February 3rd is universally recognized as National Doggy Date Night, and while the world is struggling to live through these turbulent times, we still find ways to reward our doggies for their unwavering love and compassion. It could be your pooch’s favorite snack (as long as it doesn’t ruin their nutrition), a new toy, or even a long walk to the park. For next year’s National Date Night, however, why don’t we go the extra mile?
As dog parents, there are several ways to treat our adorable pups on this special day. They might not be able to communicate with us through speech, but we certainly feel it when our pooches are thankful! This article is a brief round-up on how to celebrate National Date Night with your good boi.
1. Give your dog a nice massage
Don’t we all fancy a good, relaxing massage once in a while? Well, our four-legged pals love it too, so this is definitely a good way to spend annual doggy date night! Your pooches love having you as their owners, so it’s only natural for them to feel exclusively comfortable with you when you massage their paws. You don’t even have to be a professional massage therapist to massage your pup— just try to make them feel special by caressing their fur or taking the time for a little extra petting session.
If you want to take it a step further, you can also try doing the Tellington Touch Technique (commonly known as the “T-Touch”). It’ll certainly put your dog into zen mode!
2. Take your dog on a picnic in the park
Most dogs adore the outdoors, so a surefire way to make your dog happy is by spending an entire day together in the park! It’s always a good idea to go on a nice picnic, complete with a picnic blanket, some food (don’t forget the doggie treats!), and his favorite ball! You can spend the day playing catch or by letting your dog socialize with other pooches in the area!
To make the picnic extra special, you can also try whipping up a nice, homemade treats for you and your pet to enjoy!
3. Make a handmade toy
For the creative fur parents out there, this idea is amazing to uplift your dog’s spirits on his special day! While it sounds like a bit of a challenge at first, creating a DIY toy for your pup is an extremely satisfying experience — you would see how happy they are when they see new toys to play with! Of course, it depends on your skill level, creativity with arts and crafts, and the materials available in your home, but you can always make something if you’re the imaginative type.
Your DIY toy can be as simple as a knotted towel and a tossable toy made from old shirts! For advanced options, you can also try creating special treat puzzles or chewable toys made from ropes.
4. Take your dog on a special walk
Dogs need to go on walks at least once or twice a day, but why not spice things up by taking your pooch on a special route for a day? These special walks are the epitome of dog-friendly dates as they allow you to go on a new adventure with your pup. Maybe you can try walking on different roads within your neighborhood, or even go out on a trip to the forest and the mountains!
On this special walk, your dog will see new sights, smell new things…the same feeling when you smell a new book for the first time!
5. Go watch a movie at the drive-in
Did you ever want to take your dog to the movies, but they wouldn’t allow pets? Here’s your chance. Go look for a drive-in theatre near you. This is a seasonal activity and becoming obscure in the age of streaming. But they still exist and you should experience one of the most popular cultural relics of the 20th century. Drive up with your puppy, order some food, and enjoy a slasher movie under the stars. Having trouble finding one? You could always just set up a projector, hang some white linen sheets, and then roll out a picnic blanket in your own backyard if all else fails.
6. Visit a local home improvement store
Do you remember when you told yourself you want an above-ground pool for you and your dog? What happened to the trampoline you promised your pupper? Did you say you always wanted to build a dog house? You can get all these and more when you visit your local Target or Home Depot. They both allow you to bring your dogs as long as they’re well-behaved and leashed. It is a great opportunity to check out new appliances or power tools. Plus, little doggo will stroll the aisles and get pets from a slew of new people. You can also just buy a sack of dog food if you change your mind.
7. Shop for some bling bling
The image of a dog wearing a crown, some chains, or a grill sounds like a good idea, but probably impractical and dangerous. Fortunately, you can always get a customized collar or those fancy new leashes you always see at the park. Let’s face it- they probably need replacing anyway. Shopping for a new one is an outing any doggie will enjoy. Plus, canine stores are filled with toys, treats, and other trinkets that your pet will surely love. Some pet stores also have play areas and grooming stations where your pup can have fun or laze around while you shop your heart out.
8. Take a hike… literally
Walking in the city is okay, but since this is a special occasion. Might as well take a drive to your favorite hill or trail and go on a sniffing expedition with your favorite companion. Let him run around and smell everything he wants for a few hours. This is a date activity that is best done during the summer months when the climate is more tolerable and darkness doesn’t come until late. The scenery, fresh air, and exercise will be good for you and your furry friend.
9. Schedule a playdate
You have a dog. Your friend has a dog. Why not schedule a playdate so you and your pet can do some socializing. Like humans, dogs yearn for goofing around with their own kind. While your dog is head over heels in love with you, there is nothing like romping around with someone of your own species. Your friend is not available? There are dog-centric apps you can download on your phone where you can meet other dog owners looking for suitable playmates for their babies.
10. Take him out to the ballgame
Dogs love sticks, catching balls, and hot dog sandwiches. Now think of a place that has all three: you get the ballpark. Most Major League teams and many Minor League clubs have at least one Bark in the Park Event per year. It lets fans bring their well-socialized and leashed pets to the game. They might ask you for a certificate or proof of rabies vaccination at the gate so better prepare those.
Caution: many of these sporting events are sponsored in conjunction with local animal shelters, and they bring dogs available for adoption. You just might leave with more dogs than you came with.
11. Just go on a road trip
When was the last time you had an adventure? Pack your bags, some snacks, and then hop on a car to spend some long drive with your best buddy. You can stop by famous landmarks, take some selfies, and then post them on Instagram. You can also film the whole thing and then post it on YouTube for friends and strangers to see. Who knows? Your puppy adventures could be the next viral sensation. If it doesn’t take off then at least you will have a ton of memories with your best friend to look back on in the future.
12. A doggie photoshoot
Here’s another fun idea: have your photogenic puppy’s photo taken by a professional. There are lots of studios and freelance shutterbugs that you can hire to do your portraits. You can do location shoots, you can make use of props and costumes, or just the good old-fashioned sitting on a stool shot. The possibilities are endless. The only limit is your imagination and budget.
13. Take your dog on a divine spa day
Aaahh, we could all use a spa day after an exhausting week at work! On doggy date night, our pups most certainly deserve the same divine treatment at a puppy wellness spa. Some local spas offer a variety of options, including massages, haircuts and blowouts, and even pawdicures! This will leave your pup as fresh, slick, and cuddly as ever!
There are many other ways to treat your pooch on National Doggy Date Night, but these ideas will certainly make them feel special. You can provide a luxurious experience by going to a wellness spa, or do something as simple as going on a picnic or taking them on a special walk — anything to make them feel loved on their special day.
