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Include your pup in your summer fun

By Eric Forrest on July 15, 2013

One word is associated with summer more than anything else- fun! We at PetsInOmaha know you’re out to have a great summer filled with fun, but we also know you love to include your dogs in the festivities. Whether it’s a holiday, a lazy afternoon, or a weekend event, we’ve got some great ideas for you and your dogs to keep in mind this summer.

Fun in (and on) the water

Ask anyone the best way to cool off during the sweltering days of summer, and we’ll bet most people will say something water-related. Whether it’s jumping in the pool, running through the sprinklers, water balloon fights, or any type of boating fun, keeping close to the water is essential for summer fun. Try bringing your pup into any occasion where you and the water meet, but here are some specific ideas:

City of Omaha pools don’t allow dogs in the pools, but if you’ve got friends, family members, or neighbors with swimming pools, bring your dog along next time for the pool party! Many dogs love to swim, but also keep safety in mind. Watch your little buddy and keep it safe. Babies and small children almost always get swimming lessons before diving in on their own, but did you know some area companies specialize in training your dog to have fun in the water? Make sure to give that some thought if you have any hesitation about your doggie going for a swim.
Check out your local pet store or the web for fun water toys for your dogs. Many toys are sure to bring happiness to your dog, but they can also help your pup stay cool while having a ball.
Take your dog out to a lake- Omaha has numerous parks with lakes (Zorinsky and Standing Bear to name two) that you can explore with your pup. Grab the leash, some chairs or towels to sit on, and splash around a bit on the shores! Make sure to pay attention to rules about leashes, muzzles, park hours, and more before you go.
Captain your ship on an area lake and bring your pup, too! Let your dog join you on your fishing, boating, or just relaxing adventure. Check out other great outdoor activities you can try on Outdoor Skilled.
If you are just looking to have fun at home, fun is all around you there also. Got a hose? Fun. Got a sprinkler? Double fun. How about a baby pool? Dogs love baby pools. Slip and slides, water balloon tossing, and more fun can be had close to home.

Looking for the best Pentair Chlorinator for your pool? For info on that, read this post here. Or how about the right pump for your pool? Read the complete guide here.

Dog-friendly summertime events

As always, we’ll have any number of events that welcome you and your pets on our “Events” page found at the top of the screen, but here are some upcoming events that are sure to be enjoyable for you and your furry friends:

Each Monday through July 22, join Monday Night Movies in the Park. The Marcus Midtown Cinema and the Omaha World Herald present an eight-week event that features movie showings in Turner Park. Bring your pet, family, and blankets to view movies that commence at dusk. The event is FREE, too! For more information, visit this link.
The Bone Jour Daycare, located on the Omaha Humane Society campus at 88th and Fort Streets, meets each Saturday morning for a bit of doggie playtime with pet friends. Admission is $2 and your puppy pal will have access to two indoor and two outdoor play areas. Feel free to mingle amongst friends or bring a chair to watch the fun unfold. For more information, call Hope Wicken of the Yappy Pack at (402) 345-1838, or visit the Nebraska Humane Society’s Facebook events page here.
July 1, 22, 29- Dog Days of Summer with the Omaha Stormchasers. On select Mondays throughout the summer, the Omaha Stormchasers, the AAA affiliate of the Kansas City Royals, will host their Dog Days event. Bring your dogs out to Werner Park, located about a two miles east of 144th Street on Highway 370, and take in a baseball game with your pooch. Berm seats are $7, box seats are $10, and your puppy’s entrance is free! For more information, call the box office or Julia Connor at (402) 738-2187. Also, take a look at the promotional schedule at the Stormchasers’ Web site. As the event takes place on Mondays, that also means it’s $1 hot dog night! Make sure to take in this fun event and enjoy some cheap entertainment with your dogs.

Have other ideas for summer fun with your dog? How about pictures of you and your pooch having fun this summer? Submit your photos in our Pet Gallery, upload them to our Facebook page, or Tweet them to us @PetsInOmaha. Or, if you wish, leave a comment below to share. Have fun this summer and always remember to be safe!

Photo credit: dogster.com

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