What is your favorite outdoor activity to do with your dog?

It is no secret dogs love being outdoors. Getting a chance to be outside and run around helps your canine companion stay physically and mentally healthy. A wide variety of outdoor activities can be tailored to include a dog. Much like humans, dogs will eagerly participate in everything from hiking to swimming with their owners.

Consider these fun outdoor activities the next time you spend quality time with your canine companion.

Biking
If your dog enjoys high-energy activities, tagging along on a bike ride is just the ticket. Many dogs enjoy running along with a bike as their owner rides.

It is a dangerous idea to let your dog run free while you’re on the bike, so you should invest in some special bicycle attachments. These will keep your dog's leash connected to the bicycle without putting it in harm’s way. It allows the dog to keep pace with the bicycle while preventing it from running too close and potentially suffering an injury.

Remember to go at a pace that is best for your dog. Do not ride too far or too fast. Enrolling your dog in a canine biking class is a good way to get them acclimated to the demands of running along with a bike.

Hiking
Dogs will find plenty of stimulation from exploring new sights, sounds and scents while on a hike. Check with your local parks and recreation department to find out which hiking trails allow dogs. Remember to keep your dog on a leash and provide adequate supplies for them. This includes food, water and medicine. If you own a larger dog, you can buy a doggie backpack for them to wear. A backpack can make it easier to carry food, water and other supplies for your canine companion.
Swimming
If you have an older dog, swimming is a great option for enjoying the outdoors. Taking your dog for a swim lets them work out their muscles and is easy on their joints. It is also a perfect way to let them cool off on a hot day. This is not an activity limited to older dogs – dogs of all age will enjoy it.

Your dog should be perfectly safe in an outdoor pool and will likely just need a bath to rinse off the chlorine. If you want to take them to a lake, pond or in the ocean, it is important to fit them with a life preserver for pets. Many dogs are good swimmers, but not all are natural swimmers. You can also bring along waterproof buoyant toys to play some games with your dog in the water.

Surfing
Swimming is not the only way for your dog to enjoy the water. If you live near the ocean, teaching your dog to surf is an option as well. The most important thing is starting out slow. Make sure that they feel comfortable among the waves. Start them out on a foam surfboard and stay alongside them as they ride a wave. A foam surfboard will help the dog have enough standing room and is easier for them to grip with their paws. Once they get used to it, both of you will relish the opportunity to catch the perfect wave together.

Soccer
Soccer is a sport that is dog-friendly and a change from tossing around a stick or Frisbee. Dogs can run fast and will work just as hard as you to get the ball. It is a great way to have fun with family or friends without excluding the dog. All you need is a wide open space at a local park and an older soccer ball that your dog can bite or grab.

Skateboarding
Skateboarding is an activity that taps into their sled-pulling instincts. All you need is a strong harness and leash to attach to the dog and a helmet and padding for yourself. From there, you simply hop on a skateboard, kick start your board, and let your dog pull you as you coast along.

Dog-boarding, as it is called, is perfect for letting your canine companion run full speed ahead. The only recommendation is you use an empty parking lot or quiet street where you can get your dog to stop easier and keep them safe.

Andy Johnson is a content creator for www.usdish.com.  He moved to Utah with his two dogs to increase his outdoor recreation opportunities.

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