed, or some other special treat they'll enjoy. Dogs love getting new goodies!

• Pamper Session: Give your dog a spa day with a gentle bath, brushing, and maybe even a doggy massage. This can be a relaxing and bonding experience.

• Valentine's Day Movie Night: Snuggle up on the couch with your dog and watch a dog-friendly movie or a romantic comedy. 

Easter

• Easter Walk: Enjoy a springtime walk with your dog to soak in the fresh air and blossoming scenery.

• Easter Egg Hunt: Organize a dog-friendly Easter egg hunt in your backyard or a safe, enclosed area. Fill plastic eggs with dog treats or kibble and let your dog search for them. It's a fun mental and physical exercise.

• Easter Photos: Capture adorable Easter-themed photos of your dog with colorful Easter baskets, bunny ears, or other props. These photos can make for great memories.

• Easter Egg Fetch: Play fetch with plastic Easter eggs instead of regular balls. This adds a festive twist to a classic game.

• DIY Easter Treats: Bake homemade dog-friendly Easter treats. Shape them into Easter-themed cookies or use bunny- and egg-shaped cookie cutters.

• Easter Parade: If your community hosts an Easter parade or event, consider taking your dog along if they are comfortable in crowds and can handle the noise and excitement.

• Easter-Themed Toys: Surprise your dog with Easter-themed toys or plushies to keep them entertained and engaged.

General

• Swimming: Many dogs love to swim, so take advantage of the water and let your dog paddle and play.

• Frisbee or Fetch: Play a game of frisbee or fetch with a floating toy or ball on the sandy shore or in the shallow water. Be mindful of currents and waves if you're playing in the water.

• Beachcombing: If you're at the beach, explore the shoreline with your dog. Let them dig in the sand and hunt for seashells or treasures.

• Beach Walk: Go for a leisurely walk along the shore. Let your dog explore the sand, and enjoy the sights and sounds of the beach.

• Sandcastle Building: Build sandcastles together, and let your dog help dig or explore the piles of sand.

• Dog-Friendly Beach Games: Some beaches have designated dog-friendly areas with games like frisbee or agility courses.

• Beach Volleyball: Some dogs enjoy chasing a volleyball or soccer ball in the sand. Just ensure that they don't overexert themselves in the heat.

• Picnic: Bring a dog-friendly picnic and enjoy a meal together on the beach or poolside. Make sure to pack dog-safe treats and plenty of fresh water.

• Sunbathing: Relax together on a beach towel or beach chair and soak up the sun while your dog basks in the warmth.

• Doggy Pool Party: If you have a kiddie pool or a safe area for water play, let your dog cool off with some splashing and swimming.

Pride

• Dress Up: Get creative and dress up your dog in colorful Pride-themed attire, like rainbow bandanas, collars, or even a Pride flag cape. Ensure that the clothing is comfortable and does not restrict their movement or breathing.

• Pride Parade: If your dog is comfortable in crowds and can handle the noise and excitement, consider bringing them to watch or even participate in the parade. Dress them up in Pride colors and walk together to show support for the LGBTQ+ community.

• Pride Photo Shoot: Capture vibrant and celebratory photos with your dog in Pride-themed settings. Share these photos on social media to spread love and inclusivity.

• Pride Dog Walk: Organize or participate in a Pride-themed dog walk or pet parade. It's a fun way to meet other pet owners and celebrate together.

• Dog-Friendly Pride Parties: Look for Pride parties or events that are explicitly dog-friendly. These may include doggy play areas, treats, and activities for your pup.

• Pet-Friendly Pride Picnic: Organize a picnic in a park or a pet-friendly Pride event where your dog can socialize with other dogs and people. Bring dog-friendly treats, water, and a blanket to relax together.

• Puppy Playdate: Arrange a playdate with other LGBTQ+ dog owners to celebrate Pride together. Let your dogs enjoy some off-leash playtime in a safe and controlled environment.

4th of July

• Backyard BBQ: Host a dog-friendly backyard BBQ with friends and family. Grill up some dog-safe foods like plain, unseasoned meat or vegetables for your pup to enjoy.

• Backyard Playtime: Spend quality time with your dog in your backyard. Play fetch, set up an agility course, or have a picnic together.

• Pet Parade: If your community hosts a pet parade as part of the Fourth of July festivities, consider participating with your dog, dressed in patriotic attire.

• Fetch and Play: Spend quality time playing fetch, tug-of-war, or other favorite games with your dog in a safe and enclosed area.

• Patriotic Pet Photos: Capture the moment by taking photos of your dog dressed in red, white, and blue or with patriotic props.

• Fourth of July Photoshoot: Capture adorable Fourth of July-themed photos of your dog with patriotic props, flags, or costumes.

General

• Play in the leaves

Oktoberfest

• Dog-Friendly Beer Garden: Some Oktoberfest celebrations have dog-friendly areas in beer gardens or outdoor events. Check if there's a dog-friendly event near you and enjoy some German beer or food with your pup.

• Dog-Friendly Oktoberfest Events: Many Oktoberfest celebrations have pet-friendly sections or designated dog-friendly days. Check if there are any local events or festivals that welcome dogs.

• Dress Up in Traditional Attire: Get your dog in the spirit of Oktoberfest by dressing them up in traditional German outfits like lederhosen or a dirndl. Don't forget a cute hat or bandana! Make sure the costume is comfortable and safe for your dog.

