Our Top Doggy Date Night Ideas

Man’s Best Friend had a special day this month: February 3rd was Doggy Date Night! Of course, if Fido were in charge, every day would be Doggy Date Night. That’s actually a great idea. It’s important to carve out time with your furry best friend regularly. A local Watertown, WI vet explains how to get that cute tail wagging with these great tips!

Doggy Date Night: Basic Info

Doggy date night is one of the more fun pet holidays on our calendar. However, there is a solid reason behind it. It’s important to spend lots of time with your canine companion. As well as being incredibly loyal, dogs are fun, lovable, affectionate, and intelligent. They’ve even put their lives on the line for us. They don’t ask for much in return, either. Apart from food, shelter, walks, and toys, Fido really just craves spending time with you. After all, you are the center of your pet’s world.

There are benefits for you as well. Dogs are not just good for our spirits, they are also good for us physically. They help us stay fit, lower our blood pressure, and reduce our risk of stroke and heart attacks.

Ideas For Doggy Date Night

One of the best things about Doggy Date Night? You don’t have to spend a lot of time or money to spoil your pet. The important thing is that he feels loved and protected.

What is Fido’s perfect date? That depends on his size, health, and personality. A Golden Retriever may love hiking, but a Chihuahua probably would rather play in the yard. 

Here are a few ‘pawesome’ suggestions from your Watertown, WI veterinarian:

Beauty Session 

Fido may not think of going to the salon as relaxing, but he does appreciate feeling clean and fresh. Book your pup a shampoo and blow-dry! (Bonus: you’ll be able to snuggle with a clean, fresh-smelling pet after.) 

Don’t forget the pawdicure. Nail trimmings are extremely important: overgrown claws can cause all sorts of issues. Make sure your furry buddy’s paw pads are protected with paw balm or wax.

Explorations

Although February may not be a good time for outdoor activities, that doesn’t mean you have to stay cooped up. If your canine pal doesn’t mind the cold, it can still be a great time to exercise. Weather permitting, take your pooch to a pretty spot.

Puppy Playdate

Consider arranging a playdate for Fido and his pals. Dogs are very sociable, and really enjoy spending time with their friends. Just make sure that your pet’s playmates are polite, well-trained, and current on vaccines and parasite control. We’d also suggest sticking with pets that have been fixed.

Photo Session

We’ll never get tired of seeing cute photos of our canine companions. Take some adorable photos of your furry companion. (Don’t forget to share them with us!)

Night At The Movies

Movies are a classic dating option. They work for Fido, too! Choose a film that features Man’s Best Buddy. A few of our favorites include Marley And Me, A Dog’s Purpose, Hachi, and Hotel For Dogs. Old Yeller is a tearjerker if you’re up for it.( Just make sure you have plenty of tissues.)

You don’t have to stay home for the movie. Drive-ins are making a comeback. Wisconsin once had almost 80: now we’re down to nine. However, we have a new digital one opening soon. Many are showing fun classics. 

This is a great way to spend some time with Fido. However, it is only a good option if you have a comfortable car. Make sure you pick up after your pet if you walk him during intermission.

Shopping Spree

Many pet stores welcome their canine customers. If your four-legged friend is well-behaved in new places, treat him by taking him shopping. It’s always cute watching Fido pick out his own toy at the pet store. 

Petucation

Did you know that many dogs enjoy training? You’ll need to start with the basics, such as Sit, Stay, Come, Heel, and Lay Down. However, once your cute pet has mastered these commands, show him some fun tricks and reward him with a special toy or treat.

Dinner Date

Dinner is also a pretty failsafe option. Buy or make something special for your canine friend. Just make sure to stick with things that are safe for him.

Games 

Try playing a fun game with Fido. Hide and Seek is a good one. You can even tailor the classic Three Cups game so your canine pal can play.

Treasure Hunt

Many dogs love sniffing out goodies. (Fun fact: your pup’s sense of smell is ten thousand to a hundred thousand times more acute than ours is.) Hide some small treats and snacks for your dog to find. Just remember to pick up the ones he missed.

Should I Introduce My Date To My Dog?

Dating can be a bit daunting. We’ll leave debates and discussions about the pros and cons of online dating to others, but we will say that if you’re interested in someone, we definitely recommend introducing them to your pet. 

That doesn’t necessarily mean take your pooch with you on a date, though you certainly can if the other party agrees. Of course, your plans will come into play here. Fido may make a great third wheel if you’re going on a picnic, but he probably won’t be allowed in a museum.

Dogs Without Dates

We can’t forget to mention the pups that are up for adoption and who are waiting for that special someone to indulge them, love them, and give them loving homes. Sadly, many dogs don’t have anyone to spend Doggy Date Night with!

If you’re considering adopting a dog, it may be wise to do some breed research first. Choosing the right dog can be very much like choosing your romantic partner, in that at the end of the day, it really just comes down to finding the right fit. 

Here are a few factors to consider:

• Exercise Needs
• Size
• Grooming Needs
• Intelligence
• Character
• Potential Health Issues
• Trainability
• Ability to get along with other pets
• Noise Levels
• Child-friendliness

Looking for a specific breed? If you go through a breeder, be sure to go with one that is reputable. You can also look for rescues that specialize in the breed you’re looking for. 

It’s also important to listen to your heart. For instance, you may think you want a Golden Retriever, but end up in love with a Pomeranian. 

Of course, there’s a lot to be said for mutts, too. Some of our most adorable patients are mixed breeds! The main thing is to be sure you are ready, willing, and able to take care of Fido for the rest of his life. Don’t be afraid to ask your Watertown, WI veterinarian for advice, either.

Conclusion: Doggy Date Night is a fun way to remind you how important it is to spend quality time with your dog. You can go to a drive-thru, watch a movie, cook a special dinner, or spend the night training and playing games. Just carve out some time for your furry best friend! 

Is your pooch due for an appointment? Contact us, your local Watertown, WI pet hospital, if you have questions about your dog’s health or care.