Fall Activities for Dogs: Making the Most of the Season

Fall is a special time of year. The change in seasons brings with it cooler temperatures that are perfect for getting outdoors with your German shepherd. It’s nice to enjoy the weather before the busy winter season hits.

There are also a lot of activities going on in the fall. With the leaves changing colors, it’s a perfect time to go exploring and enjoy the beauty of nature as well as to visit farmer’s markets and other special places that are not open year-round.

In many areas of the country, fall is a welcome reprieve from stifling summer heat. Yet the weather is usually mild enough so that dogs of all ages and fitness levels can enjoy the fresh air and sunshine without getting too hot or cold.

In our opinion, fall was made for fun and is the perfect time of year for outdoor and indoor adventures. Here are some of our favorite fall activity ideas to enjoy with your dog:

Take a hike

Fall is a fun time of year to go exploring with your dog. The scenery is beautiful, it’s not too hot, and the change of season brings with it all sorts of interesting scents for your dog to enjoy. Hiking with your dog is also a great form of exercise for you both. With a little homework, you can find trails for all fitness and activity levels. Even though it’s cool, you’ll want to bring plenty of water along and be sure your dog’s flea and tick prevention is up to date.

Visit a private dog park

If you want to give your dog something interesting to do but aren’t into public dog parks, you can check out a local private dog park (for example, Sniff Spots). Private dog parks are usually fully fenced areas (not always so be sure to ask). They allow you to rent a time slot for your dog. Some have water, agility equipment, and come in all areas and sizes. Some are simply a yard for rent while others are huge so be sure to do your homework. However, a change of scenery is always a welcome activity for dogs, and it's fun for them to run around and explore a new territory. Google “private dog parks” for a location near you.

Capture some memories

Let fall bring out your inner photographer and go on a photo shoot. The lighting is usually perfect for taking great photos and since it’s not too hot, you can spruce up your dog’s look with a perfect-for-the-season bandana. Pumpkin patches, farmer’s markets, apple orchards, nature scenes, or even a pile of leaves are great opportunities to capture some great memories with your pet.

Enjoy the beach or lake

Autumn is the perfect time to visit the beach or lake. With summer over, there are usually fewer people around without being too isolated. The sun is less intense, and the sand won’t burn sensitive paws. Some dog-friendly beaches will allow dogs to be off leash and some not so just know what you’re getting into before you arrive.

Visit some national parks

The perfect fall weather just begs for adventure. One fun way to go exploring is to take a road trip and visit national parks that are dog-friendly. Each national park has different rules, and some are not pet-friendly, but many are. They provide a great way to get outdoors and experience something new with your dog.

 Getaway together

One thing about fall is that right around the corner is the busy winter season making it the perfect time to get away to relax and decompress. Renting a cabin, hotel, camping, glamping, or vacation rental (whatever your jam is) is a great way to get away from it all and spend some quality time with your dog.

Go for a long walk

Autumn is the perfect time of year to go on some long walks with your dog. The pavement is not too hot, the weather is usually about perfect, and there is a lot to see and explore. It doesn’t matter if you’re in an urban or rural environment, fall just begs to be enjoyed by both you and your dog.

Bake some pumpkin treats

During the fall, there is pumpkin spice galore. You may love it or be on overload but it’s probably safe to say that your dog can’t get enough pumpkin treats. And now that it’s not so hot, it’s the perfect time of year to bake some delicious dog treats that are also healthy for your pet.  You can also freeze treats and give them as gifts to your dog friends later in the year.

Fall Fundraising

Shelters and rescues are overflowing and in great need of foster homes as well as donations. Fall is the perfect time to channel your dog’s charm and ask your friends and colleagues to donate to your local or favorite shelter. You can even get creative and get together a group of people to help, sponsor an animal’s vet bills, hold a pet food drive, volunteer, or sell homemade goodies and donate the proceeds.

Take a fun class

German shepherds are smart and love to learn. If your dog enjoys organized activities, look for a fun class to brush up on training or learn something new. Classes are a great form of mental exercise and fall is the perfect time of year to get out and learn something new, like a scent work class.

Schedule time to relax

Your dog just wants to be with you and often one of the best ways to bond is to just plan a day to relax and enjoy together. Hanging out, playing fetch in the yard, going for a drive, and spending some time cuddling on the couch will make your dog happy.

Schedule a wellness check-up

If your pet hasn’t had an annual wellness check, fall is the perfect time to schedule one to ensure your dog is healthy. Often, veterinarians will take time off and close their offices over the holidays so coordinating medication refills and taking care of routine care ahead of time is just a good idea and will help you ensure your dog doesn’t have a health problem you don’t know about.

We hope you enjoyed these fun fall activities and want to hear about which ones you decide to do. Please feel free to share with your friends.

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