As good pet parents, we want our dogs to be as happy as possible. Once the basics of food, water, shelter and good health are taken care of, what most dogs want most is to spend time with their people. But if you’re tired of playing catch and going for walks, what else is there to do with your dog in San Diego? Well…lots!
San Diego is Dog Friendly
San Diego has numerous dog-friendly parks, and even dog-friendly beaches, that we’ve posted about previously. You’ll also find plenty of restaurants around town that have dog-friendly patios – from North County San Diego to the beach neighborhoods, inland, or even downtown – so it’s not too hard to put together a dog-friendly excursion. Include a trip to a pet store (most allow well-behaved pets to enter on a leash) and pick up a new toy or treat, and your pup will be in dog heaven!
Get Active With Your Dog
If you and your dog are both get-up-and-go types, you’ll be amazed to find out about all the different types of interactive activities you can participate in with your pet. Online clubs associated with different types of doggie activities give humans a way to get in touch with each other and share information. Local Meetups get the dogs (and people) together for shared fun. Agility training is very popular, but if that’s not right for you, there are lots of other options, such as carting (pulling a cart), dock diving, flyball, frisbee, and even freestyle dancing. You can even join our friends at Leash Your Fitness, and take a fitness class with your dog.
For more ideas on activities you can do with your dog, check out this link:
Also, go to www.Meetup.com and search for dog-related groups. San Diego has dozens of breed and activity-related meetup groups for local dog lovers.
Do Good – With Your Dog
Even if your dog isn’t a service dog, they can still bring comfort and joy to people who need it. Most typically, you might take your dog to visit people in health care facilities, providing a break from their routine, and bringing a little furry love to their day. All breeds and sizes can contribute in these types of programs, as long as they are well mannered and well-socialized. Don’t just head to the nearest nursing home, though. Do your homework first. Most facilities will require a companion dog certification, such as the San Diego Humane Society’s Canine Good Citizen program, which facilitates participation in pet assisted therapy programs.
It’s all good…
No matter what mode of interaction you choose, spending time with your dog is a win-win. Your dog gets the opportunity to become better socialized, and you have fun together, which improves your relationship. At the end of the day, your dog will be less bored, and maybe even nicely tired out – which leads to a better behaved pet. Yep, that sounds like a win-win, all the way around!