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Many people have a long weekend ahead and extra time on their hands – so make sure you spend some of it with your best canine buddy. Dogs love to be with their owners and getting extra attention is the best treat for them.

Tucker, a member of the AKC Canine Partners program, is showing that he is truly an All-American Dog by wearing his patriotic garb this weekend, as you can see in this photograph sent in by his mom, Carole Hills.

Some Ideas for Having Doggone Fun this Memorial Day weekend:

  • Have a play date with other neighborhood or friends’ dogs or visit a dog park together for a picnic!
  • Learn a new trick or fun activity. Check out the articles on the Canine Partners Spotlight on teaching your dog to give you a hug and how to play Frisbee!
  • Take a fun trip to the pet store and let your pal pick out a new toy.
  • Take a hike in a local park and give your dog – and you – some great exercise. You can have your dog carry his own water bowl and treats in a doggie backpack.
  • If you’re grilling out, throw on something for Fido too, like a chicken breast (without spices or sauces).
  • Make some homemade dog cookies or treats. You can try out an easy cooling refreshment for canines by pouring a diluted mixture of chicken or beef broth into an ice cube tray and freezing it. Give your dog an occasional broth cube on hot days.
  • Go swimming at a local lake or pond. If your dog is afraid of the water, never force them or throw them in. Let them go at their own pace. For avid swimmers, make sure they are not getting overly tired or ingesting too much water. You might invest in a doggie life jacket as a safety precaution.
  • Check to see what public dog-friendly festivals and events are taking place in your area over the weekend. Taking your dog to a public event can be great socialization as long as your dog is trained to be on a leash and is used to crowds and loud noises. Take treats with you to reward your dog when they show off their good manners in public!
  • You can check out an AKC dog event in your area. Not all events allow unentered dogs on the show grounds, but you can check out the many cool activities that you can get your dog involved in and make contacts for training your dog. Check the AKC Event Calendar on www.akc.org to see if there are any local events
  • No matter where you go, always make sure your dog is wearing identification tags and that your dog has permanent identification in the form of a microchip. More info at AKC Reunite lost & found recovery service http://www.akcreunite.org/

Get information on joining the AKC Canine Partners community so your dog can get involved in all the fun AKC programs and events.