Fall is the perfect time to get outside with your dog and enjoy some seasonal adventures together. Beyond being a fun way to celebrate the change in temperature, autumn outings can help your dog get comfortable with new environments, people, and experiences while practicing skills like loose-leash walking amid distractions. As a dog trainer, here’s my advice to keep fall outings fun and safe for everyone involved.
First, plan your day
A little planning can help make any autumn outing more enjoyable for everyone. Before heading out, consider your dog’s comfort level in new environments and around crowds. Weekdays and early weekend mornings tend to be quieter at many locations, which can be especially helpful for young puppies or newly adopted dogs who are still building confidence. Dogs who are comfortable around people and other dogs may be ready for busier gatherings.
You should also keep a few essentials on hand, including water, a portable bowl, and dog treats to reward good behavior and reinforce skills in unfamiliar settings. A properly fitted harness or collar and a standard six-foot dog leash will help you keep your pup close, especially in high-stimulation areas with lots of distractions.
Depending on the weather and your dog’s needs, a sweater or jacket may also come in handy. And don’t forget poop bags: Cleaning up after your dog is essential to being a responsible visitor.
Ready to get outside? Read on!
1. Farmers market
If you're looking for a festive outing close to home, a trip to the farmers market is a great way to spend time outside with your dog. You can often find vendors selling treats or fun collars and bandanas who are more than happy to meet your four-legged visitor.
Farmers markets also offer a great opportunity to practice walking around on a leash amid many distractions—people, other pets, and lots and lots of smells.
Keep the rewards coming by offering plenty of praise and treats when your dog checks in with you or walks calmly by your side. Be considerate of other shoppers by keeping your dog close and preventing them from sniffing or touching food displays.
Just a note: Many farmers markets welcome well-behaved, leashed dogs during regular hours, but rules vary by location, so it's best to confirm the pet policy in advance.
2. Pumpkin patch
A trip to the pumpkin patch is a festive way to celebrate fall with your dog. Pumpkin patches make a great backdrop for seasonal photos, and the outing offers a fun opportunity to practice cues like “stay” in a new environment.
Before you go, check the farm’s pet policy, as rules can vary by location. Some farms may restrict dogs in certain areas, particularly harvest fields where pumpkins are grown for food, to ensure they maintain all health and food safety standards.
Many farms that host seasonal activities, such as pumpkin picking and corn mazes, welcome leashed dogs, making them a fun option for an autumn adventure together.
3. Corn maze
Maybe the pumpkin farm or fall festival also features a corn maze! Let your dog take their time sniffing as you navigate the twists and turns—this is great stimulation for them!—just keep them near.
Avoid letting your dog round corners ahead of you, which could startle other visitors, especially children, or lead to an unexpected encounter with another dog.
You’ll probably want to skip haunted corn mazes, which may be overwhelming for dogs because of the loud noises, sudden surprises, and spooky props. As with other fall outings, confirm the maze’s pet policy to make sure leashed dogs are welcome.
4. Hiking trails
For a quiet way to enjoy crisp fall weather, take a hike with your dog and take in the changing leaves. Many state and local parks welcome leashed dogs, though rules vary by location, so yep, check park regulations before you go.
Hiking also offers plenty of sensory enrichment, from the crunch of fallen leaves to the new scents along the trail. If you have a destination in mind, allow some extra time so your dog can stop to sniff and explore along the way. Dogs experience much of the world through their noses, so giving them time to investigate their surroundings can make the outing more rewarding for you both.
