Autumn Activities for Your New Puppy

October 17, 2022

Break out the sweaters and pour the hot cocoa, it’s autumn! The leaves are turning colors, and everything under the sun is now pumpkin-spice flavored—and we mean everything!

There’s a whole new world out there for your new puppy to explore by your side. Puppyhood doesn’t last long. Make the most of this season by creating autumn memories to last a lifetime. 

Here are 5 fun autumn activities to do with your puppy both at home and in town.

And be sure to read all the way to the end for a delicious doggy treat recipe that both you and your new puppy will love!

PLAY IN A PILE OF RAKED LEAVES

We love this no-cost, high-joy autumn-time activity for puppies—tearing through a crisp pile of freshly raked leaves! Your puppy, as well as your kids, will have a blast rolling around in a big, colorful leaf pile. Even if you don’t have kids, your inner child will come alive, we promise! Best of all, spending time outdoors raking leaves is great exercise, and your puppy can play in the piles as you do yard work. If your puppy seems hesitant, toss some of his favorite toys into the pile and jump in yourself to show him that the game is safe. 

VISIT A DOG-FRIENDLY PUMPKIN PATCH 

Nothing encompasses the spirit of fall like strolling through a pumpkin patch, so why not bring your puppy with you? Be sure to call ahead to make sure that the pumpkin patch is dog-friendly so that you don’t run into any surprises. Your puppy will have a great time sniffing around the pumpkins, and you’ll definitely make friends with the other visitors who stop to pet your pooch. It’s a win-win! And don’t forget to take tons of adorable photos of your pup to capture all the memories you’ll make!

FINGER & PAW PAINTING PUMPKINS

What spooky season would be complete without a good, ol’ fashioned afternoon of pumpkin carving and decorating? Those grinning pumpkins aren’t going to paint themselves! But did you know that your puppy can help? Pick up some pet-safe paint at the local craft store, choosing the color scheme you like. We love orange, black, and other Halloween colors. Then, once you’ve poured the pet-safe paint into one tray per color, simply dip your puppy’s paws into the paint and press them against the pumpkins! You can make all kinds of designs that will enhance the festive look of your outdoor Halloween decorations!

HOST A DOGGY HALLOWEEN PARTY 

Is there anything cuter than a puppy in a Halloween costume? We don’t think so! If you’re friendly with other dog owners on the block, consider throwing a fun, doggy Halloween party. Invite other pet parents and tell them to dress up their pooches for the costume contest. You can even spice up the event by giving prizes to the first, second, and third place pups! No need to go overboard, it’s the thought that counts. Just be sure to take a ton of photos for social media. Who knows, your new puppy could go viral and become an internet pup-lebrity!

PUPPY PUMPKIN & PEANUT BUTTER TREATS 

Your puppy is more than a pet! He’s your furry best friend! Bond with your puppy pal this autumn by baking tasty dog treats that both of you can gobble up! We snagged this delicious doggy treat idea from All Recipes where puppy parents rated the recipe 5-stars over 800 times! Now, that’s something to bark about! 

Without further ado, here’s what you’ll need to bake these festive doggy treats at home with love.

Ingredients:

• Whole Wheat Flour
• Eggs
• Canned Pumpkin*
• Peanut Butter**
• Salt
• Cinnamon
• Water

*(Make sure to use “pure pumpkin puree” and not “pumpkin pie filling”! The pumpkin pie filling can have added ingredients like sugar, which isn’t good for puppies.)

**(Use natural peanut butter or double check the ingredients and make sure the peanut butter doesn’t contain Xylitol, which can be harmful to dogs.)

Instructions:

• If you’ve ever made cookies from scratch—and who hasn’t?!—you’re guaranteed to be a pro at making Puppy Pumpkin & Peanut Butter Treats! 
• Simply combine all the ingredients in a bowl or mixer. After thoroughly mixing, transfer the dough to a clean surface and work it with your hands until the dough has firmed up.
• Use a rolling pin to flatten the dough, and cut it using your favorite cookie cutters! We love bone-shaped cookie cutters, but given the season, you might like to try a pumpkin-shaped cutter and impress a spooky face into each cookie!
• Fill a baking sheet with the cookies and bake at 350 degrees F for 40 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly brown and crisp. 
• Make sure to wait until the cookies are completely cool before giving it to your puppy.

Prep Time: 15 mins

Cook Time: 40 mins

Total Time: 55 mins

Servings: 25

Yield: 25 treats

That about wraps it up for Petland Miami’s favorite autumn activities that you and your new puppy can enjoy this season! But that doesn’t mean there aren’t more fun to-do’s this fall. Here are some additional ideas you might like to try:

• Snuggle up with your pup for a Halloween horror movie marathon
• Make fall-themed bandanas and collars for your puppy to wear
• Pick out a beginner Halloween pattern and sew a spooky blanket
• Take your puppy for a hike to see the autumn leaves
• Go for a weekend trip to a cabin in the mountains up north
• Make doggie s’mores—the internet is chock-full of doggie treat recipes!

Are you ready for a brand-new puppy? Visit one of Petland Miami’s locations and meet your next furry companion. We offer special financing, and best of all, we’ve got some huge discounts running this season as part of our quest to home our sweet puppies with people who will love and care for them!