Guest Contributor: Ron Rutherford

Summer is the time to get outside and there is no better outdoor companion than your dog. Don’t get stuck in an activities rut and only go on walks around the block. Enjoy the standard activities while incorporating a few new ones into your routine. There are a lot of different activities that you and your dog can participate in that don’t require a lot of planning so get outside and start playing.

Go to the lake

Grab a camping chair and a tennis ball and go hang out at the lake with your dog. Not only is being at the lake relaxing for you, but it can be tons of fun for your dog. Throw a ball (preferably one that floats) into the lake and let your dog swim after it. If you happen to find a stick, that works well too. Swimming is great exercise for your dog and cools him off at the same time. You may even want to join him in the water.

Play Frisbee

Nothing says summertime like a game of Frisbee. Throw one around in your back yard or pack a picnic lunch and head to the park. If you don’t like playing Frisbee grab tennis-ball instead. A good game of Frisbee or fetch will be fun for both you and your dog plus it lets you both enjoy the summer sun. If you want to add a competitive element to your game, try to wear your dog out before you get tired of playing.

Go Hiking or Camping

Head for the hills and bring your dog with you. Go exploring and sleep under the stars. Being alone with your dog in the wilderness gives you an extra chance to bond and relax. You can pack as light or as heavy as you want. They even make packs for dogs if you decide to stay out longer and need more supplies.

Play Hide and Seek

This is another game that you can play in your backyard. Have your dog sit and tell him to stay. Run off and hide and then call him to have him come find you. It’s always fun to see how excited your dog gets when he sees you again. You should always be the one to hide from your dog but make sure you can see him from where you are hiding. Letting your dog run off and hide will probably just lead to more stress than it’s worth. If you don’t want to hide, you can try hiding some treats or his favorite toy in the yard and have him find it.

Photo credit:  PetYourDog.com

Have a Water Fight

If your dog happens to be a water lover, turn on the garden hose and have a little fun. A lot of dogs love playing in the water and enjoy biting at the stream. It’s a great way for you and your dog to cool off and you can even count it as watering the lawn.

Author Bio: Ron Rutherford is a writer with a passion for nature and a soft spot for Thai food. He currently freelances for Havahart Wireless, which specializes in progressive and humane wireless dog fences.