The warm temps and long sunny days may have you thinking about fun things to do with your dog in the summer. After all, is there a better time of year to soak it all in and really spend some quality time with your doggo?
Sure, there’s the standard fare of what you could do, like hanging in the backyard or taking a walk. (Just make sure that the pavement won’t burn your pup’s paws!) But doesn’t your BFF (best fur friend) deserve something a bit more special? We thought so! Here are eight things to do with your dog in the summer that will have them wagging their tail.
8 Things To Do With Your Dog In The Summer
Throw A Barbecue For Your Dog
Do your friends have some four-legged friends too? Through a pup-style picnic or barbecue and invite the whole pack over for a day of fun and food. For treats for your four-legged friends, try these Texas-style BBQ beef recipe grain-free jerky dog treats. You can serve some barbecue treats like these. Or, make a crudité platter with fresh fruits and veggies that dogs love, such as apples, carrots, and green beans. Of course, no fun barbecue is complete without fun activities! To cool off fido, fill up a kiddie pool for a splashy event. Or break out the tug-of-war toys for a friendly competition.
Try Kayaking—Really!
Did you know that with the proper training, your dog can learn to kayak with you? We’ve trained several dogs in the past not only to be the best hiking buds but to go all the way but to jump up and to ride along for a kayak trip. If you love to kayak and want your doggo to join in the fun—get in touch!
Visit A Vineyard
Your little pup might not be able to drink that pinot, but they can certainly keep you company while you take in the scene and sip some delicious wine. Here’s a handy list of dog-friendly vineyards in Napa and Sonoma. Want to keep your libations a bit more local? Check out some of our dog-friendly bars and restaurants, such as Lead Dog Brewing.
Take Buster Out To The Ball Game!
If your dog loves a good game of fetch, then they may love seeing the humans try to play! Grab your furry friend and head down to Greater Nevada Field for Dog Days on the first Monday of every month. Dogs are welcome to stay throughout the entirety of the game! Just make sure your fur-bud has their rabies vaccination, and you’ve got the paperwork to prove it. Fans who bring their dog to the park are asked to sit on the Family Berm, so buy the “GRASS” seats when purchasing tickets for a dog day online. Bring a blanket and get ready for gameday fun. (Just don’t call your ballgame snack a hotdog, you might offend your doggo!)
Catch A Movie On The Big Screen
If it’s July in Reno, that means it’s Artown! If you want to have a great time and have your dog get in on the fun of this month-long summer art festival, check out Movies in the Park every Friday in July. Sponsored by Cordillera International Film Festival, this fun event brings films the whole family can enjoy to Wingfield Park every Friday in July at 8 p.m. This year’s lineup includes Men in Black, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, Princess Bride, The Devil Wears Prada, and an evening of award-winning short films. But, skip the popcorn for your pup and instead bring some special treats that are healthy for them.
Make Some Pupsicles
When the weather gets hot, is there anything better than a cool frosty treat? We didn’t think so! While you can’t give your dog an Otter Pop, you can whip up an icy treat with two ingredients or less! If you’ve got bananas, peanut butter, berries, or plain yogurt on hand, then you’ve got everything you need to make something delicious. If you want to be extra a-dog-able, check out these cute paw and bone-shaped frozen molds.
Head to Tahoe
We think your good dog will enjoy Lake Tahoe’s blue waters just as much as any human would. While dogs are not allowed on any designated swimming beaches (including Nevada, Pope, Baldwin, Meeks Bay, and William Kent Beaches), there are still plenty of places for both of you to enjoy the water. Dogs can go to the following spots:
- Coon Street Beach in Kings Beach
- Echo Lakes
- Hidden and Chimney Beaches on the east shore
- North Beach at Zephyr Cove Resort
- Ski Beach in Incline Village (from October to April only)
- Tallac Historic Site from Valhalla Pier to Tallac Point (where the Lake of the Sky Trail meets the lakefront) in South Lake Tahoe
The #1 Thing To Do To Enjoy Summer With Your Dog
Of course, all these activities are infinitely more fun if you don’t have to worry about your dog’s behavior. If you feel like your doggo could use a bit of summer school—we’re here to help! We offer various training programs, from our board-and-train package to custom, in-home training.
Most of all, summer is a time to have fun with your dog and enjoy everything our area has to offer! So pick a few activities we’ve listed here (or make up your own) and enjoy!