"Boredom and excess energy are two common reasons for behavior problems in dogs."  So what's the solution?  Do things with your dog!

If you are looking for activities that are great for you and your best friend, here are 5 of our favorites ...

Go for a hike

There are so many great hikes around us the neighborhoods and towns we live in that often we don't even know about.  Hiking is a great way to get exercise, fresh air, and enjoy nature - one of the healthiest activities you can do for your mind, body and soul.  And one of the best parts about hiking?  You can bring your pup with you!

Hit up the beach

The beach is one of my favorite places to be - if not my favorite.  And my dog seems to love it even more than I do.  Dog beaches are great places to take your pup as they love being able to go into the water and cool off, while playing with other dogs at the same time.  The ocean is even great for dogs who aren't the best swimmers, as they can still go into the water without having worry about doing the doggy paddle.  The added bonus of bringing your pup to the beach?  You get to work on your tan in the meantime.  (Double added bonus?  If you're single, bringing your dog to the beach is a great way to meet other singles like you.  They'll start up the convo for you!)

Go to your local dog park

As soon as I start driving in the general direction of the dog park, my dog knows where we're going - and can't wait to get there!  Dog parks are great for helping your dog learn how to socialize with other dogs off of a leash, while you socialize with other dog owners in the process.  Not to mention, your dog will love you even more for taking them to the dog park.  Think about it...  If you're a dog, the dog park is like going to coachella - or any outdoor party.  Who wouldn't want to do that?  (Just remember to be responsible at the dog park when it comes to pooper scooping, as well as always making sure to keep an eye out that your dog is getting along with other dogs.  No fighting allowed!)

Go for a run ... Or a walk

Running with our dogs was the main inspiration for starting SportLeash.  We always ran with our dogs because strictly from a health perspective, it was great for the dog, and great for us.  If running isn't your thing, walking is great too.  Either way, it's one of the best things you can do with your best friend.  (Don't have a good running leash?  Try out our SportLeash Recreation Pro - we designed as dog owners, for dog owners like you.  Check them out here.)

Find a local dog meetup

Websites like meetup.com have introduced a whole new, incredibly honed-in social aspect to our lives.  There are meetups for everything nowadays - there are meetups to play all kinds of sports, book club meetups, singles meetups, business and entrepreneur meetups - anything you want really; including, dog meetups!  If you're looking to do something with your dog and other like minded dog owners, then check out meetup.com for the events happening in your local area  There's something going on every week - and if you want to get even more specific about it - let's say you want your pug to meet other pugs (and maybe you want to meet other pug owners ... ooh la la), you can definitely do so.

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