Autumn is a perfect time to spend quality time with your dog. This fall consider shaking up your routine with your dog and add in some fun and festive dog-friendly adventures. When selecting things to do with your dog this fall, consider your dog’s temperament. For example, if your dog is reactive or uncomfortable being around other dogs or groups of people, you’ll want to skip the more social outings and focus on things you and your dog can do at home or in less busy environments. Fun fall outings with your dog include:
1. Pumpkin Patch – A classic fall outing to bring your dog on is a trip to the pumpkin patch. Let your dog help you pick the perfect pumpkin and take festive photos. make sure to check in advance if the pumpkin patch you’re wanting to attend is dog friendly. Some pumpkin patches are technically edible agriculture so can’t permit dogs to be present. Other pumpkin patches that aren’t zoned as that type of agriculture are dog friendly.
2. Fall Hike – Autumn is the perfect time to get outside and explore with your dog. Consider taking your dog out on a hike in search of fall colors as the leaves change colors. Be sure to check the difficulty/skill level of the trails you plan to hike to ensure it is aligned with your dog’s skill level.
3. Corn Maze Adventure- Get lost this fall with your dog in a corn maze! Many corn mazes are dog friendly (though call ahead to make sure the one you are attending allows dogs). Your dog will appreciate the novel sight and smells of the corn maze.
4. Farmers Markets – Autumn is the perfect time of year to grab your dog’s leash and a scarf for you and head to your local farmer’s market. Most farmer’s markets are dog friendly (so check ahead) and are a fun place to bring your dog assuming your dog is comfortable around people and other dogs. Farmer’s markets often have dog treat vendors so your pup might even get a special treat!
5. Costumed Neighborhood Walks – If you have a dog who enjoys getting a Halloween costume on, you don’t have to keep your costumes to only one night of the year! If your dog is a Halloween fashionista, bring your dog out walking around your neighborhood wearing their favorite costumes. Not only is this fun for you, but it also brings festive cheer to your neighbors.
6. Football Fun – Football season is here! For the next game day plan to have fun with your dog while watching the game. Stock up on some of your favorite dog-safe snacks and have a fun day with your dog. You and your dog can cheer for your favorite teams together, and during commercial breaks toss around a dog-sized football!
7. Take Your Dog Apple Picking – A classic fall outing is to visit an apple orchard and u-pick some apples. Wandering around an apple orchard is always fun and the area will be filled with interesting smells for your dog to appreciate. When you get home, use some of those fresh apples you pick to make some homemade apple-based dog treats for your dog to enjoy.
8. Find The Pumpkin Spice – Everyone loves a bit of pumpkin this time of year! Most of your dog’s favorite dog treat brands are offering pumpkin-flavored versions of their usual treats. Go on a little treat shopping spree and bring your dog home pumpkin-flavored and shaped goodies to enjoy all season long.
9. Movie night – The days are shorter, and the nights are getting darker and colder. This fall, plan a cozy movie night with your dog. Pick your favorite Halloween films – sweet or spooky, pop some plain air-popped popcorn, and toss a few popped kernels to your dog as you cozy up together on the couch. Looking for dog-centric movie recommendations? Frankenweenie is a classic not to be missed!
10. Trick or Treating – Halloween can be a scary time for many dogs. Instead of bringing your dog door-to-door on Halloween consider bringing your dog on outings to local pet shops. Most pet supply stores will give dogs treats for visiting, so you can bring your dog
