10 Fun and Unique Spring Activities to Enjoy with Your Dog!
Spring is here, and it’s the perfect time to get outside and enjoy some fresh air with your pup. Whether you’re up for an adventure or prefer a laid-back day, there’s something fun for every dog (and their human). Check out these unique ideas to make the most of springtime with your furry friend!
1. Explore a New Trail (with a long line!)
Nothing beats a relaxing hike through blooming woods! Apps like AllTrails or websites like thetrustees.org can help you find dog-friendly trails near you. Bring a long line to give your pup extra freedom for sniffing and exploring. Sniffing is a natural stress reliever for dogs, so let them enjoy the fresh spring scents!
2. Visit a SniffSpot
Ever heard of SniffSpot? It’s like an Airbnb for dogs! You can rent private outdoor spaces where your dog can run free without the worry of crowds or other dogs. It’s a great option for dogs who need space or prefer solo adventures. Bonus: it’s super fun watching them sniff, exlpore and zoom around in a new yard!
3. Relax at an Outdoor Coffee Shop
Enjoy a sunny afternoon sipping your favorite drink at a dog-friendly coffee shop. Bring treats and practice relaxation training while people-watching with your pup. If your dog settles on their own, reward them! It’s a relaxing way to bond while soaking up the spring vibes.
4. Go Springtime Shopping
Treat your pup to a shopping spree! Places like Hot Diggity offer adorable spring-themed toys and delicious seasonal treats. Let your dog sniff and explore the aisles for a fun little "sniffari" shopping experience.
5. Create a Sensory Garden
Why not bring the fun to your own backyard? A sensory garden is a pawsome way to provide enrichment that engages all of your pups senses. Plant dog-safe herbs like basil, mint, and dill, try some dog-safe fruits and veggies like strawberries, green beans, or cucumbers, or add some dog-safe colorful flowers like marigolds and snapdragons. Add different textures for your pup to walk on like loose gravel, pavers or river rocks. You can even include a kiddie pool for splashing in the water or digging in some sand. If your pup likes to hang out, try a shaded cot for lounging. It’s an enrichment filled doggie oasis!
6. Attend a Dog-Friendly Event
Spring is full of pet-friendly events, from farmers markets to craft fairs. If you're in Cape Cod, check out Hot Diggity's Doggy Easter Egg Hunt on April 19 at 11 AM in Mashpee, MA at Mashpee Commons. It’s a great way to meet other dog lovers while your pup sniffs out some delicious treats! Check out the details of our Egg Hunt Event in the "Events" section of this website! You DON'T want to miss it!
7. Make a Spring-Themed Lickimat
Unleash your inner dog chef and create a seasonal snack on a Lickimat. Start with a base of plain Greek yogurt or goat milk, then add dog-safe fruits like strawberries, blueberries, or bananas. It’s a fun and tasty way to provide enrichment while celebrating the flavors of spring!
8. Enjoy Outdoor Enrichment
Take enrichment outside! Offer your dog a raw marrow bone for some mess-free supervised chewing or scatter kibble in the grass for a nose work session. It’s a fantastic way to keep them entertained and engaged while enjoying the spring sunshine.
9. Teach New Tricks
Spring is a fresh start—why not learn a new trick? Try some fun new tricks like teaching your dog to dig on command to help with your gardening, or train them to fetch a drink from a cooler for the best summer cookout party trick ever. Bonus points if you can teach them to carry an Easter basket or flower bouquet for a very cute spring photo op!
10. Plan a Photoshoot
Speaking of cute spring photo ops, capture those spring memories with a fun photoshoot! Whether it’s a field of wildflowers, a forest trail, or by a sparkling lake, the options are endless. Dress your pup in a cute bandana from Hot Diggity or simply let their natural charm shine through.
Spring is all about making memories with your best furry friend. Pick a few activities from this list and enjoy the season together. Happy adventuring!