How to Have Fun With Your Dog for Free

Dog owners don't need to spend a lot of money on expensive toys or pricey agility classes to have fun with their four-legged family members. While dogs enjoy toys and exercise, they mostly enjoy time with their human companions. With a little creativity and some basic obedience skills, you and your dog can enjoy hours of fun together without breaking the bank.

Things You'll Need

  • Leash
  • Plastic bags
  • Backpack
  • Treats
  • Water dish
  • Bottled water
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Instructions

    • 1

      Take a drive with your dog. You may see it as a chore, but to your dog, it's a fun outing in the car with its best buddy. Take your dog with you when you go through the car wash, the drive-through at the bank and even to the pull-up mailbox outside the post office to drop off some letters. Many drive-through banks have a box of dog treats nearby, so your dog may have fun and get a free cookie at the same time. However, make sure your dog is safe; use a harness and dog seat belt, and never put your dog in the bed of a truck.

    • 2

      Take your dog shopping. Most pet stores allow leashed dogs to walk around with their companions. Also, some home improvement stores are dog-friendly. And if you just want to window-shop, find outdoor promenade shops and take a stroll with your pup. Afterward, find a coffee shop or cafe that has outdoor seating and enjoy a snack and some people-watching time with your pet. As with any activity with your dog, take some plastic bags to clean up after your dog.

    • 3

      Go hiking. Put on hiking boots, grab a backpack and turn your daily 20-minute round-the-block run into a fun-family hike. Most state parks allow dogs on leashes on the trails, and some national parks do, too, so check the trails in your area to make certain your dog is allowed. Pack the backpack with bottled water and treats for both of you, plastic bags and a small plastic bowl for your dog to drink out of.

    • 4

      Make or find your own dog toys. Old socks tied together make great tug toys. Take your dog on an evening or morning walk around your local public tennis courts and look for abandoned tennis balls. If your children have outgrown their stuffed animals, give them to the dog. Keep a lookout for businesses or political candidates who are giving out free throwing discs at street fairs or other public events as promotional items and stock up.