No backyard: ideas for summer Exercise and social

[Judy Smith]

Hi! 

Our 1 year old Goldendoodle is a sweetie but needs more exercise and socialization opportunities in the heat. We run her on the golf course behind our little yard and walk her after the sun goes down every day. Any ideas? 

Thanks!

Judy, mom to Katie

[Leslie J]

Where we like it also gets hot in the summer- frequently over 100 but probably not as hot as Los Vegas! I put Mutluk booties on Cocoa so the pavement doesn’t hurt her feet. We take a nice long walk early in the morning. There are some stores (like pet shops) that allow dogs if she wants a little stimulation.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Off leash running is important for most doodles, especially the bigger ones. Doggy daycare might be an option. Also, a lot of schools have fenced in playgrounds where you can sometimes take a dog in the evening or on weekends to run & play off-leash. 

In my area, there are sections of the forest preserves that are designated dog exercise areas; kind of a huge dog park in the woods, where you can hike the trails and most of them even have a pond of some kind. If that kind of thing isn't an option in your area, you might look for a well-run and well-policed dog park. These are safest during the "off" hours. 

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

Hi Judy, we live in Az and I understand how the heat can be a problem. We  have to walk ours earlier and earlier as we head into the dead of summer. The golf course is not an option for us, as dogs are not allowed, but since you have that option, I would utilize that as much as possible. We have many great dog parks, and as was mentioned, Pet stores and even some Home Depots and Lowe's allow dogs to come inside.  When we absolutely can't get them outside, we find they enjoy "Hall-Ball" where we just keep tossing balls down the hall of our house.  I haven't tried the Muttluk boots (they are about $60 for a set) but do see them a lot when we hike and others have dogs with them. That's probably a great option if you can't get out before it gets too hot, in the mornings.