5 Things to Do With Your Dog This September in Northwest Indiana

September is here, and there’s still plenty of time to get out and have some fun with your dog! Farmers markets are wrapping up, fall goodies are starting to hit the shelves, and there are plenty of local adventures to squeeze in before September flies by.

So if you need an excuse to make some plans with your best friend the rest of this month, I’ve got you covered.

1. Squeeze in at least one more market

Farmers market season is coming to an end, and I’m not quite ready to say goodbye yet! Grab your dog and head to the Cedar Lake Farmers Market every other Wednesday from 3–8pm, or check out the Valparaiso Farmers Market on Tuesdays and Saturdays. You can even come say hi to us at our Valparaiso store right across the street after you visit! Walk around, shop local, grab yourself a little treat, and let your dog sniff absolutely everything along the way. 

You can also find us at Paws in the Park in Munster on September 19. There’ll be plenty of fun activities and you can stop by and shop at our booth at the vendor market. Bring your pup, take a walk, and help support a good cause for Humane Indiana!

2. Go on a trail adventure

If you’re getting a little bored with the same neighborhood walk every day, your dog probably is too. Switch things up and head somewhere new! Lemon Lake County Park is my personal favorite for taking Ria on the trails, and they also have a 14 acre leash-free area where dogs can run and explore. Homestead Acres is another great option with walking trails and off-leash areas, making both spots perfect for a little outdoor adventure together.

All those new sights and scents make a trail walk much more exciting than their everyday route, and it’s a fun way to spend some extra time outside together. 

3. Find a dog-friendly patio

Any excuse to bring Ria along instead of leaving her at home is a good one in my book. There’s still plenty of patio season left, so find a dog-friendly spot, order something good, and bring your favorite four-legged date with you. Head over to Off Square Brewing to enjoy a nice night out with your pup in their fenced in patio. 

Even better, join us on September 26 from 10:30–11:30am for Paws & Pours with Pup Social at Journeyman Distillery! We'll be there with a lick mat station, so you can enjoy your morning while your dog gets a treat of their own.

4. Make a fall-themed snack

Pumpkin season isn't just for us! Grab a lick mat or enrichment toy and make your dog their own fall snack with pumpkin, goat's milk, apple, freeze-dried treats, or a few of their other favorites.

Serve it right away or freeze it for later. And yes, making it unnecessarily cute first is absolutely encouraged.

5. Take them fall shopping

Obviously, your dog needs a fall haul too. I know Ria expects a pantry stuffed full of new goodies every season, and I’m sure she’s not the only one. 

Bring your best friend into Hungry Hound and let them sniff through all the new fall goodies. We've got pumpkin toys, seasonal treats and toppers, lick mats, enrichment toys, and plenty more to get them into fall mode right along with you. We’ll be waiting to see you and your dog’s wagging tail this season!