Now that there’s a crispness to the air and the days seem golden, are you ready to celebrate fall with your four footed friend? Read over these ideas for the best of the season outings for you and your furry buddy.
Take your pooch apple picking
Fall lends itself to picking fresh, crisp apples. And there’s no end to the bounty of an apple haul; apple pie, muffins, cakes, jellies. Best of all your dog will love the chance to frolic in an orchard with you. Just the photo -ops alone are worth the trip. Two pet-friendly orchards near San Luis Obispo are Jack Creek Farms and Avila Valley Barn
Avila Valley Barn is a fun place for you as well as your dog. From August to December the farm has lots of apple varieties for you to pick or purchase them at the stand. The Barn features hay rides, pony rides and feeding farm animals through November. It has a scrumptious bakery as well as a location for lunch. Avila Valley Barn is located at 560 Avila Beach Dr in San Luis Obispo. Website: www.avilavalleybarn.com/
Go a little further afield to Jack Creek Farms. It is a 30 minute drive to 5000 Hwy 46 W in Templeton. It’s worth the trip though. The farm has beautiful photo-op backgrounds, perfect for pooch photos on a smartphone. It has a special children's area called Happy Acres with play stations throughout as well as goats, rabbits and chickens to see. The Happy Acres entry fee is $10 for kids, $5 for adults. They have guided tastings of honey, olive oil, balsamic vinegars and maple syrups for a $5 fee. The farm has many other you-pick vegetables and fruits. It just depends on what’s in season. Plan your trip for their open hours on Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10 to 4. Website: https://www.jackcreek.com/
Take a Hike
Cooler weather is a relief to your pooch. Take advantage of the chill in the air to go hiking or for a long walk with your dog. Seek out nearby parks or make it a road trip to a hiking trail.
Bake a pup favorite
Fall is the start of the baking season. Include your dog when baking homemade treats. There are a ton of DIY recipes on the web for canine favorites. Below is a pumpkin-flavored treat to bake.
Takes about an hour. Makes 120 small treats
You will need:
2 ½ cups whole wheat flour
½ cup flaxseed meal
2 teaspoons ground turmeric
1 egg, lightly beaten
⅔ cup reduced-sodium beef or chicken broth or water
½ cup canned pumpkin (make sure it is not pumpkin filling)
1 tablespoon honey
Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl combine the flour, flaxseed meal, and turmeric.
In a small bowl, stir together egg, broth, pumpkin, and honey. Using a wooden spoon, stir pumpkin mixture into flour mixture until well mixed. Continue kneading dough until fully combined (dough will be quite stiff).
Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface. Roll dough to between 1/8- and 1/4-inch thick. Cut into shapes using 1 1/2-inch cookie cutters or a sharp knife. Place shapes on baking sheet. Bake 35 to 40 minutes or until biscuits feel dry and firm (treats will continue to harden as they cool).
Treats will keep in an air-tight container for 2 weeks or 3 months if frozen.
Play puzzles
While enjoying being cozy inside, why not start a puzzle for both you and your pooch. Break out your favorite jigsaw puzzle. Introduce your pup to his own treat-laden puzzle to really get that inquisitive side going. You can even just take a towel rolled up with your dog’s favorite treats or kibble inside.
National Dog Show
And last of all, when Thanksgiving rolls around, watch the National Dog Show with your dog and friends. Place friendly wagers for who will win the annual event. Be sure to give your dog front row viewing for his favorites.
Both you and your dog can “Fall” for these tips to enjoy the best of the season.
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