Your Guide to National Dog Day 2024 Outdoor Activities

While National Dog Day was created by Coleen Paige, an animal advocate & pet expert, twenty years ago to raise awareness about the high number of dogs in shelters and simultaneously encourage people to consider adopting a dog, the special day has also come to be a great time for dog owners to plan a dog-friendly adventure, like taking a dog hiking and fishing or kayaking with a dog. Ahead of National Dog Day 2024 on August 26th this year, here’s your ultimate guide to dog park etiquette for first-time owners, dog safety while having outdoor adventures with man’s best friend, and ideas for fun National Dog Day 2024 outdoor activities. To get the expert scoop on all this and more, we spoke with Lottie Gross, a British travel journalist and author of Dog Days Out and Dog-Friendly Weekends, to learn about taking a dog hiking, dog park etiquette, dog comfort, and more!

Keeping Dogs Comfortable and Safe on an Outdoor Dog-Friendly Adventure

Gross says that “The key to having great and safe adventures with your dog is knowing what they can handle." For example, if you have an elderly dog, you probably won’t be going on a 15-mile dog hike even if your legs can go that distance and you’ve found one of the best dog-friendly hiking trails for your dog's breed. Sticking with the older dog theme, maybe visit dog-friendly beaches near you or go kayaking with your dog for a lower-stress dog-friendly adventure.

Being Prepared For National Dog Day 2024 Outdoor Activities Be sure to have the best dog backpack for carrying supplies while hiking with your dog and fill it with all the essentials, such as:

• A headshot and full body photo of your dog in case you and your dog get separated on the beach or hiking trail

• Your vet’s phone number and dog’s microchip number, and any pet insurance information

• Dog first aid kit

• Poop bags

• Hand sanitizer

• Old towels to dry after kayaking, fishing, or swimming with your dog

• Food

• Water bowls and water

• Treats

• Something special that they love from home, like a squeaky toy, bed, or blanket to soothe them should they get anxious while out on your dog-friendly adventure together!

Taking Your Dog Hiking

Lottie Gross has a wealth of personal experience hiking with dogs. She says taking your dog hiking is a rewarding activity, for both the pup and the person, largely because of the mental health benefits of hiking. Gross adds, “Be sure to bring plenty of water for both of you, and don't hike in the heat of the day. Early mornings or later in the evening is best, as dogs get heatstroke very easily and it can quickly be fatal. Keep your dog cool by hiking in the shade as much as possible.”

Dog Park Etiquette

National Dog Day 2024 is a great excuse to plan a grand outdoor activity with your dog, like taking your dog fishing, but one of the easiest and simplest National Dog Day 2024 outdoor activities is to visit a local dog park. Gross advises you to consider that, “Not all dogs are dog-friendly, and that's OK,” adding that it is "always best to ask the owner if your dogs can interact, and if you see a dog on a leash, it's always best to leash yours before letting it charge up to the dog to say hi, because there may be a reason that dog is leashed.” For example, some dogs may be nervous at the park, in training, or recovering from an injury.

The Best Outdoor Dog-Friendly Activities

Taking your dog fishing can be an amazing experience, but Gross admits that she has only ever been fishing with her dog once. “We went fly fishing in the Yorkshire Dales for my latest book, Dog Days Out, because fishing can be a bit of a waiting game, you should bring something for your dog to do while you wait for your catch.” Bring a long-lasting chew so they've got something to focus on, too. Check out the best dog-friendly campsites to visit and go fishing this fall!

Swimming is one of the most enjoyable outdoor activities you can do with your dog. It's good for their joints and muscles, and a lovely way for you to bond with your dog, says Gross. She smartly suggests picking water with little or no current, such as a lake or a shallow sheltered section of ocean where they can confidently get in and out of the water on their own. There may even be dog-friendly beaches near you. If you've got a confident pup, try paddleboarding together or go kayaking with your dog, but make sure dog safety is top of mind by ensuring they know how to swim first and renting a dog life jacket!

Backyard Fun with Dogs

If your dog is like mine, a thoroughly friendly pup who simply doesn’t get along with any other dogs for some reason, having a dog-friendly adventure at home may be best for their comfort. Consider creating a DIY backyard obstacle course for dogs with sticks to fetch, hula hoops to jump through, and planks of wood to make ramps for your dog to go up and down.

Check out these additional ideas for dog-friendly outdoor activities to try for National Dog Day 2024!