Celebrate Dog Dads on Father’s Day

Posted by Erin Ballinger

Dog dads do so much for their fur kids. This Father’s Day weekend, show your love and appreciation for the dog dad in your life by planning some quality time for him with his furry best friend. Here are some ways to show Dad how much he means to his two- and four-legged family.

Play 18 Holes With Your Hound

"Can I fetch it if you miss?" Photo by BringFido

Your dad might not even know that he can play a round of golf with Fido by his side. This year, give Pops and his pup a special treat by inviting him to hit the links at a pet-friendly golf course. Belgrade Lakes Golf Club in Belgrade Lakes, ME, Discovery Bay Golf Course in Port Townsend, WA, and Agate Beach Golf Course in Newport, OR are three of our favorites. These public courses are situated in pristine natural settings that promise a beautiful day out on the greens.

Alternatively, make it an event for the whole family on a smaller scale at a pet-friendly miniature golf course or at Two Roads Brewing Company’s Father’s Day Mini Golf Celebration in Stratford, CT!

Grrrill Out With Dad

Backyard barbecues make dads and dogs smile. Photo by @vgajic

Treat the man of honor to a laid-back family cookout at home. Throw some meat on the grill, put a frosty beverage in Dad’s hand, and let him feel the love. Add grilled sweet potatoes and asparagus alongside some fresh cantaloupe and watermelon to round out his Father’s Day feast. Don't forget to fire up this recipe for a dog-friendly cheeseburger for your furry friend to share in the meal, or order a bag of burgers and fries dog treats.

If Dad is the king of the grill, equip him with the right gear for the job. Nothing says "dog dad at work" like this colorful apron featuring different dog breeds. If you really want him to cook like a boss (of dogs), this paw brand will put the “pawfect” finishing touch on his steak.

This steak belongs to Fido.Photo by Amazon

Attend a Dog-Friendly Father’s Day Event With Dad

Beer + dogs = happy Dad. Photo by @shipgarten

What’s a better way to celebrate Father’s Day than attending a dog-friendly event? At McLean, VA’s Shipgarten, treat Dad to a day filled with refreshing beer, yummy food options, games, a stein-holding competition, a photo booth, giveaways, and more at the Father’s Day Festival. For Fido, there’s a special dog food menu and an off-leash dog park, but he can BYOB with a cooler of Barkweiser! Or, spend Father's Day at Knoebels Amusement Resort where fur dads can bring their leashed pups out for a day of fun! Dads can pick up a dad badge, pose with their dogs at a photo booth, and stop by the souvenir photo centers for a free keepsake. Dogs are welcome to ride the train and antique cars, too. Check out our events section to find local hound-friendly Father’s Day happenings near you!

Plan a Picnic at a Pet-Friendly Park

Celebrate Father’s Day with the fam at a dog-friendly park. Photo by Kei Uesugi

Sometimes the simplest gifts are the most meaningful. Give your dog daddy your undivided attention while enjoying a family picnic at a dog-friendly state park, beach or vineyard this Father’s Day. Plan the “pawfect picnic” and bring along a cool tug toy or Fido’s own picnic basket for added fun.

Buy Dad Some Cool Gear

"This is what I call recommended reading!" Photo by BringFido

For the dog-loving intellectual dad, purchase a copy of Ruff Guide to the United States so he can read up and start planning his next pet-friendly adventure. For the pup papa who loves to train Fido, get him the Dexas Pooch Pouch. It’s a pocket-sized pouch that’s perfect for storing small treats for your pet when training or exercising. For the dapper doggy daddy, get him this stylish denim ball cap and he’ll be the envy of the dog park.

Plan a Camping Adventure

"I'm ready for all the activities, Dad!" Photo by Getty Images

There’s nothing quite like the experience of one-on-one bonding time with your dog while camping. This year, plan the “utlimutt” weekend camping trip for your pup and his Pop at a pet-friendly campground. During their overnight excursion, they can enjoy activities like hiking, fishing, canoeing and kayaking, mountain biking and more. Fido can bring along his own tackle box or campfire plush toy, and share in the delicious campsite snacks with a bag of Einstein S’mores Treats.

How do you plan to show your gratitude to the dog dad in your life this Father’s Day? Leave a comment or tweet us @BringFido!

Banner photo by @adamkaz.