HONOLULU (KHON2) — National Doggy Date Night is a special day just for you and your dog to spend time together and make some fun memories.
It’s a day to show your pup how much you love them and celebrate the bond you share. Whether you have a small dog or a big one, this day is all about enjoying each other’s company.
And living in Hawaii gives us the added bonus of beautiful weather and unique places to explore with your furry friend.
Here are some fun ideas for celebrating National Doggy Date Night with your pup.
Create a glow stick party
Take your dog to the beach after dark and set up a glow stick party. You can attach glow sticks to your pup’s collar for safety and fun and bring more glow sticks or glow-in-the-dark toys to play with.
The beach at night is calm, and the glowing lights add a magical vibe. You and your dog can run around, play fetch or even take a nighttime stroll by the water while surrounded by glowing lights. Just make sure you’re at a dog-friendly beach that allows nighttime visits.
Surf’s up! Surf lessons for you pup
If you live near the ocean and your dog enjoys the water, why not take them to a dog surfing lesson? In places like Waikiki, there are surf schools that offer lessons for dogs to catch small waves.
It’s an exciting way to bond with your dog while trying something fun and out-of-the-ordinary. Plus, it’s a perfect Hawaiian experience, and you’ll both have an unforgettable time!
Create a costume party
Have a doggy dress-up party and dress your pup in a cute, themed outfit. Then, take them for a “parade” at a local park or along a quiet street.
You can even invite friends with dogs to join in for a mini neighborhood dog costume event. It’s a fun and silly way to celebrate, plus you can snap some great pictures to remember the night!
Dinner date
Make dinner special by cooking a homemade “doggy dinner” for your pup. There are tons of healthy dog-friendly recipes you can try, like chicken and rice with a little bit of sweet potato.
Serve it on a fancy doggy plate and sit down together for a nice meal. Afterward, you can enjoy a delicious dessert like a peanut butter “pupcake” or dog-friendly ice cream. While your dog eats, you can enjoy a nice meal for yourself. It the usual dinner plans a special date for both of you!
Stargazing and snuggles
Hawaii is one of the best places for stargazing because of its clear skies. Find a safe, quiet spot with a nice view of the night sky. like, a beach, hill or even a park. You can bring a comfy blanket and lie back and watch the stars with your dog by your side.
Bring a thermos of hot chocolate or a drink and relax together as you forget the rest of the world. You can even use an app to help identify constellations and share the experience with your pup. It’s a peaceful way to connect with your dog under the stars.
Create a scavenger hunt
Create a special dog-friendly scavenger hunt for your pup. Hide treats around your house or in your backyard, or even at a dog-friendly park. Make it challenging by hiding the treats in tricky spots like under a rock or in a tree stump.
You can guide your dog through the hunt; and when they find each treat, give them lots of praise and a belly rub. It’s a great way to keep your dog mentally engaged, and it’s a fun activity for you both to enjoy together.
Movie night with a doggy twist
Make movie night extra special by turning your living room into a dog-friendly theater! Get some special dog treats, like a dog-friendly popcorn recipe or frozen yogurt for dogs, and lay out a blanket fort or comfy pillows for the ultimate cozy spot.
Play a movie like The Secret Life of Pets or Bolt that features adorable dogs, so your pup can enjoy the experience too. Dim the lights, snuggle up and watch the movie together. It’s a simple, low-key, but special, way to spend time with your pup.
Adventure at a dog-friendly farm or orchard
Some farms or orchards in Hawaii allow dogs to visit. Take your dog for a little adventure exploring a local farm or fruit orchard. Dogs love new smells, and you’ll both enjoy the wide-open space.
You can walk around and explore together, maybe even picking fruit or vegetables to take home. It’s a unique way to enjoy nature and spend quality time with your pup while getting a taste of the local farm life.
Doggy luau experience
Host your own doggy luau at the beach. This unique celebration involves dressing up your dog in an island-inspired outfit and set up a mini luau for them. Bring along a picnic with dog-friendly treats, such as homemade dog “pupcakes” (dog-friendly cupcakes), and some fun toys to keep your dog entertained.
You can even invite friends with dogs to join in the party. Enjoy the sunset, play some music and relax on the beach with your dog by your side. It’s a fun, festive way to celebrate your special bond.
Dance lesson for you and your dog
Join a dance class that’s specifically for dogs and their owners. Some places in Hawaii offer fun classes where you and your dog can learn basic hula moves, and you can dress up your dog with an adorable music themed outfit.
These classes are a great way to get active with your dog, have some laughs and maybe even get a little silly as you both try to “dance” in sync. You’ll both have a blast learning the graceful movements, and it’s a fun way to immerse yourself in Hawaiian culture with your pup.
Regardless of how you choose to celebrate, the most important thing is spending quality time with your pup.
National Doggy Date Night is the perfect excuse to show your dog how much you care and to make some special memories together. Enjoy the day and have fun celebrating your amazing bond with your furry friend!