Momo - Shih-Tzu Community

The summer is a great time for being outdoors and for enjoying nature so why not look for activities that you and your Shih-Tzu can enjoy together? There certainly are plenty of options available. Let’s look at a few of your choices.

Spend the day at an off-leash park

Off-leash dog parks are places where your Shih-Tzu can run, play, and frolic with other dogs without having to be attached to a leash. They have more freedom to act like a dog and to socialize with other dogs while you watch and mingle with other dog owners. More and more cities across the country are opening these dog parks. Most of the parks require a fee, usually paid annually, and proof of up-to-date vaccinations for your dog.

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Some of the parks make water available. If you’re not sure, bring a healthy supply just in case. Nothing ruins a fun day like an overheated dog.

Enjoy an outdoor meal with your Shih-Tzu

As more cities become dog-friendly, they also become the site of dog-friendly restaurants. Most of these restaurants have outdoor seating – one of the reasons why this is ideal for summer – for you and your Shih-Tzu. The pet-friendly nature of the restaurants varies. Some will provide free water for your pet when your purchase a meal. Others go even further and offer actual food for you and your dog. All of these outdoor restaurants do require your dog being on a leash and under your control.

Visit a dog-friendly attraction

In the past, dog-friendly attractions were limited to amusement parks that offered all-day kenneling for pets. Today, you can find more attractions that provide at least some access for your dogs. For example, the American Kennel Club Museum of the Dog in St. Louis, Missouri is an art museum dedicated to images of dogs and, appropriately enough, allows pets if they are on-leash. In Miami, Club Nautico Power Boat Rentals allows dogs on the rented boats so you can take them with you on your watery voyage.

Other attractions are not as open. However, you may be allowed to bring your dog as your stroll through national parks, vineyards, outdoor walking tours, and more. Check with the activities in your area to see what is available for you and your Shih-Tzu.

Go to the beach

Many beaches now allow dogs as long as they are on leash and are cleaned up after by their owners. Some beaches may even allow limited off-leash activity (although make sure you have good control over your dog off-leash before you attempt this) so he can enjoy a dip in the ocean. Make sure you bring plenty of fresh water for your Shih-Tzu and have a shady place where he can rest out of the hot sun. Also, be sure to rinse off your dog after he takes a dip in the salty ocean – you don’t want him to start licking the salt water off of him.

These are just a few ideas to explore this summer with your Shih-Tzu. If there’s not much available in your local area, take a short trip with it. Many hotels and motels now allow pets to stay so enjoy an opportunity to get away with your dog.