Outdoor Activities with Dogs

The weather is growing warmer and everyone is anxious to spend more time outside, including our dogs. We start to play and exercise outside, we enjoy more meals outside, and some of use even camp outside! And of course, we want to involve our dogs in everything we do.

Here are some fun activities for both you and your dog, and some gear to help you along the way.

Picnic

Enjoy a meal outdoors with your furry friend. Find a local park or a picnic area and have a picnic with your dog. And it’s a socially distant activity. In Fredericksburg, you have plenty of park options. Some are in the middle of downtown while others are farther away with more space to play.

Hiking

Hiking is a great way to spend time outdoors and get a little exercise in at the same time. Make it as easy or as difficult as you would like. In our local area, you have several great options. Enchanted Rock is our most popular park, but it is not the easiest. Dogs are not allowed on the rock, but they are allowed on the loop trail (about 4 miles). Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Park (where the dog park is located) has a shorter and easier loop trail (about 2.5 miles). Cross Mountain is a fun and usually less crowded park. It is a short hike up, but can get steep in some areas. There’s a rock and wood staircase almost all the way to they top, or you can choose to loop around.

Pair a Ruffwear harnesses with a Timberwolf leash and you are good to go!

Swimming

In the summertime, swimming is a great way to stay cool and active. Check out some of our Texas State Parks to find a lake closest to you. Have a fun and safe time out on the water with your dog.

Make sure your dog is protected against the water and sun with a life jacket and some sunscreen or a sun shield shirt from Gold Paw.

Stroll Downtown

If you are looking for a more leisurely activity, why not take a stroll downtown? Fredericksburg’s Historic Main Street is a little over a mile and a half to walk from Milam St. to Washington and back. With over 150 shops, art galleries, and restaurants, you are sure to find some neat things. Plus, most of the shops are dog friendly. Don’t forget to check out our Dog Lover’s Guide to Fredericksburg which has all of the Dog Friendly restaurants, wineries, and bars.

Use a Timberwolf leash and step in harness to enjoy your time in the town. Don’t forget the poop bags. But if you do, there are several pick up stations in downtown. One at the Marktplatz, one at the Library, and one on the corner of Llano and Main (right next to our store).

We hope you and your pup enjoy the sunshine and your time together outdoors. Let us help you find gear for your next adventure, in store or online. As always, we are here to help!