Puppy's Life
Trail Mix
Outdoor adventures from parks to hikes!
Some puppies and their pals were born to explore the great outdoors. Take Murphy, a goldendoodle living in Seattle with Roseanna Williams. This shaggy bundle of love is “happiest when he’s in the outdoors, getting lots of exercise,” Williams says.
“I love to see him this happy, smiling and trotting along, as if he’s saying, ‘Thank you,’ ” says Williams of their walks outdoors––one of their favorite things to do together.
Down in Texas, Zoe McDowell, and her Labrador Retriever, Pete, visit a nearby greenbelt on a regular basis. Pete loves to let loose, “zigzagging back and forth” along their walking path, McDowell says. He’s even happier when it’s time for his favorite: retrieving a ball or Frisbee from the water, which the pup could do for hours as long as McDowell tosses it out again and again.
Yet sometimes the most enjoyable parts of being outdoors can come from you and your puppy discovering unexpected gems such as a meadow of sunflowers or a serene swimming hole.
“Water is his favorite thing,” she explains. “He always rushes straight to it and jumps in… if it’s deep enough to swim in it, he will. Otherwise, he’ll just wade around and drink.”
Taking in the great outdoors with your puppy is one of the most rewarding moments you can share.
“[Murphy] swims in alpine lakes, smells animal tracks, rolls around in the mud, climbs, runs, and walks,” Williams says. And they do all of this together.
Hiking also brings new sights, smells, and sounds that provide valuable lessons for your puppy, teaching him to be comfortable and secure in new places, and providing mental and physical excitement. But pay attention, and look for signs of overexertion in your little guy.
Ready to explore the great outdoors with your pup? Here are a few ideas to make the most of your time together.
- Plan the trip. Consult with your veterinarian to ensure your pup is up to the challenge, and avoid going out on extremely hot or cold days.
- Pack for your puppy. Before you leave the house for a hike, pack items you and your puppy will need and enjoy: water, dog food, puppy first-aid kit (available at your local pet store), towels, a lead, and toys. You’ll both have a ball breaking for water and nutritious snacks when you have a toy to play with.
- Protect his paws. Try to pick the softer terrain. And remember, puppies have boundless energy—that is, in shorter spurts, so take short breaks from walking to rest your pup’s paws, and for some R&R to enjoy some quiet time and even a belly rub.
- Play in the unexpected. When on the trail, if you see a designated swimming area, most likely your curious puppy will too—and he’ll want to explore. Follow the posted guidelines for exploring the shoreline.
After the hike, sitting down for a thorough grooming to remove any debris will help you both unwind from the day, but a jump in the bath could be the refresher you both need. At the end of the day, one of the best ways to tell if your pup has had a memorable experience is if he falls asleep as soon as you get home. Even for vivacious pups such as Pete and Murphy, the sound of a soft sigh or gentle snore speaks for itself.
