Ways to Celebrate Fall with Your Dog
It seems like summer began only a few weeks ago, yet here we are now officially starting the fall season! Summertime can be a lot of fun because most pet parents tend to have a bit of extra time to spend with their pooch. But fall is also a great time for Fido because the weather begins to cool a bit allowing for much more comfortable and safe adventures outside.
Visit a Pumpkin Patch
Let Fido sniff out the best pumpkin in the patch as we start to inch closer and closer to Halloween! When it’s time to carve the pumpkin, they “paw-picked,” consider creating what your dog would if they could – a squirrel, bird, cat, or maybe just even themselves. Most pumpkin patches allow your pooch to tag along, but always make sure to double-check before heading out. Here are some of our favorite local spots! (To the best of our knowledge these are pet-friendly farms)
Scottsdale Farms
15639 Birmingham Hwy
Milton, GA 30004
- Scottsdale Farms is about 45 minutes north of Atlanta. Once there, you’ll discover 65-acres of gorgeous land where you and Fido can roam in search of a great pumpkin. You can even try your luck in their mini corn maze (you can put your pup’s sniffer to the test). They also offer fall-themed baked goods and warm coffee in their adorable cafe.
Their pumpkins have not yet been put out, but stay tuned on their website and facebook for updates!
Southern Belle Farm
1658 Turner Church Rd
McDonough, GA 30252
- In the opposite direction, about 45 minutes south of Atlanta, you’ll run into Southern Belle Farm. They offer unique and exciting games that range from hayrides to corn cannons to pig races! They can get pretty busy with so much going, so if you do decide to take your canine companion, ensure they’re able to stay well-behaved around large groups.
Sleepy Hollow Farm
628 Sleepy Hollow Rd
Powder Springs, GA 30127
- If you’re looking for a pumpkin patch a bit closer check out Sleep Hollow Farms, they’re about 30 minutes east of Atlanta. During the day they run tractor rides and allow entry to their corn maze. Then on select nights, you can stick around for a “Stranger Things” filming location tour or a spooky nighttime corn maze! Start planning your puppy pumpkin adventure now for when they open on September 21st!
Take Fido Tailgating
Football season is in full swing, which means exciting tailgating festivities are as well. Taking your canine companion along to events like these can be extremely fun and great training moments. This will allow your dog to showcase their obedience training as they’re exposed to all different kinds of people while staying calm and friendly. Bring along your pups favorite toys and plenty of snacks and water so they too can enjoy themselves.
Go on a Nature Hike
As we move into fall, trees will begin to change colors from gorgeous greens to radiant reds, yellows, and oranges. With the temperatures lowering as well, it gives you the perfect opportunity to take your furry friend out for a nature walk! Nature walks are extremely beneficial to your pooch because they offer not only physical stimulation but mental stimulation as well due to all the new sights and smells they get to experience. Here are a few beautiful & dog-friendly trails to check out this fall.
- If you’ve ever explored the Arabia Mountain, then you probably know it has about half a dozen trials all offering different levels of difficulty. Your dog is sure to love the area due to its wide-opened exposures of granite, golden hazed meadows, sparkling lakes, and hours of forests to explore.
Kennesaw Mountain Cheatham Hill/Kolb Farm Loop
- Many hikers enjoy this trail due to its vast meadows, forests, and historic Civil War battlefields near the Kennesaw Mountian. It’s also considered a relatively easier trail that loops around to equal about 5.8 miles. Your canine will be sure to love this spot as well since they’ll be walking on compacted dirt and sand, making it much more comfortable on their paws. Another exciting perk is a dog bowl they’ve built into a fountain, giving your dog a mid-hike drink break.
Go Trick-or-Treating!
There’s nothing cuter than your furry friend decked out in an adorable or hilariously funny costume. You can DIY Fido’s attire by googling some inspirations, or head to your local pet store and pick your pooch out an outfit. Whatever you decide though always remember your dog’s comfort is far more important than a photo op. So if your four-legged friend doesn’t seem to be enjoying their costume or it looks uncomfortable, don’t force them to leave it on.
When Halloween comes around, you can open the door to trick-or-treaters with your trusty canine companion at your side (as long as they are sociable and obedient around strangers). Most kids prefer petting a pup over candy any day – and it’ll put your dog’s obedience training to the test!
We hope the autumn season brings plenty of fun and bonding between you and your pooch as you plan fun fall activities to enjoy with them!