As summer is upon us, dog owners and lovers eagerly look forward to enjoying the sunny weather with their furry companions. Fortunately, Australia has a vibrant dog-friendly culture, offering a variety of events tailored to our four-legged friends. In this blog, I thought I’d share some thoughts around some ideas on what you can do this summer with your pooch. You will be sure to have a great time too!
Dog-friendly Summer Activities
1. Beach Days with your big dog
What better way to beat the heat than by taking your dog to the beach? Australia has gorgeous beaches and a stunning coastline whether you’re in WA, NSW, Qld or really anywhere along our coastline. Having said that, do watch the signs and investigate first checking out what beaches are dog-friendly before visiting. Signage is not always clear; as Caesar and I discovered one visit to the Gold Coast. The sign was up in the dunes about 250 metres away from the water’s edge to indicate where the dog-friendly section ended. Remember also to keep your dog on a lead and clean up after you. If we do the right thing, hopefully there won’t be issues and Councils won’t ban our dogs and we can all enjoy our beautiful beaches. Also, don’t forget some water. Beach play can be thirsty work.
2. Pawsome Picnics in the Park
Summer is the perfect time to head out to the park with your pup for a delightful picnic. Many parks in Australia welcome dogs on a leash, allowing you to soak up the sunshine while enjoying a delicious meal. Bring along a comfy blanket, some dog-friendly snacks, and maybe even a frisbee or ball for some playtime. Some popular dog-friendly parks include Melbourne's Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney's Centennial Park, and Brisbane's New Farm Park. May I say, I visited Melbourne’s Botanic Gardens recently and it’s simply beautiful; well worth a walk through; even better if your 4 legged friend can join you.
3. Dog-Friendly Festivals
Summer in Australia is synonymous with festivals, and luckily, many of these events now cater to our canine companions. Be it music festivals, food festivals or even art festivals, many have become dog-friendly, allowing you to enjoy the festivities with your furry friend by your side. Check out events like the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival, Sydney's City2Surf, or the Adelaide Fringe Festival, where dogs are welcome and can revel in the atmosphere, right alongside you.
4. Dog-Friendly Markets
We’ve tonnes of markets all over the country. Some are large and bustling, others are smaller once-a-month country markets. Whatever the market, most embrace a dog-friendly policy. As always, teach your dog to walk nicely with you, have great focus and behave well on a lead. It can be a bustling environment, so training might be helpful; starting small, or when it’s a bit quieter and building you both up. Not only can you browse through stalls offering fresh produce and handmade crafts, but your doggo can experience the array of smells and interactions. You might even find a stall just for dogs with bones, treats or balls. 😊
5. Canine Water Sports
Summer is the ideal time to introduce your water-loving dog to exciting activities such as doggy paddleboarding, surfing, or even dock diving. Many places across Australia now offer water sports specifically designed for dogs, ensuring they have a ‘splashing good time’. These activities are great exercise, fresh air and fun, plus it’s a great way to bond with your pooch. Look out for dog-friendly water sports providers such as Wet'n'Wild Sydney's Aqua Paws program or various surf schools offering doggy-friendly surf lessons. Don’t forget good old-fashioned local waterways, boating, kayaking or beach visits too. And if you can’t get out; maybe a sprinkler on the lawn or a half shell with water will do the trick too. Just heed water regulations and be conscious of pool depths so little kids are not at risk of drowning.
6. Doggie Socials and Playdates
It doesn’t have to be summer to visit friends who have dogs too. Dogs are very social animals and love getting out, visiting and seeing other buddies. Start the socialisation when they are young and keep it up (coupled with excellent dog training) so they behave well and everyone enjoys the experience. More and more cafés are dog-friendly too, so again, start your dog young and train them to behave nicely whilst you enjoy a nice coffee. Don’t forget their ‘mat’ (if you’ve done mat training”) as well as a treat or two to occupy them.
7. Dog-friendly Camping
I love camping and what is even better is camping with my dog. Since COVID, I’ve somewhat ditched the overseas trips, but instead get away about once a month to camp and with most of my friends having dogs, our criteria is that it’s got to be dog-friendly. Many campgrounds across Australia welcome well-behaved dogs and offer designated dog-friendly areas. If you want to find dog-friendly campgrounds, there are a few Facebook groups specifically geared around camping with dogs – check them out. We’ve visited some fabulous spots and the dogs are so well-behaved; I don’t know why some of the Council parks are still holding out? Remember to pack their ‘camp gear’ (a list is often a great idea so nothing important is forgotten) and, of course, ensure your tick prevention is current as bush camping can expose them to nasties.
I keep a copy of my dog’s current vaccination certificate on my phone in case ever asked.
8. Dog-friendly Wineries
For the wine lovers out there, why not visit a dog-friendly winery and savor a glass or two while your furry companion lounges by your side? Several wineries in Australia offer dog-friendly facilities, allowing you to enjoy a wine-tasting experience without leaving your four-legged friend behind, locked up at home. Regions such as the Yarra Valley in Victoria, Margaret River in Western Australia, and the Hunter Valley in New South Wales are known for their dog-friendly vineyards. Check out their websites or call ahead to confirm their pet policies before visiting.
9. Dog Sports and Training
If your dog loves to learn and participate in activities, attending a dog sports or group training is not only a great way to stimulate them, keep them well-trained, but it’s a great time to get out. The trip in the car, plus then the event, seeing other dogs, plus provides mental stimulation for your dog and also strengthens the bond between you both. You can engage in agility trials, obedience competitions, smelling challenges and much more. Keep an eye out for local dog training clubs or organisations that host these events near you.
Summer in Australia is a wonderful time for dog owners and dog lovers to enjoy a plethora of dog-friendly events – many of which make the most of our great outdoors. Whether it is a beach day, a picnic in the park, a festival, a market visit, camping or exploring water sports – it’s fantastic for both the wellbeing of your pet, and also for you. Prepare, have everything you need (leads, poop bags, water container, treats) and research the rules and regulations in advance, so that it’s a great experience for you both. I’ve taken to having a ‘doggy bag’ in the car with the necessities in the car permanently; if we go anywhere, I’m prepared and never caught out. Enjoy our Aussie summer with your dog – big or small. 😊