• Oktoberfest-themed Photoshoot: Capture adorable photos of your dog with Oktoberfest props like pretzels, beer mugs, or Bavarian flags.

• Homemade Dog Treats: Bake dog-friendly pretzel-shaped treats using ingredients like pumpkin, oats, and plain yogurt. 

• Dog Beer or "Bowser Beer": Some pet stores carry non-alcoholic "dog beer" or "Bowser Beer." You can let your dog enjoy this special treat in moderation.

• Dog Playdate: Arrange a playdate with other dog owners who want to celebrate Oktoberfest with their pets. Let the dogs socialize and play while you enjoy German snacks and drinks.

Halloween

• Pet Costume Parade: Dress up your dog in a cute or spooky costume and take them for a neighborhood costume parade or a local pet-friendly Halloween event.

• Pet Costume Contest: Join or organize a pet costume contest in your community or online. This can be a fun way to showcase your dog's costume and win prizes.

• Trick-or-Treating: If your dog is well-behaved and comfortable around crowds, you can take them trick-or-treating with you. Make sure to keep them on a leash and watch out for their reactions to people in costumes.

• Pumpkin Carving: Carve a pumpkin with a dog-friendly design or your dog's face. Be sure to involve your pup by letting them sniff around and explore the pumpkin innards (while supervising to avoid ingestion).

• DIY Dog Costume: Make a homemade costume for your dog. Be sure the costume is comfortable, safe, and doesn't restrict their movement or vision.

• Halloween Photo Shoot: Set up a Halloween-themed photo shoot with your dog. Use props, costumes, and spooky backgrounds to capture some memorable pictures. Share the photos on social media or create holiday greeting cards.

• Dog-Friendly Halloween Party: Host or attend a pet-friendly Halloween party where your dog can interact with other dogs and people in a controlled environment. Remember to bring their favorite treats and toys. (also see: How to throw a dog Halloween party)

• Pumpkin Patch Visit: Take your dog to a local pumpkin patch for a day of fun. Many farms and patches are dog-friendly, but check ahead of time.

• Treat Hunt: Create a mini scavenger hunt for your dog by hiding dog-friendly treats around the house or yard. Encourage them to use their nose to find the goodies.

• DIY Dog Treats: Bake or make dog-friendly Halloween treats at home. You can shape them like pumpkins, ghosts, or other spooky symbols.

• Halloween Walk or Hike: Take your dog on a Halloween-themed walk or hike. Explore local trails, and if possible, choose routes with autumn foliage or Halloween decorations.

• Visit Pet-Friendly Stores: Some pet stores might host Halloween events or offer pet-friendly Halloween treats and toys. Take your dog shopping for a special treat or toy.

• Pet-Friendly Haunted House: Some communities host pet-friendly haunted houses or Halloween events designed specifically for dogs. Check local listings for such events.

Thanksgiving

• Thanksgiving Walk: Start the day with a long Thanksgiving walk or hike to burn off some of your dog's energy. This can help them stay relaxed during the day's activities.

• Thanksgiving Costume: Dress your dog in a cute Thanksgiving-themed costume for some adorable photo opportunities.

• Create a Special Meal: Prepare a special dog-friendly Thanksgiving meal for your pup.

• Interactive Toys: Keep your dog entertained with interactive toys or puzzles to prevent them from becoming bored during the gathering.

• Pet-friendly Games: Play pet-friendly games like fetch or hide-and-seek with your dog to keep them engaged and active.

• Thanksgiving Parade: If you're watching the Thanksgiving Day Parade on TV, snuggle up with your dog and enjoy it together.

• Give Thanks for Your Dog: Take a moment to appreciate your furry friend and express gratitude for their companionship.

Christmas

• Christmas Morning Unwrapping: Allow your dog to join in the excitement of opening presents. Give them a special, dog-friendly gift or toy to unwrap, and watch their joy as they discover their present.

• Christmas Photos: Capture the moment with a holiday-themed photoshoot with your dog in front of the Christmas tree or dressed up in holiday attire. Create memorable Christmas cards or share the photos on social media.

• Christmas Walk: Take your dog for a special Christmas walk to enjoy the festive decorations and lights in your neighborhood.

• Christmas Dinner: Prepare and share a special Christmas meal for your dog with dog-safe ingredients.

• Homemade Dog Treats: Bake homemade dog-friendly Christmas treats or buy dog-safe holiday-themed treats to spoil your pup.

• Holiday Dog Toys: Get your dog some holiday-themed toys or puzzles to keep them entertained during the festivities.

• Christmas Caroling: If you're caroling or attending a holiday event, consider bringing your dog along if it's pet-friendly. 

• Decorating the Tree: If you're decorating a Christmas tree, involve your dog by letting them watch or participate. 

• Christmas Outfit: Dress your dog in a festive Christmas sweater or outfit. 

• Visiting Santa: Some places offer pet-friendly visits with Santa Claus. Check if there are any local events where your dog can have a photo taken with Santa.

• Holiday Movie Night: Enjoy a cozy Christmas movie night with your dog snuggled up beside you.

• Christmas Advent Calendar: Some pet stores sell dog-specific advent calendars with treats or toys behind each door. It can be a fun way to count down to Christmas with your dog.