There’s always so much to explore in San Diego—great restaurants, hiking trails, tours and let’s not forget the nightlife! But what about your dog? Sure, there are lots of dog-friendly beaches and parks. But you’re searching for something different for your doggie quality time—something eccentric. So let’s explore some unique things to do with your dog in Sand Diego.
Surf’s Up!
If you like to be active and love being on the water then you’ll have a terrific time on a SUP Connection tour. What’s SUP? SUP is Stand-Up Paddle boarding that you can do with your dog through SUP Pups. The hour-long tour goes underneath the North Harbor Bridge next to the Navy Dolphin Training Facility; you’ll get to view some dolphins and many other stunning San Diego sights. But it all begins with a lesson at Liberty Station; the dogs can sniff, meet and become at ease with one another and burn off excess energy. Then you’ll be led down to the sandy beach where you’ll head out on paddle boards and journey into the calm waterway. As you travel down the bay with your dog, you’ll be taught the safety and basics of SUP. On hand with the lesson are pictures, a bottle of water and dog treats.
Pawmicon
Everyone has heard of Comic-Con, right? Well, this is Pawmicon—a convention for your dog! Held on the same weekend as Comic-Con, this family-friendly event is free. You and your dog can enter the Pawsplay Contest; this contest is for superheroes and heroic dogs and costs $10 to enter. You can just dress up your dog or come as a superhero duo. If you’re not participating in the contest, you may get a sneak peek at such whimsical characters as: “The Pawnisher”, Game of Bones’ “Robb Bark”, “Wolf-erine”, Superdog’s “Bark Kent”, The Empire Barks Back;s “Woof Vader” and Pawnsters Inc.’s “Boo”. The three best costumes will receive a prize but all participants will get goodie bags.
There are also food, music, carnival games and an opportunity drawing you can enter. Don’t forget to stop by and meet the adorable costumed pups that are up for adoption!
Exercise Together
When you work out, why not perform your fitness routine with your fur-baby? You can thanks to Leash Your Fitness. Dawn Celapino created this program in 2005 when she acquired her terrier, Jack, and wanted to include her pooch in her workouts. So she moved her routine outdoors and used bands, playground equipment, nature, balls, hand weights and benches. She killed two birds with one stone—got lots of fresh air and a wonderful workout! Her unique fitness program is a circuit style exercise that includes your dog as well as you; you’ll do strength training, yoga, balance, dog obedience and cardio in one hour. Most of all you’ll both have lots of fun!
A Day of Shopping
If you think your pup is a little diva—or she acts like one—San Diego has plenty of awesome shops where you can pamper her by buying food, clothes, and so much more. Pop in to Dexter’s Deli, the next generation pet store that’s set up just like a deli! There, you’ll find natural alternative diets, nifty collars, homemade foods and treats, wild toys and up-to-date nutrition information.
If it’s clothes you’re after wander into Bloomingtails Dog Boutique where they offer every kind of designer apparel you can think of! From dresses and pants to jackets and sweaters. They even sell pajamas, underwear, costumes, swim suits, formal wear and other accessories to keep your princess (or prince) happy. Of course, if you have a large or small dog, Glamour Mutt might be the place for you to obtain designer clothes or gemstone collars for your beloved dog.
If you want to shop for yourself, most stores in San Diego will allow you to bring your canine in as well. Seaport Village is one of these enjoyable and popular areas to do this. Your dog is sure to get lots of belly rubs!
Surf-a-Thon Dog Competition
If you like to watch surfing rather than participate in it, bring yourself and your dog to Del Mar’s Dog Beach to have fun watching a surfing competition like no other! At Surf-a-Thon you’ll see over 80 canines surfing on their boards for the honor of “Top Surf Dog” and all the proceeds go to the programs and animals at Helen Woodward Animal Center.
But there’s more than just watching the amazing Surf-a-Thon! There’s live music, a dog agility course, opportunity drawings, food, interactive vendor booths, a dog costume contest and more summer fun. So bring all of your dogs, your entire family and all your friends and make a day of it!
San Diego is truly a dog’s paradise: perfect weather, places to run and lots of things to do with you! You and your precious pooch will have a blast checking out at least one of these special attractions. If you really want to spoil your four-legged friend, contact us and we’ll get your pup ready for your next outing!