7 Things To Do With Your Dog in the Summer

It’s really hot right now. In Tempe we’re experiencing temperatures over 100 degrees every single day. Not only is this hot for me but Riley is struggling! I thought it might be helpful to put together a list of things that we do during these hot summer months to stay cool together.

1. Walk around Home Depot.

This first one isn’t something that most people would think about right off the bat but Home Depot is a great place to bring your dog! A lot of people do it, so you may run into a furry friend and as we’ve discovered a lot of employees carry treats! When it’s hot outside this is a great time for you (the human) to get those home renovations done that you’ve been meaning to hammer out (literally).

2. Walk around PetSmart.

PetSmart is one of the most pet friendly places around. We like to walk up and down the aisles to check out what is new and practice our manners while walking around people. The employees are friendly, helpful and understanding if your dog has an accident!  Be careful, because there is a good chance you’ll walk out with more than you came for, but there is never pressure to purchase anything!

3. Sit at a coffee shop

Although you’ll still be outside, you can stay cool in the shade! Take your morning walk to a coffee shop and take some time to sit outside. At our favorite coffee shop in Tempe, Seattle Espresso, we ask for a lid of whip cream and some ice cubes for Riley and she is as happy as a clam!

4. Go to Bahama Bucks

Over the summer Bahama Bucks has great coupons to encourage you to come more often (our Bahama Bucks in Tempe offers a sheet of BOGO coupons for $10!). When you go to keep yourself cool, you can ask for a snowball (free of charge) for your dog to munch on. We like to go through the drive through so Riley can enjoy the experience. Her order: a snowball with a little cream. My order: half peach half mango, no cream!

5. Take training classes

To finish it off, let’s talk about something that is always a good idea: training classes. PetSmart offers a variety of classes for all levels and this is the perfect way to build a bond with your dog while it’s hot outside. We have taken a beginner, intermediate and advanced class and now that summer is here we are taking the tricks class while we wait for it to cool off.

6. Go in the pool.

Obviously! Keep your pup cool by getting them in the water for a little splash around. This can be a little pool or if you’re lucky to have a larger one try getting them in! Riley also loves playing in the sprinklers at the park.

7. Send your dog to Day Camp.

As I’m sure many parents know, it’s hard to drop your kid off somewhere you won’t be. But giving your dog a day to play in the air conditioning with other dogs might be just what they’ve been craving! I send Riley to the PetSmart just down the street as they’ve been so welcoming; but there are so many doggy play places in the valley there is sure to be one near you!

I’m still on the hunt for more dog friendly activities for the summer but am for sure excited for it to be over so we can start hiking and being outside again! What do you like to do with your dog when it is hot outside? If you want to catch up on my journey getting Riley check out the story of getting her! Stay tuned for a blog post coming soon about our favorite dog friendly restaurants!