Tips & Tricks for Summer with Dog
In summer, there are many ways to keep your dog busy outside and give him a good time. Here are some game ideas and activities that are guaranteed to be a hit with your dog:
Hide and seek games: Hiding treats or toys in the garden or park and letting the dog search for them is great fun for many dogs and trains their nose at the same time. It keeps them mentally and physically fit, because search games provide exciting exercise! Nice to know: It is said that a 10-minute search game can be just as exhausting as an hour-long walk.
Dog course: Create a small course in the garden with various obstacles such as cones, tunnels or jumping hurdles. Let the dog complete the course and don't forget to reward him - treats are a must. Of course, a course in the forest can also be used.
Long walks: Use the warm season for lovely walks with your dog in nature. Explore new routes, parks or forest areas. If the opportunity arises, the dog can also run free and sniff around. However, it is important to pay attention to the breeding and nesting seasons. In most federal states, the breeding and nesting season begins every year on April 1st and lasts until July 15th. In some federal states, this can vary and begins as early as February and ends in September, so please inform them in advance.
Picnic: Plan a relaxing picnic and enjoy the time together, pack treats and water for the dog and don't forget to bring a blanket for him to make himself comfortable on.
Dog meet-ups: Organize a meet-up with other dog owners and their dogs. This way, the dog can make new friends and they can play and romp around together.
Agility: Set up a simple agility course in the garden or park. Teach him to jump over hurdles, run through tunnels or slalom between cones. This is not only great training, but also a lot of fun.
Before taking your dog on outdoor activities, always make sure that he is safe, and avoid excessive exertion, especially in hot temperatures. Always remember that dogs also need a break in the shade in the summer to protect themselves from the sun. Therefore, you should always plan breaks in the shade where the dog can rest and cool down .
Important to note:
Plan walks during the cooler hours of the day, such as early in the morning or late in the evening. Avoid hot asphalt or concrete surfaces, especially at lunchtime. The sensitive dog paws can be injured by the hot asphalt. The dog can also suffer serious burns.
You can easily test whether the floor is too hot with the seven-second test: place the back of your hand on the surface for seven seconds. If the floor is too hot for you, then it is too hot for your dog!
With all these tips, one thing should be kept in mind: It's not just us humans who love the cool water on hot summer days, our dogs also enjoy being at the pool, lake or river.
Here are some water-rich tips to keep your dog cool and comfortable during the warmer days in the summer:
Water fun: Many dogs love to splash around and cool off in the water. Simply take your dog to a safe lake, river or beach so that he can swim. Make sure that the water is suitable for dogs. You can find out whether it is safe to let your dog swim from the city or on the respective website.
Dog pool: If there is no access to natural water, a small pool can be set up in the garden for the dog. Simply fill the dog pool with water and the dog can splash around in it and cool off.
Water games: Water is fun! Many dogs are real water lovers and love to play with it. A flat key or a small paddling pool with water and a toy can make dogs' hearts beat faster. Some four-legged friends also love to play with a water hose or a water fountain designed for dogs.
Water retrieval: If your dog enjoys retrieving, you can throw toys into the water to encourage him to bring them back. This is fun and keeps him active.
Let's go! Take advantage of the beautiful weather together for an unforgettable summer with unique experiences. The activities should always be adapted to the needs and abilities of the dog.
Small tip: Treat games are ideal for dogs who are initially skeptical and hesitant about water.
Find your new outdoor activity together this summer!
