If you live in Southern California, you know that we don’t really get much of the“fall” season until late November, December… if that. To help you make it feel more like fall, check out our list of ideas that both you and your dog will enjoy.
1. Update your dogs’ bedding
You know those old blankets that have holes in them or were that yummy bright color you loved over the summer? It’s time to update and renew your dogs’ bedding and/or your dogs’ bed. We love shopping Tj Maxx or Marshall’s for soft crate liners or blankets. We also love the beautiful prints by Pet P.L.A.Y.
2. Buy a few new candles
Don’t you just love the SMELL of fall? Dogs benefit from aromatherapy too. We love to update our smell around the house with new candles in great fall scents like “Evergreen forest” or “Cabin” themed smells. Also anything Sandalwood, Fir, or Amber screams fall. Check out other scents that help to create a calming mood for both you and your dog.
3. Take a long walk
You know that feeling of a really good long walk with fresh air? Well your dogs long for it. Spend 45 min with your dog after work and take them on a long walk around the neighborhood. With summer over and the clocks changing soon- it’s important to take time to relax and walk your dog. It’s beneficial to both you and your dog.
Top 15 things to do with your dog this Fall. Take your dogs camping.
4. Camping
To me, nothing beats that chilly feeling and warming up next to a campfire. In California, we are lucky enough to still be able to camp late into the year. It doesn’t get too cold here so grab those Pendleton blankets and your pups and spend a weekend in your own “backyard” camping!
5. Thoroughly clean your car/house
Now that it’s no longer “summer” take the extra time to do a good deep cleaning in the kitchen, living room, car, and get all that dog hair vacuumed up and ready for your pups to get real cozy in all their new bedding.
Top 15 things to do with your dog this Fall. Take your dog hiking.
6. Go Hiking
It’s important to still stay active during the fall/winter months and while it may not be that cold out- you might not feel that urge to put on your wetsuit and go surfing. How about bundle up and go for a beautiful hike along the California coast or in one of our beautiful canyons. Take these moments to smell the crisp air and see the leaves changing. I love going for hikes during the fall because, to me, it’s where I see the leaves change the most and get that ‘fall feeling’ that I crave.
7. Make Dog Treats at home
Why not spend a night making homemade dog treats out of pumpkin? Nothing “screams Fall” more than pumpkin. Not only do dogs love pumpkin, but it’s really good for them too!
8. Schedule a Fall Family Photo shoot- Include your dog!
Now is the perfect time to schedule a family photo shoot with your pup included! After all, they are part of your family. So if you haven’t set up a date yet, hurry! They can be your Family holiday cards.
9. Start a project
Make a goal for the last few months of the year. Include your dog in this goal, or have several goals but one just for your dog. It’s a great way to feel accomplished as we finish out 2014.
10. Sew a Dog Blanket
Have you had that fabric laying around for forever now? Not sure what to use it for? Now is the perfect time to make a dog blanket. Or find a cool pattern online and make a dog bow or bow tie attachment for your dogs collar. Use great fall colors like jade, mustard yellow, and ruby!
Top 15 things to do with your dog this Fall. Subscribe to DogTv
11. Subscribe to DogTv
Seriously! DogTV works. We have personally seen it in action. Sign up for a free month trial and be amazed at how it might calm your dog down or keep your dog entertained on days when you can’t get outside on your walk or hike. Just like you- Your dog will probably have his favorite ‘shows’.
Top 15 things to do with your dog this Fall. Volunteer at your local shelter.
12. Volunteer
Have some down time on the weekends? Don’t own a dog? Volunteer at your local shelter. The greatest gift we can give is love and affection and there are hundreds of dogs out there that need love and affection.
Consider donating that dog blanket you plan on making.
13. Rent a Cabin
Not a camper but still want to get away for the weekend? Rent a cabin somewhere and get that same fall feeling! Call to make sure your dogs are welcome.
Top 15 things to do with your dog this Fall. Visit a dog beach.
14. Go to the beach
We don’t get that cold here in California… and believe it or not but the fall/winter are my favorite times to go to the beach. Grab your thick comfy sweater, a pair of uggs (or vegan ones!), and a blanket… Grab your favorite book and a cup of coffee and just read and listen to the sound of the waves crashing on the shore. It’s one of my favorite things to do in the fall/winter here because the beaches aren’t crowded, like they are in the summer.
15. Spa Day
Take your dog to have a spa day at the local groomers, and when you drop them off- go get a facial for yourself! Right now the air has been dry and you may have noticed your dog has been itchy… Hurry up and book an appointment with your local groomer for a soothing oatmeal bath to tend to that itchy skin.
It’s not impossible to experience ‘fall/winter’ in California. What are your favorite activities when transitioning from Summer into Fall? We’d love to hear about them in the comments section!
Xo Luna
