April BrightmanSome people wait all year for the season of falling leaves, apple picking, and pumpkin spice everything to come around again. Did you know that dogs love autumn, too? With the mild weather and the beautiful scenery, there are so many fun dog-friendly fall activities to do with your pup!
This time of year is great for furry friends to get outdoors more, with cooler temperatures and fewer crowds. Once you’ve got some great ideas for dog-friendly fall activities, you’ll be itching to get out there and enjoy the full scope of the season!
1. Visit a Dog-Friendly Pumpkin Patch
Pumpkin picking is a classic activity that can’t be missed during the fall season, and lots of farms or pumpkin patches are pet-friendly places! Including your dog in the tradition will make for a special autumn experience.
Make sure the location you choose allows doggie visitors, and start planning your pumpkin patch adventure! Your pumpkin pooch will love exploring the sights and smells of the farm, and you’ll be so happy you sniffed out the perfect pumpkin together.
2. Plan a Fun Fall Photoshoot
Fall is the perfect time to get amazing photos of your dog with magical, colorful scenery! Pick a place that’s pet-friendly to snap your best shots and capture amazing images of your dog in full fall joy mode. Consider things like location, timing, and holding reasonable expectations for your dog. Bring toys and treats to encourage really dynamic photos.
Your pictures don’t have to be perfect to be pup-tastic, and your social media will be on fire with all the adorable doggie content you’ll get!
3. Take a Hike in the Foliage
Did you know that November 14 is National Take a Hike Day? Ditch the regular old dog park and head somewhere with some real fall beauty!
Warm up with a pumpkin spice latte for you and pack some pumpkin treats for the pup before hitting the trail to enjoy some fall fun and great exercise for you both. Take in the landscape and sniff all those yummy fall smells on a hike. Don’t forget your hiking pack!
Being together in the woods with such gorgeous scenery around is a great bonding experience for you and your dog. Embracing the full magic of autumn will be easy with falling leaves around you as you stroll.
4. Plan a Fall Getaway
Pack up the pooch for a little road trip! Book you and your dog a fun fall getaway in a place with great scenery that you can explore together.
Check out a cozy, pet-friendly cabin in the mountains where you can enjoy a restful retreat in a perfect fall destination. Pitch your tent or pull your camper in among the falling leaves of a dog-friendly campground and enjoy a few fireside nights in the cool autumn air. Your best buddy will love to snuggle up with you in your sleeping bag or on your bedspread after enjoying fall in a new place together!
5. Visit a Farm for Apple Picking
Apple picking is on just about every fall bucket list, and apple orchards are a perfect outdoor setting for some fun with Fido! Check to make sure the place you choose is definitely dog-friendly, and consider going at a less popular time so you and your dog both have plenty of room to roam (and take some seriously cute pictures).
Did you know apples are totally safe for dogs? They’re low in fat and contain essential vitamins and fiber! You can both enjoy the sweet fall fruit when you head home with your armfuls of apples.
6. Attend a Local Harvest Fair
Fall is full of all kinds of outdoor events, and tons of them are dog-friendly! Look for a local harvest celebration that welcomes furry friends. Autumn affairs that take place outside make for the perfect pup-friendly excursion to enjoy some food and fun.
You’ll have a blast getting to bring your dog along for the outing, and maybe even sharing a little bit of your fair food. Bring a few treats to ease the pain of watching you eat without them, and to reward good behavior while you enjoy a stroll around the fairgrounds in the crisp, fall air with your best friend by your side.
7. Host a Dog Halloween Costume Contest
Whether you DIY or splurge a little on spending for the perfect dog costume, hosting a gathering full of adorably dressed-up pups will be the cutest part of your Halloween. You and the other pup parents can vote for best dog costume and award pup-themed prizes, or have a Halloween pup parade! Talk about the perfect photo opp. Don’t forget to set up bobbing for floating toys, and dog treats on a string as party games!
Think your dog might be up for trick or treating? Most neighbors would LOVE a visit from a sweet doggie dressed in their best October outfit this Howl-o-ween! Pups make the most adorable trick-or-treaters, just keep them away from the candy!
Speaking of Halloween dog costume contests…
Starting October 25, you can enter your pet on Instagram in our Howloween contest! Here’s how to enter:
Post a picture of your furry friend in their spookiest Halloween costume with the hashtag #OutwardHoundHowloween2021
Our team will review all the entries and announce the winner on November 2nd! One lucky winner will receive a bundle of Outward Hound, Wholesome Pride, Planet Dog, and Petstages toys AND a Best Friends By Sheri Donut Bed! All these prizes are worth over $380! You’ll also be featured on our social media and in our October recap email.
You must:
– Like the 10/25 post
– Follow @bestfriendsbysheri AND @outwardhound
– Post a pic of your pet with their Halloween costume with #OutwardHoundHowloween2021
Head to the Outward Hound Instagram starting October 25 for details and contest rules.
8. Jump in a Pile of Leaves
The changing of leaves is one of the biggest signs of fall, and we all remember the joy of jumping in leaf piles as kids. Bring out that puppy energy by doing the same for your dog!
You can kill two birds with one stone and get some yard work done while creating a fall pup paradise. Rake the leaves in your yard and pile them high for your hound so they can run, jump, and play to their heart’s content! Your dog will love chasing after stray leaves and trying to catch them in the air. Toss a favorite toy or ball in a pile and watch how quickly your pup sniffs it out.
Be sure to check for ticks after all the fun. You’ll have Fido falling for autumn over and over as they have a ball bounding in the leaves!
9. Get Lost and Found in a Corn Maze
Some farms have corn mazes that are also pet-friendly! Navigating your way through the maze is a fun fall adventure for you and your dog to take on. This is another place to be mindful of crowds and popular times to visit and consider going at a time when there may be fewer people.
Always check ahead of time to make sure it’s okay to bring your dog and what the rules are for leashing. Grab an apple cider donut for yourself and a bag of apple treats for your pup before you emBARK on the adventure! Enjoy this leisurely activity together in a perfectly quintessential autumn setting.
