10 Water Activities to Enjoy With Your Dog

As summer creeps in and the weather gets hot, dog parents are quick to find ways to keep their pups cool and comfortable. In most cases, we look for fun water activities for all to enjoy, pups included! From backyard pool parties to beach trips, there are plenty of entertaining water activities to enjoy in the summer months. So if you’re looking for ways to keep your pooch cool, we’ve got you covered with 10 water activities to enjoy with your dog this summer.  

1. Pool Parties

For those who are lucky enough to have backyard pools, you may prefer lounging poolside with your pup over a beach trip. Chlorinated water won’t leave your dog stinky from the ocean, and you won’t have to spend hours cleaning sand from your car or bathing your furry friend when you get home.

Though many dogs love to swim, it's important to note that not all dogs are natural-born swimmers. A dog should never be forced to swim if they don’t want to, so don’t even think about throwing or pulling them in if they aren’t ready.

Top tip: it’s smart to schedule a potty break before they dive in— dogs will pee in a pool if the urge hits.

2. Provide a Dog Pool or Kiddie Pool

For those who don’t have a backyard pool and live too far from a swimmable water source, try creating your own doggie pool. This is especially great for those dogs who are older, less active or less enthused about swimming, but enjoy water fun. Head to your local store and purchase a dog pool (or a small kiddie pool) and fill it with water. The relief and fun that comes with playing in the shallow water is a quick and easy way to keep dogs active and cool at the same time.

Get more backyard inspo: How to Create a Dog-Friendly Backyard For Your Pup.

3. Sprinkler and Hose Fun

Nothing says summertime fun like running through the sprinklers on a hot summer day! And just like the neighborhood kids, there are plenty of dogs who love to frolic in the sprinklers as well. The best kinds of sprinklers to use are the oscillating or pop up sprinklers. You can definitely use rotating lawn sprinklers, but they're not ideal when trying to turn your backyard into a water park. On the off chance that you don’t have quality sprinklers for your backyard fun, try using a hose.

As always, dogs must be supervised during sprinkler or hose play. Some dogs enjoy biting at the water and trying to drink it, which can lead to water intoxication. 

4. Beach Trips 

Trips to the beach provide great opportunities for summer fun with your dog. There are tons of beach spots across the country that welcome pets, some in off-hours, and others at specific times of the year. Your pup will have a blast playing in the ocean, as long as the beach is pet friendly, so make sure to check before you head out. Once there, always keep a close eye on your dog and obey any leash guidelines. Never allow your dog to fully swim into the ocean where the tide can pull them out. And if you do let your dog frolic in the ocean, don’t let them consume the water as it can be toxic for them to ingest.

If your dog loves the water, but isn’t a strong swimmer, try getting them a canine life jacket for a boost of confidence and some extra support. Life jackets can be a fundamental tool in teaching your dog how to swim. Plus if your dog gets too tired or scared while swimming, the vest can help them get safely to shore.

5. River or Lake Trips

Just like beach trips, lake or river outings aren’t much different when it comes to choosing a spot and staying safe. Make sure the location you’re visiting is pet friendly and that the water isn’t toxic to swim in. Avoid lakes and ponds with algae on the surface and take note of any warnings or signs posted in the area about the cleanliness of the water. And just like the beach, make sure you have your eyes on your pooch at all times. Although not always common in safe, swimmable spots, rivers can have a deadly undercurrent so just be careful.

6. Paddle Boarding

This fun water sport involves standing on a large board with your dog while using a paddle to move gently through the water. The best places to paddle-board are in lakes with freshwater and minimal dangers. You can, however, try venturing in the ocean if you and your pup are experienced paddle-boarders and swimmers. 

If you’re interested in giving this sport a shot, take a beginner class taught by a certified instructor without your dog so you can get comfortable on the board before your pooch joins in. As for Fido, they'll need to know and understand basic commands such as sit and stay, which are necessary for the dog’s safety and yours. It's recommended to acquaint your dog with the board by having them do sit, lay, stand exercises on land before hitting the open water. Paddle-boarding serves as a great form of exercise and a wonderful bonding activity for you and your pup to enjoy together. 

7. Kayaking

If paddle-boarding seems a little too intense for you, maybe try kayaking instead! Most kayaks can hold small to medium-sized dogs, but almost any dog can learn to kayak if basic training skills are used. Building a dog’s confidence in and on the water first is super important as a kayak can rock unpredictably. It is recommended to do some on-land training with your pup to become acclimated to the kayak’s movement before adjusting to water.

Kayaking is a great form of exercise and is an incredible way to spend quality time with your pooch in the great outdoors. Just like most activities mentioned in this article, never force a dog to do something that makes them upset, anxious, or afraid. If you are planning a kayak trip this summer with your dog, make sure to pack the essentials before hitting the open water, such as life jackets, drinking water, collapsible water and food bowl, first aid kit, waterproof phone case, towel, and sunscreen for both you and your pup - yes, dogs can get sunburned too!

8. Canoeing

If kayaking with your pup seems too nerve racking, try taking a safe step back with canoeing. Most often, dogs who love car rides enjoy canoeing. If you're an inexperienced canoer, try taking the boat out and getting your “sea legs” before adding your pooch to the mix. Dogs should wear a life jacket, especially if they aren’t strong swimmers, and make sure that your dog understands and responds to basic commands. 

9. Dog Diving

Does your dog love water and the game of fetch? Will they stop at nothing to retrieve their ball, stick, or toy? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, then you should try dog diving as your next ultimate summer activity! Dog diving is a simple sport that involves throwing your dog’s favorite toy into a body of water, such as a lake, while they wait on a dock to retrieve it. Once ready, you give the green light and your dog runs, leaps into the air off the dock, lands in the water, and fetches their favorite toy. The one with the longest measured jump is declared the winner. 

Dog Diving is a competitive sport in the dog world. Jumps can be as short as 2 feet for newcomers and up to 30 feet for more experienced canines. Dogs of all sizes and breeds can compete, but the ones who seemed to do the best in terms of winning are larger breeds with larger strides. If your dog loves to swim and will do anything for his favorite toy, consider dog diving for wet, wild fun.

10. Surfing

Why hang ten when you hang four paws?! This water activity is perhaps lesser known, but has become more popular in recent years. Dog surfing is only for those experienced owners and pups, as both you and your dog should love the water and be proficient swimmers. There are plenty of places where beginners can learn how to “hang ten” by the guidance of a surf instructor. 

We hope we've inspired you with these 10 water activities to enjoy with your dog. Hopefully they'll help your dog to beat the heat when temperatures are soaring! Our tumblers with dog designs are the perfect accompaniment to beach trips and days out. Keep your drink cool to help you stay hydrated - find your breed today.