The sun’s out, the flowers are blooming, and spring has finally arrived. For your dog, that means longer walks, more fresh air and plenty of new scents to discover.
Getting back outside doesn’t have to mean adding hours to your routine. It’s about making the most of the time you already spend outdoors – and turning ordinary outings into exciting adventures.
Here are seven spring-ready ideas to help you and your dog get the best out of the warmer weather.
1. Switch up your walking routes - and let them lead
After a winter of quick loops around the block, spring is the perfect time to explore. New scents, sights and textures give your dog instant mental stimulation.
Think of it as your dog’s way of catching up on the neighbourhood gossip – every lamppost and patch of grass tells a story.
Slowing down and letting your dog lead the way occasionally allows them to engage more deeply with their environment. Try a walk where you let them take you down any street and turn they like, as they follow their nose.
Sniffing actually uses a huge amount of mental energy – so those slow, meandering strolls can be just as tiring and enriching (if not more!) as a high-energy run.
2. Spice up your game of fetch
Fetch is a classic for a reason – it gets your dog running, thinking and tuning in to you. And in spring you’ve got more daylight and better weather to make it interesting.
But if you’re always throwing the same tennis ball in the same park in the same direction, it can get a little... well, repetitive.
Switch things up by using toys with different shapes, weights and textures – like a high-bounce ball or a squeaky ball.
You can also adjust your throw distance, add in a few commands between throws, or use a ball thrower to give your arm a break and your dog a longer chase.
Just a few tweaks, and fetch becomes a whole new challenge.
3. Explore new terrain
Taking your dog to new outdoor environments is one of the easiest ways to boost enrichment. Think parks, beaches, trails or even dog-friendly campgrounds.
Whether it’s a weekend hike, a sandy shoreline or a nature reserve they haven’t sniffed yet, new places offer fresh smells, sounds and textures that keep your dog curious and engaged. Bonus points if there’s room to climb or dig.
New places not only support physical health but also build confidence in young or nervous dogs – and keeps your outings feeling fresh for both of you.
Try:
- A local dog-friendly beach
- A shaded trail for longer hikes without overheating
- A dog-friendly market for new sights and sounds
4. Incorporate training into your outings
Practicing recall, sits and stays in open spaces helps to keep your pup on their paws.
Here are a few easy ways to get started:
- Mix in simple commands like sit, stay or touch during fetch or walks
- Practise recall in a safe, off-lead area (make sure to bring high-value treats!)
- Ask for a command before they’re allowed to greet another dog or person
- Use natural features (logs, benches, steps) for agility-style exercises like jumps or balancing
5. Add tug games and interactive play
Bringing along a tug toy on your walks or outings gives you an easy way to add extra play.
It’s especially great for working breeds or high-drive dogs who love a good challenge.
Spring enrichment idea: Try tug games in between walking intervals – short bursts of play keep your dog engaged and strengthen your bond.
Just keep the sessions short, fun and always on your terms – starting and ending the game helps your dog learn good manners around toys while still having a blast.
6. Include social time (if your dog enjoys it)
For many dogs, meeting other pups is the highlight of any outing.
Social time can build confidence, encourage healthy behaviour and offer a whole new level of enrichment – especially for dogs that thrive on interaction.
It might be a casual hello on-lead during your walk or a chase at the dog park, but letting your dog mingle (safely and respectfully) helps them learn how to communicate and read other dogs' signals.
Just like humans though, some dogs are more social than others, so always keep your dog’s comfort level in mind – and never force interactions if they’re not into it.
Tips for spring socialising:
- Keep greetings short and positive
- Watch for signs your dog is uncomfortable - never force interactions
- Time your outings for quiet hours if your dog prefers less hustle and bustle
Socialising should feel like a treat, not a task!
7. Rotate your outdoor toys
The best spring reset for your dog is rotating toys to keep their curiousity high. Because outdoor enrichment doesn’t need to be complicated. Just intentional!
Keeping a range of toys in your back pocket (literally!) will change up walks and playtime in a way that keeps your dog engaged.
It re-engages their curiosity and helps different types of play come into focus, whether that’s chasing, chewing, tugging or problem-solving.
Quick win: Keep a toy bag or a toy box near the door so you can simply grab and go.
You don’t need a huge collection – just a few thoughtfully chosen, durable toys that serve different purposes. It’s a simple change that keeps your dog mentally stimulated and makes every outing feel new again.
Ready for more outdoor adventures?
Not all dog toys are built for the outdoors – or for dogs who don’t stop moving.
The solution? The Go Get range, designed for action-packed spring outings. Shop now!