DIY Summer Events for Active Pups!

With the summer sun blazing and the weekend wide open, sometimes the best dog day is one you put together yourself. Big community events are great, but if your dog has a ton of energy and a short fuse for crowds, a packed pavilion probably isn't their idea of a good time.

Here are a few ways to wear your pup out this summer, one right in your own backyard and one of our favorite local spots to cool down on a hot day. We also threw in some frozen treat recipes at the end because honestly, they deserve it.

1. The Backyard Splash Pad

You don't need a dog park or a trail for this one, just a hose, a kiddie pool, and about ten minutes of setup. This is one of those things that sounds too simple but dogs absolutely lose their minds over it.

What you need:

• A plastic kiddie pool or one of those splash pads (around $15-20 at Walmart or Target)

• A garden hose and/or sprinkler

• Some of their favorite floating toys and definitely some treats

How to set it up:

If you don't have a kiddie pool, or a sprinkler pad you can super DIY this with a tarp, a low spot or some wood/pool noodles/similar around the outside, place tarp over, put in a sprinkler and voila, diy splash pad! Throw in some treats (carrots, blueberries, apple pieces all work great) toss them in and let them go fishing.

For dogs who aren't immediately sure about water, don't force it but sometimes a little show and tell can help and you get a nice cool down too Your dog trusts you so most liekly theyll venture in to be with you andalmost guarenteed to get some great zoomies afterwards (please tag us in your post if that happens!!).

2. The Shaded Stroll at Maclay Flat Nature Trail

If you want a solid walk without worrying about the heat baking your dog's paws, Maclay Flat is one of our go-tos. This is an on-leash walk but know that most let their dogs off leash at the river beach area but 9 times out of 10 they have great recall.

• The vibe: A flat, easy loop through trees with river access along the way

• The walk: It's about 1.8 mile loop but there are cut throughs to make it shorter if needed and really well-maintained. Dogs need to be on leash here, which actually makes it a great spot for working on leash manners around other people and dogs without the chaos of a busy trail

• The cool down: The path runs right alongside the Bitterroot River so there are plenty of spots to stop and let your dog wade in, splash around and get a drink. The gravel bars are calm and shallow, which is perfect for dogs who like water but aren't strong swimmers

A Quick Safety Note Before You Head Out

Early summer river levels in Missoula can still run fast and high. If you're letting your dog swim, make sure they have a solid recall before letting them barrel into the river. Rivers may look slow on top but they are raging underneath, your dog may love swimming but getting caught in a current can sweep away the best swimmers. And as always pack extra waste bags. Missoula's trails are beautiful because people actually clean up after their dogs. Let's keep it that way.

Frozen Treat Recipes to End the Day Right

After a big day outside your dog has earned something cold. These are easy to make the night before and keep well in the freezer.

Peanut Butter Banana Pops Blend 1 ripe banana + 2 tablespoons of peanut butter (make sure it's xylitol-free) + half a cup of plain unsweetened yogurt. Pour into an ice cube tray, silicone molds or stuff into their favorite kong ball or lick mat and freeze overnight. Pop one out after your walk and let them go to town.

Watermelon Chunks Remove the seeds and rind, cut into small pieces and freeze flat on a baking sheet before tossing into a bag. Seedless watermelon is safe for dogs and most of them are obsessed with it. Super easy, no blending needed.

Blueberry Yogurt Bites Mix plain unsweetened yogurt with fresh or frozen blueberries and spoon into an ice cube tray (or into their favorite treat toy). Freeze until solid. Blueberries are full of antioxidants and most dogs will eat them straight up anyway, so this is basically a health food.

Always check with your vet if your dog has any food sensitivities or health conditions before introducing new foods. And if you ever need someone to wear your pup out while you're at work... you know where to find us.