As most poodle and poodle mixes, my Maltipoo pooches are very smart, playful, and have a lot of energy. So I've had to get creative finding new places and experiences to share with them. Here's a list of some of my pooch's favorite spots:
1. Woodland
My eldest canine son Sunny loves to go on hikes in the woodlands and the creek around where we live. He loves to watch (sometimes chase) beautiful wild creatures like bunnies, squirrels, and deer.
Rainy days don't stop us from going outdoors and smelling the flowers. The right gear, such as a good raincoat, will protect your dog from getting drenched on rainy days.
Make sure that you safeguard your dog with anti tick, flea, and worms medicine and vaccinations to protect it from wild factors that indoor domestic pets may not be immuned to.
2. Waterside Walkways and Hikes
Sunny loves any body of water: beach, lake, river, creek... especially if it has other living creatures to look at.
This is his favorite local hiking spot in Lake Michael Park.
He loves to peacefully watch the ducks after hiking the blue trail.
My local Lake Michael Park is a 60-acre lake trail close to where I currently live with multiple fishing piers, 3 walking trails, 2 playgrounds, boat rentals or BYO boat/canoe/kayak, picnic areas with grills, and seasonal beautiful wildlife to relax and enjoy nature with.
While bigger dogs might enjoy long hikes, small dogs like mine prefer shorter hikes, specially in the summer.
Lake Michael's walking trails specs:
Yellow: JJ Knox Trail (.75 mile)
Blue: Mason Hall Trail (1.05 miles, one way)
Red: Nature Trail (1.25 miles, one way) - bikes allowed on Red trail only
3. Parks
Sunny loves going to any park, especially Dog Parks. He gets to walk and/or play, explore a different environment, and meet new dogs and people. Do not take puppies to dog parks until they are at least six to eight months old and have had all their vaccinations. Puppies, like babies and toddlers, go through an oral phase when they lick everything, and since their immune systems are not fully developed, they are more prone to get worms and parasites, and get sick from licking other dogs' feces, dirty water, etc. I only take Sunny to dog parks that separate small dogs from big ones because bigger dogs could unintentionally hurt small ones at play. Nobody wants anyone to get hurt, and emergency vet visits and animal surgeries are often more expensive than human EMS and surgeries. So for everyone's safety, it's important to make sure to enter the correct caged space according to your dog's size. Also, dogs can be territorial and dominant, be sure to know the location of the nearest 24 hour Emergency Vet Clinics to the dog parks and hikes where you take your dog(s).
4. Outdoor Dining
Restaurants, breweries, and cafes are catching up to the fact that some pooch mommas/poppas won't go anywhere their pooches aren't allowed, and are expanding to pooch friendly outdoor gathering spaces.
5. Outdoor Shopping
Outdoor malls and other shopping areas are also catching up. On super hot summer days, Sunny rather go easy strolling around air conditioned stores than going for outdoor hikes. (Me too ;))
Hope this post inspires you to go seek your surrounding dog friendly spots so that you too can spend some relaxing outdoor time with your pooch. And if you want to legally bring your pet anywhere you go: supermarkets, stores, restaurants, hotels, ride shares, planes... click here to certify your pooch as an Emotional Support Animal!
