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Nothing celebrates a beautiful day better than a lazy afternoon picnic—with your dog! Our dogs Isla and Barli love nothing better than a picnic, whether it’s at a state park, at the beach or even in our backyard. Hey, let’s face it, picnics check all the boxes when it comes to doggie fun: friends, fresh air, and food. With a bit of planning, you can turn your next picnic into an easy and fun enrichment activity for your dog (and you!)
Enrichment gives your dog healthy ways to use their natural instincts—sniffing, exploring, problem-solving, and relaxing in a new environment. When dogs are mentally engaged, they’re often calmer, more content, and better able to settle, even in unfamiliar places.
Simple enrichment activities during a picnic can reduce boredom, prevent unwanted behaviors, and help your dog come home happily tired instead of overstimulated. In short, enrichment turns a picnic into meaningful quality time that benefits your dog’s body, brain, and emotional well-being.
Let’s look at eight easy ways to make your next dog picnic a success!
Pick the Right Spot (For Dog Happiness)
Look for a quiet park, shady grove, or uncrowded green space where your dog can settle without constant distractions. Bonus points if it has:
- Grass or soft ground for sniffing
- Shade for warm days
- Enough space to stretch out without feeling confined
If children make your dog nervous or over-stimulated, veer away not only from the playground area but the stretch between the parking lot and the play area, opting instead for quieter corners of the park.
Bring a “Dog Zone”
Pack a familiar blanket or mat so your dog has a clear place to relax. This does two things:
- Gives your dog a predictable “home base”
- Helps prevent wandering noses from inspecting everyone else’s lunch
Sprinkle a few treats on the blanket and let your dog sniff them out—it’s an easy, low-key enrichment activity that encourages settling.
Turn Sniffing Into an Activity
Before you sit down to eat, take a slow sniffari around the picnic area. Let your dog:
- Investigate trees, grass, and new scents
- Move at their own pace
- Use their nose instead of focusing on food
Ten minutes of sniffing can be more enriching (and tiring!) than a long walk.
Pack Dog-Safe Picnic Snacks
Bring a small container of dog-friendly goodies so your pup doesn’t feel left out:
- Frozen stuffed Kong or lick mat (great for calming)
- Crunchy treats for a mini scavenger hunt
- Dog-safe fruits like apple slices or blueberries
Avoid sharing human picnic food—especially anything salty, greasy, or seasoned–or foods toxic to dogs such as onion rings, grapes or chocolate.
Add Simple Enrichment Games
You don’t need toys everywhere—just a few thoughtful options:
- Treat scatter: Toss kibble or treats in the grass and let your dog search. Before you do this, have a GOOD look at the area, ensuring there are no discarded chicken bones, candy wrappers, fishing line or other hazards.
- Chew time: Bring a favorite chew to help your dog relax while you eat.
- People-watching practice: Reward calm behavior as bikes, joggers, or other dogs pass by. Again, if your dog might be over-stimulated by the sight of a skateboard whizzing by, choose your picnic spot carefully.
These activities engage your dog’s brain without turning the picnic into playtime chaos.
Keep It Short and Sweet
A picnic doesn’t have to last hours. Watch your dog’s body language:
- Restless pacing or excessive panting = time to wrap it up
- Relaxed posture and soft eyes = success
Ending on a calm, positive note makes your dog excited for the next outing.
Leave With a Happy, Tired Dog
Finish with a gentle walk back to the car or home to help your dog decompress. You’ll likely have a pup who’s content, mentally enriched, and ready for a well-earned nap.
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