If you’re like most people, you have a budget that you like to try and stick to. I know how challenging it can be, but keeping to a budget doesn’t have to be boring! As pets can be costly and expenses can pile up at any time, I’ve put together a list of budget friendly activities that you can do with your dog! Enjoying your pet’s company shouldn’t have to cost money, like so many things in life do. So enjoy this list, which is relevant for any time of year.
Budget Friendly Activities To Do With Your Dog
Have a picnic: Whether it’s in your backyard (as I like to do) or at a park, pack up a basket with some lunch and treats, and enjoy an afternoon picnic with your pups! Not only is this activity budget friendly, but it’s also relaxing. Include some fruits and veggies that you can munch on with your dog, and bring a ball to play some fetch afterwards. Picnics are always a fun option! Peterboro Basket Co. was generous enough to send me this beautiful picnic basket so I can pack up goodies for myself and my three dogs!
Make homemade treats: One of my favorite things to do for my dogs at home is make treats! I have a whole list of simple and inexpensive treats you can make for your dog using ingredients you already have in your kitchen! Not only is making DIY dog treats super fun, but seeing your dogs enjoy them at the end is so rewarding.
Go to the drive thru: More and more drive thrus are becoming dog-friendly. They often offer treats and special goodies if you have pups in your car. My favorite drive thru to visit with my dogs is Dairy Queen. They offer “pup cups,” and they are FREE! Here’s a list of dog-friendly drive thrus for you.
Check out a new state park: In Arizona we are lucky to have lots of beautiful state parks. The whether is nice enough to discover new outdoor places a majority of the year. Look up some great dog-friendly parks and trails in your area. I’m sure there’s a place you haven’t visited yet! Your dog will love getting out and exploring a new place with you.
Play dates: What’s more fun than a doggy play date?! Get together with a friend or friends who have dogs that get along with yours. Play at your house for an hour or head to the dog park together. The socialization is good for your pup and you!
Mini photography session: Wynston is a pro at taking photos, but even if your dog isn’t, why not practice a bit? Most pet parents love taking pictures of their beloved animals. Whether you have a professional camera or smart phone, practice taking photos of your dog using positive reinforcement. Use props (as long as they are safe) to create fun scenes. Your dog will love all of the extra treats! This activity is a fantastic bonding and training experience.
Nose work in the house: During the hot summer months I like to put my dogs in a room for a few minutes then hide treats around the house. When I let them loose it’s so much fun to see my dogs run around the house and sniff the treats out. This budget friendly activity is perfect for mental stimulation. You can also do this activity outside in your yard.
Plant dog friendly herbs: You can purchase herbs at any store than has a lawn and garden area, and you can even purchase them at the grocery store! Herbs are inexpensive and you don’t even need pots to plant a lot of them. You can use plastic cups or the containers that the herbs came in. Don’t have a yard? No worries! You can grow these dog friendly herbs inside!
Go to PetSmart: Get out of the house with your dog and head to your local pet store! Whether it’s PetSmart or a different store that allows dogs, it’s a great way to have some fun with your pup. Just because you go to the store doesn’t mean you have to spend money! You can have fun just browsing and taking photos of your dog shopping.
What are some budget friendly activities that you enjoy doing with your dog?
Tori says
I had no idea that pup cups at drivethurs could be FREE! I will have to try that some day. Thanks for the tips!
Forest Poodles says
Great list! I’m a big fan of nose work games on rainy days!
Ryann says
We have a Red heeler who needs a lot of exercise and mental stimulation. Her favorite game is hide and seek! I will throw her ball across the house (we have a one floor home that is super open so this is easy for me) and then I will hide somewhere. Usually I only hide behind doors and behind the bed, and then when she catches on too quick I will change it up but it is amazing mental stimulation for her!!