Fast-paced Fun. Sports, like agility, flyball and Frisbee, are popular pastimes for dog enthusiasts. In all, more than a dozen organized canine activities exist. If you’ve never seen these games played, you’re in for a treat! Agility, for example, is an obstacle course that owners must successfully direct their dogs through. The fastest canine, making the least amount of mistakes, wins. Practice sessions and competitions are usually held outdoors.

To participate, you’ll first need to join the sport’s local club. You can find one in your area by searching online, looking in the phone book or contacting the sport’s governing organization. 

High Seas Adventure.  A handful of boat cruise operators nationwide welcome dogs on board.  One such company is Fun Zone Boat in Balboa, California, which offers year-round narrated tours of Newport Bay. Another is Chicago’s Mercury Skyline Cruise Line. The weekly tour, just for dogs and their owners, is more than a 90 minute water ride. Passengers learn about the windy city’s dog friendly destinations too. Water bowls and newspaper potty areas are provided. Not all cruise operators advertise their pet policies, so be sure to call and ask ahead of time.

Relax with Rover. Latte sipping owners and their canine companions can kick-back at coffee houses with outdoor patios. Or, in many cities, they can dine alfresco at restaurants too. Some eating establishments even go as far as offering special entrees for your pooch. Another outing entails visiting a local vineyard. Many wineries welcome dogs on their grassy grounds.

So what are you waiting for? Grab the car keys and leash, and start enjoying the season with your best friend.

Send your favorite pics of you and your pet enjoying the weather to photos@petside.com

Maryann Mott is a pet journalist based in Arizona. Her work has appeared in The New York Times, National Geographic online, and Dog Fancy magazine.To see more of her work, visit her website: www.petwriter.com