The dog days of summer are soon coming to an end and we can already sense the crisp fall season right around the corner. Make the most of the sunshine and get outside to enjoy summer's end with your best friend. Grab your sunglasses and the sunscreen and seize the day!
Here are five fun things you and your dog can do to close out summer with a bang:
1. Enjoy an outdoor café or coffee shop with your pup. Find a canine friendly café or hit the local Starbucks, according to PetGuide.com. Ask for the Puppuccino at Starbucks (psst, it's on the secret menu) and your pup will think it's Christmas!
2. Explore your local farmers' market. Support local farmers and businesses with these open-air markets, usually held on the weekend. Take your time and wander around savoring time spent with your pet.
3. Teach an old dog a new trick. Using positive training methods, teaching your dog to do tricks is a great way to improve your relationship and bring you closer, according to Best Friends Animal Sanctuary. Get out Fido's favorite treat and teach him a high five or fist bump.
4. Staying cool in the puppy pool. A shallow plastic pool can mean hours of backyard fun during the summer months when your dog may want to cool off with a dip. Toss apple slices, baby carrots or your dog's favorite treat into the pool for a bobbing-for-treats game, according to Dogster. You can also fill the pool with floating toys and balls.
5. Road trip. A day trip, a long weekend or a week at the beach - take you dog along! They love to ride in the car (seat belts for the dog as well!), and man's best friend promises not to backseat drive or ask if you are there yet a hundred times. They firmly believe the journey is just as important as the destination, because they are spending quality time with you.
