After a long week of work, how do you like to spend your weekend? Is it getting to sleep in? Spend time with family or friends? For us, it's being greeted by our pups waiting at the door ready to em"BARK" on a weekend full of fun!
We asked our awesome Big Barker Community what their favorite way to spend the weekend with their dog was! Check out some of our favorite responses below:
Outdoor Exploring
As summer comes to a close and weather starts to cool off, it is the perfect time to go on outdoor adventures! Here are some great outdoor activities for you and your dog:
Camping
Many of our friends on social media mentioned going camping with their pup. This is a great activity that gives your dog fresh air and allows them to explore the wide open beauty of nature. Don't forget to pack the essentials for your trip:
- Dog bowls for food and water
- Dog treats
- Dog bed (especially one made for a car or SUV)
- Prescription medication
- Dog first-aid kit
- Outdoor-safe toys
- A leash
- A current photo
- Veterinarian records and medical information
- Dog waste bags
Hiking
Hiking is great exercise for your dog. They can run through creeks, prance up and down hills, and smell everything their nose can touch! Make sure to obey all trail rules regarding dogs including leashing rules, waste pick-up, etc.
Also, be sure to keep your dog hydrated with plenty of water. Pop-up rubber bowls are a great options to bring a portable source of water with you!
Boating and Swimming in the Lake
If your dog loves water, there is no better place to be than on the lake! They can cool off in the water, play fetch in the shallow area, and feel the wind on their face while zooming on the boat.
Here are some important safety tips to keep your dog safe while at the lake:
- Life Jackets - Even if your dog can swim well, it is vital to have a life jacket on your dog when on or near the water. Dogs will often not understand when they are getting fatigued and can succumb to drowning quickly.
- Dog Overboard Plan - Have a plan in case your dog falls overboard while on a boat. Turn the boat around and cut the engine when you are close to approaching your dog. Do not jump in after your dog as they can panic and put both of you in danger. Rather call your dog and lift them from the water.
- Have Fresh Water and Shade Easily Available - Make sure to keep your dog hydrated in the heat and have a place for them to rest out of the sun. This will ensure your dog stays happy and healthy with the family.
Beach Day
After a day on the boat, take your dog to the beach for some relaxing time in the sand or maybe even play time. Fetch and frisbee are great for the beach and allow you to tire out your dog before bed time. Just make sure that the beach you are on is off-leash friendly!
Indoor Activities
What happens if the weather is just not cooperating with you this weekend? Whether it is rain, snow, or a little bit of both, here's some ideas for fun things to do together inside:
Snuggling On A Big Barker Together
One of our Community members had a great idea... snuggling on their Big Barker! This is perfect for a snowy day! Get your pup, a couple of blankets, and put on you or your dogs favorite show or movie. Perhaps The Secret Life of Pets, Clifford the Big Red Dog, A Dog's Purpose, or Air Bud as a few recommendations!
Training and Learning Tricks
While the weather outside may be bad, inside you can teach your dogs tricks! From the basics like sit and stay, to the more complex like shake, roll over, and speak, all of these can be a great bonding activity and a great way for your dog to get plenty of treats!
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