Summer is the perfect time to try something new with your dog. From simple seasonal pleasures to energetic adventures, spending time together in the great outdoors is a great way to have fun, strengthen your bond and make new memories.
Here are ten activities you can enjoy together during the warmer months. Why not add them to your own summer bucket list ideas?
A trip to the seaside is the ultimate summer treat. New scents, sounds and surfaces provide mental stimulation, while the wide-open space is perfect for burning off excess energy.
Some beaches, including many in Cornwall, welcome dogs all year round, while others have seasonal restrictions or dog-free zones, so always check before you go. Only let your dog off the lead if you are confident of their recall and are sure that the environment is safe.
Take plenty of fresh water and a collapsible bowl – many dogs will try drinking seawater, which can cause dehydration and stomach upset.
Also, be sure to avoid the hottest part of the day. Hot sand can burn sensitive paw pads and, just like us, dogs can get sunburn – particularly those with short or light-coloured coats.
If you plan to stay a while, consider taking a beach tent or umbrella. After a dip, rinse your dog with fresh water to remove salt and sand, which can irritate the skin.
A country hike with your dog offers healthy exercise, fresh air and the pleasure of exploring somewhere new together.
Pick a route that suits both your fitness levels, factoring in terrain and distance: soft, grassy, or woodland paths are gentler on paws than rocky trails, while steep climbs will require more energy.
For longer hikes, consider access to water and shade along the way: pack energy essentials such as bowls, snacks and fresh water.
Expect your dog to linger – there will be plenty of new scents to investigate – but watch for signs of tiredness, such as lagging behind, excessive panting or sitting down, and adjust your pace or distance accordingly.
Finally, a well-fitted collar or harness is a must for active days out – and if you do let your dog off leash, always be a responsible dog owner.
Dogs can run, play and explore off-leash to their hearts’ content in the safe, enclosed space of a dog park. This is especially valuable for those who struggle with recall, but a change of scene is exciting for any dog.
Some dog parks are simple fields, while others are more like adventure playgrounds, with agility equipment, sand pits and splash pools on offer. Dog parks are increasingly widespread across the UK – search online for one near you, or if you’re near the south coast, why not plan an extra-special outing to one of the Petplan Adventure Parks?
You can book most dog parks for private sessions, allowing you to enjoy stress-free quality time together or alongside other human and canine pals.
Summer fun needn’t involve big outings. Scent games are a fun and rewarding way to engage your dog’s instincts, and mental stimulation can be just as engaging as physical exercise.
Start in your garden or another familiar outdoor space to limit distractions. Hide a series of high-scent treats at intervals, under leaves, beside tree roots or beneath toys, then lead your dog to where the first treat is and encourage them to ‘find it’.
Not only does this tap into their powerful sense of smell – their noses are at least 1,000 times more sensitive to smell than ours are – it also hones focus and confidence. As they get the hang of the game, you can make the hiding spots more challenging.
Find more dog-friendly games here to add to your summer bucket list.
Nothing makes a summer outing feel more complete than ice cream. While regular ice cream isn’t suitable for dogs due to its high sugar and fat content, there are plenty of doggy alternatives available, so rest assured, your dog needn’t miss out on this bucket list essential.
Dog-friendly ice cream is often made with low-lactose dairy and fruit puree, with no added sugar, and is available at pet shops and dog-friendly cafés. As with any new food, introduce ice cream gradually and view it as a special treat, not a summer staple.
Paddleboarding, kayaking and wild swimming are great ways to get active and stay cool in the summer heat – but did you know that many watersport centres run dog-friendly sessions during the summer, too? Check nearby venues to see what’s on offer.
While not all dogs are natural water lovers, some breeds, including Labradors and Springer Spaniels, are typically strong swimmers. Just make sure you introduce new experiences gradually and take your cue from your dog’s response. Even the most enthusiastic swimmer can become fatigued, so a well-fitted dog life jacket is a sensible precaution.
While taking your dog to Glastonbury might not be an option, there are many dog-friendly outdoor events worth getting your wellies on for – from large agricultural shows to low-key village fetes.
