15 Ideas to Add to Your 2023 Bucket List of Things to Do With Your Dog

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It’s officially the new year which means it’s time to start creating our resolutions, vision boards, and bucket lists for 2023. Every year I like to create a list of goals I’d like to achieve and activities I’d like to do so that I can check it off throughout the year. One of my personal goals this year is to spend even more time with my dogs which is why this year, my bucket list is centered around my Siberian Huskies. Today, I’m sharing 15 ideas to add to your 2023 bucket list of things to do with your dog. 

What is a Bucket List?

According to the Oxford dictionary, a bucket list is defined as: “a number of experiences or achievements that a person hopes to have or accomplish in their lifetime”. In simple terms, a bucket list is a compiled list of things you want to do or achieve. 

Many people have one running bucket list that they add to and check items off of throughout their lifetime. I prefer to make bucket lists for different seasons of life and different categories rather than just one ongoing list. 

Making a bucket list that is catered directly to my relationship with my dogs helps me achieve my goal of spending more time with them in the new year!

15 Ideas to Add to Your 2023 Bucket List of Things to Do With Your Dog

The options of what to add to your bucket list are endless! They can include simple ideas such as trying a new treat or learning a new trick or they can be more extravagant such as going on a trip. Here are 15 ideas you can add to your 2023 bucket list:

1. Go on a trip

Vacation’s more fun with your furry friends. Add a trip to your bucket list to allow your pup to see the world with you. This can be as simple as a weekend road trip or as extravagant as a flight across the country!

2. Go camping

This one is on my personal bucket list as I think camping is one of the most fun adventures you can do with your dog. Since it’s all outdoors, you don’t have to worry about a canine friendly hotel or house to stay in. Plus, all the activities cater to your dog! Hiking, bonfires, and swimming are all camping must do’s that can easily be done with your pooch by your side. 

3. Try a new treat

The market for dog treats is huge and as a result there are so many different ones to choose from. If you tend to buy the same treats for your dog all the time, consider branching out this year to something new. Some of my favorite treats for my dogs include Bocce’s Bakery, Stella & Chewy, and The Honest Kitchen. 

4. Make homemade dog treats

If your dog has tried all the treats the world has to offer, try making your own treats at home! Baking for dogs is pretty simple and there are a ton of fun recipes out there! I have plenty of recipes on this blog already ranging from cakes to hot chocolate. If you’d like to try out any of my homemade dog treat recipes, I’ll have them all linked here. 

5. Invest in a dog treat maker

If baking is not your forte, consider purchasing the Dash dog treat maker! This appliance is very reasonably priced and makes making homemade dog treats a breeze. It even comes with a booklet of recipes to choose from!

6. Teach new tricks

Training is a great way to bond with your dog while working them out mentally. If you already have a perfectly well behaved pup, consider teaching them a trick or two they don’t already know! 

7. Work on training

Likewise, if your dog (like mine) is not a perfect pooch all the time, focus on some training goals you have for the year! Some examples include leash walking, crate training, and reactivity. 

8. Make new friends

Dogs need friends too! While I’m not a huge fan of the concept of dog parks and daycares, I do believe that dogs should be given time to socialize with other pups. Make a point this year to set up some doggy playdates with your friends and family’s dogs!

9. Have a fancy dinner

This is a fun one that I want to do for my dogs birthday’s this year! One or two nights this year, make your dog their own fancy dinner. Pick a protein such as steak or salmon and some veggies like asparagus or green beans and let your dog have a fancy dinner of their own!

Note: If your dog has a sensitive stomach, be mindful of what and how much you feed them.

Note: Dogs don’t need seasonings! Cook any food you give them without extra seasoning and with minimal butter and oil. 

10. Become an influencer

The world of dog influencers is forever growing and your dog could be the next new social media star! Make them their very own Instagram or TikTok to share all the cute photos and videos you take of them. You never know, they could be paying your bills by the end of the year 😉

And if you don’t already, follow me on Instagram and TikTok @thatonedogmomblog!

11. Go swimming!

Many dogs love to swim and if yours is one of them then take them swimming or to enjoy another water activity this year! Many places allow dogs on boats, kayaking, and even paddle boarding. Or, if you’re hoping to keep it more low-key visit a local lake or even have a backyard sprinkler party. Don’t forget their life vest!

12. Join a dog sport

There are so many different dog sports such as agility, barn hunting, and more! Find a location near you that specializes in canine sports and sign your pooch up for an extracurricular activity! This is a great way to socialize them while also teaching them discipline and keeping them active. 

13. Visit more dog friendly locations 

Get your dog out of the house more this year by taking them to dog friendly locations! Restaurants, breweries, farmers markets, and even certain stores allow dogs to visit. This is a great way to let your dog experience life and socialize.

14. Have a spa day

Is your dog due for a bath, haircut, or brush out? Spend a day this year having a full on doggy spa day complete with a pawdicure. You might even be able to find a dog masseuse near you or learn how to massage your dog yourself!

15. Spend time together

I spend a lot of time trying to find different activities and things to do with my dogs but over time I’ve learned that they’re really just happy to spend time with me. No matter what adventures you decide to get into with your pup this year, making sure to spend some extra time with them will make them happier than anything else.