5 Things Your Dog Wants To Do With You This Summer

Summer opens the door to endless possibilities for adventure and connection with your dog, and it’s the perfect time to try something new together. As you wade through new territory, you'll forge a stronger bond and create memories that'll make you smile long after they happen.

Whether it’s a river float or a high-altitude hike, plan to start small, be patient, and leave behind any notions of reaching instant “pro status”. Ready to gear up and get out there? Here are our top five favorite summer activities to do with your dog.

1. Stand-Up Paddleboarding With Your Dog

Summer is prime time to try out Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP) with your pup. Time on the water (and inevitably in the water for some first-timers) is refreshing, and it's a must-try for all those splash-happy dogs and humans out there.

A little research and prep goes a long way when setting your dog up for success. Former Ruffwear ambassador Maria Schultz SUPs with her two sidekicks, Kona and Riley. She's written a book about it – How to SUP With Your Pup – and even leads classes and clinics on it.

A few things she talks about in her book include getting your dog acquainted with the board on land and practicing basic commands like "Sit" on the board. This helps establish a solid foundation for when you hit the water.

For any adventure on water, a dog life jacket is an essential piece of gear to have in your dog's kit. No matter how strong a swimmer your dog is, it's both safer and easier to SUP when they're wearing one of these. Check out the Confluence™ Dog Life Jacket and Float Coat™ Dog Life Jacket for buoyancy, visibility, and peace of mind on the water.

2. Camping With Your Dog

Camping together is an opportunity to see wilderness through your dog’s eyes. Lakes become more than just part of the landscape – they’re ideal places to splash and swim. And pinecones are no longer just pinecones – they’re the most incredible toy any dog has ever seen since the beginning of time.

If you've never been camping with your dog before, the logistics can seem a little daunting at first. But when it comes to hunkering down on a patch of dirt and calling the great outdoors home with your canine by your side, their basic needs are the same as ours: a place to sleep, food to eat, and water to drink.

If you're setting up camp with your dog, the Knot-a-Hitch™ makes it easy to keep them close without keeping them tied to one spot. This campsite tie-out system gives your dog room to explore while you cook, set up, or relax by the fire. With climbing-inspired hardware and a durable, reflective rope, it's built for the rigors of camp life and easy to set up between trees or on a post.

3. Trail Running With Your Dog

Pick your path, settle into your pace, and follow that wagging tail along a string of singletrack. You'll find that the simplicity and freedom of trail running with your dog taps into a kind of joy that's pure and unbridled.

It's a great way to explore new sights and smells together while upping you and your pup's cardio fitness. Pull out a map and look for those wandering dashed lines – starting with the shorter ones at first and working your way up to longer mileage.

The Trail Runner™ Belt and Leash are made for moving in sync with your dog on the run. The belt sits comfortably and securely around your waist, freeing up your hands while absorbing the impact of sudden pulls. Paired with the lightweight, stretchable leash, it’s the go-to setup for logging miles together on road or trail.

4. Peak Bagging With Your Dog

There's a lot to take in as you ascend to new heights together. What seems unsurmountable solo is suddenly achievable with a four-legged motivator ahead on the trail. Dogs have an astounding ability to silence any doubt and fatigue with their ever-exuberant attitudes in the face of pretty much any obstacle.

Peak bagging calls for plenty of fuel and water and being prepared for the variables that go hand-in-hand with mountain travel: shifting weather patterns, longer-than-expected mileage, navigation challenges, rough terrain, and more.

To protect those paws on varied terrain, Grip Trex™ Dog Boots are a must for peak bagging with your pup. The rugged Vibram® outsole provides reliable traction on rocky scrambles, while the breathable mesh upper keeps paws cool and comfortable. Built for a secure fit and lasting performance, they’re ready for any summit push.

5. Fly Fishing With Your Dog

It's the stuff dreams are made of – spending the day with your companion by your side while you delicately dance the fly across the water's surface. It's a lesson in being present and a reminder that dogs are happy simply being outside regardless of the activity. And we're happiest when we're out there with them.

The Web Master™ Harness is a great companion for fishing trips with your dog, offering a secure fit and a padded handle for helping them in and out of the water or over rocky riverbanks. Its supportive design provides comfort for all-day wear, whether your dog is wading, exploring, or lounging at the shoreline. With five points of adjustment, it stays put — even during unexpected splashes or scrambles.

No matter where summer takes you, your dog’s just happy to be by your side. So grab the gear, head out the door, and make the most of every adventure together.