Alongside food trucks and home baking, expect to find anything from livestock and produce displays to traditional games, music and kids’ entertainment.
Lots of festivals feature fun dog shows, too. Even if you don’t take home the rosette for waggiest tail, you and your dog will have enjoyed a new experience together.
For the ultimate in festival fun, why not plan a trip to one of the UK’s dedicated dog festivals? These offer a dizzying array of activities to try, shows and competitions to enter, and expert demonstrations to watch, along with food, entertainment and shopping. A must-add to the bucket list!
If your dog tends to feel anxious around crowds and noise, choose a small, local event to test the water first.
This could be the summer when your dog becomes your new workout partner. Trying a new activity together helps strengthen your bond, offers your dog mental and physical stimulation, and provides opportunities for socialisation. From high-energy sports to skill-based challenges, there will be an option worth adding to your bucket list.
CaniCross – trail running with your dog attached via a harness and bungee lead – is the ultimate shared hobby, fostering teamwork and building focus and fitness. For those who prefer two wheels, you can also try the bike-based version, Bikejoring.
If your dog thrives on having a ‘job’ to do, agility could be just the thing. Agility training involves guiding your dog through obstacles such as tunnels, ramps and weave poles, honing their movement skills, communication and concentration.
If retrieval is more their style, a gun dog scurry puts speed and skill to the test, with dogs taking turns to find and return a ‘dummy’ placed out in the field. Despite the name, these friendly competitions are usually open to all breeds and abilities, and are often found at country shows and summer fairs.
Flyball is another retrieval sport in which two teams of four dogs race each other along a course, jumping hurdles and retrieving balls released from Flyball boxes along the way.
Remember to introduce any new activities slowly, and always consult your vet first if you’re unsure about your dog’s suitability. If you have dog insurance with Petplan, you can also use our Pet Expert Chat feature to speak with an expert about introducing new activities.
Across the UK, an increasing number of heritage sites, gardens, stately homes and nature reserves welcome dogs. For a great day out, the secret is to make the journey as much of an adventure as the destination. Ensure your dog is safely secured in the car, either with a harness, travel crate or dog guard, and keep it well-ventilated, especially in warm weather.
Plan regular stops in dog-friendly locations (National Trust sites are good options) so your dog can stretch their legs, have a drink and let off steam before the next stage of the journey. If it’s a long journey, an overnight stay at one of the growing range of dog-friendly hotels, cottages and campsites can transform a road trip into a bucket list adventure.
Just remember to pack the essentials – bowls, food, any medication, familiar bedding, lead, toys and poo bags – so your dog feels comfortable and settled, wherever you end up.
Ensuring your dog insurance is up to date can also provide peace of mind when you’re on the road and away from home.
Eating outdoors is one of the great bucket list pleasures of summer, and something you don’t have to travel far to enjoy. A picnic feels special even when the venue is your own back garden or local park. While the place will be familiar to your dog, their experience of it will feel new as you spread out a rug, sit down and unpack tasty food.
Don’t be surprised if your dog eats less in summer, but do include some dog-friendly snacks in the hamper – you could even make your own – and remember to keep grapes, raisins, onions, chocolate and foods containing xylitol well out of reach. For a cooling treat, our watermelon ice cream recipe is quick and easy.
If you fancy venturing further afield, wooded areas are ideal on hot days, offering natural shade and cooler air beneath the trees. At the same time, lakesides or riverside spots can provide opportunities for a paddle.
Creating a bucket list and sharing outdoor adventures is a great way to spend time with your dog over the summer months, offering fun, fresh air and new experiences that will strengthen your connection and make for great memories.
Petplan is a trading name of Pet Plan Limited (Registered in England No. 1282939) and Allianz Insurance plc (Registered in England No. 84638), Registered office: 57 Ladymead, Guildford, Surrey GU1 1DB.
Pet Plan Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Financial Services Register No. 311969. Allianz Insurance plc is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. Financial Services Register No. 121849. Pet Plan Limited is a subsidiary of Allianz Insurance plc.
