Your best friend doesn’t have to stay at home while you’re out having fun. Here’s 15 pawsitively perfect dog friendly date ideas for couples who love their dogs.
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As a dog lover, I can attest to the many benefits of bringing your furry friend/s along with you on a date.
First and foremost, it’s a great way to spend quality time together as a family.
Our furbabies are only with us for such a short time and they deserve to experience just as big a life as you do.
Even though our little griffon Maisy isn’t up for big walks, she loves nothing more than going in her “red racer,” which is our name for her pet stroller.
She’s also finally let us put her into her K9 sport sack which lets us navigate some spaces and places more easily.
Winston, of course, is another story. He loves to walk but will, at times, get tired and refuse to budge, forcing you to pick him up and carry him. It’s an arm workout for sure.
We’ve found both babies seem much happier when they’ve been out with us than when we go out and leave them at home (funny that).
Which of course leads in to my second reason, which is that bringing your dog/s along in your date can help to alleviate any guilt you may feel for leaving them at home while you’re out.
Now lest you think its all roses, there are some potential downsides of taking your dog on a date that you should be aware of.
For one, not all restaurants or other date locations are dog-friendly, so you need to do some research beforehand to find places where your dog will be welcome.
We learned that the hard way on a recent trip to a very dog unfriendly area. We couldn’t even grab a coffee with them!
Additionally, your dog may not always behave perfectly on a date – they may bark, whine, or otherwise act out, which can be embarrassing or even disruptive.
My way of thinking is that you chose to bring your dogs with you, so you do what you need to do in terms of making them comfortable even if that means cutting your date short.
Knowing your dog is key, as it paying attention to how they are during your date and responding appropriately.
All that aside, with a little bit of planning and preparation, a date that includes your dogs is usually a positive experience for everyone involved.
And can I add – I’m NOT a fan of dog parks. Our little dogs get quite frightened and this manifests as a lot of barking and lunging. The aim of the date is to have fun, not distress them, so dog parks are off the table for us.
Dog friendly date ideas
The following date ideas are all doggy approved!
- Hike together. Enjoy the great outdoors by taking a hike with your dog. Choose a dog-friendly trail and bring plenty of water and treats for you and your pup
- Go on a bike ride. Take your pup on a bike ride in a dog-friendly area. Use a bicycle basket to secure them to the bike and enjoy the ride
- Go on a doggy date. Set up a playdate with another dog and their owner. It’s a great way for your pup to socialize and for you to have a fun double date
- Go on a picnic. Pack a picnic with these romantic picnic foods and head to a local park. Bring along some frisbees or balls for your furry friend to play with and enjoy the outdoors
- Go on a road trip. Pack up the car and hit the road with your pup. Choose a dog-friendly destination and enjoy the journey together (true story – we bought an rv so we could road trip with our babies!)
- Have a dog-friendly vacation. Book a stay at a dog-friendly hotel and enjoy a mini-vacation with your furry friend. Look for somewhere that offers special amenities like dog beds, treats, and toys to make your stay even more enjoyable. Explore the local area and enjoy some quality time together
- Prepare for some DIY or home maintenance with a doggy date to Home Depot. I was worried the first time we took Maisy and Winston to a store as Winston does have a habit of cocking his leg on everything outside but thankfully he respected the merchandise!
- Do a day at the beach. Our babies love dogging in the sand and playing in the shallow water. Just ensure you watch the temperature and have shade available. (Check out these other beach date ideas for what you can do when you get there)
- Take a long walk in your favorite area, be it in the park, the beach, or the streets in your neighborhood
- Take a pedicab tour. Many cities offer pedicab tours that allow dogs. Sit back and relax as you explore the city with your furry friend by your side. It’s a unique way to see the sights and enjoy some quality time with your pup
- Take a pet-friendly boat ride. Our local ferry will bring you right to the most popular beach in the area, so you can do an add on with the beach date idea!
- Take a yoga class. Some yoga studios offer dog-friendly classes. Get your zen on with your furry friend by your side. If they enjoy it, you could take it to the next level with a doga class
- Visit a dog-friendly restaurant. Many restaurants have outdoor patios where dogs are welcome. Take your furry friend on a dinner date and enjoy some delicious food together. I still remember Maisy’s first puppucccino and her cute milk moustache
- Visit a Farmer’s Market. Take a stroll with your furry friend, sample some fresh produce and enjoy the local atmosphere
- Visit a pet store. Take your pup on a shopping spree at a local pet store. Let them choose a new toy or treat and enjoy some quality time together
If you’re still on the hunt for dog friendly date ideas, I recommend checking out websites like Bring Fido – you will find unique activities in your area.
Check your local community calendar or Facebook page for dog-friendly events too. From outdoor concerts to walks, you’ll be spoilt for choice.
Two’s company, three’s a pack: with these 15 dog-friendly dates for you and your partner you can make the most of your time with your furry friend/s.
Love these date ideas and want more? Check out these date ideas for couples.