Doggy Date Night: 16 Ideas For a Dog Friendly Date

Did you know February 3 is National Doggy Date Night in the United States? This fun holiday is the perfect excuse for spending time with your furry friend, and it’s a great opportunity to deepen your bond with your dog. To celebrate doggy date night, I wanted to share 16 fun dog date ideas along with the love language(s) they best align with.

Not sure what your dog’s love language is? Take the quiz to find out!

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Dogs Like Dates Too

In my opinion, spontaneous dates nights are one of the best parts of DINK life. Whether that’s going out for a nice dinner, snagging tickets to a fun event, or even whipping up an extravagent meal at home, Brady and I love a good excuse to spend quality time together. As dog lovers, we also enjoy bringing June and Margot along for date night when we can. After all, dogs have always been a big part of our relationship considering Brady and I first started hanging out at a dog park.

Plus, dogs enjoy spending time with us, too. We are kind of their whole world, and planning a doggie date night is such a fun way to deepen your bond and enrich your dog’s life. While February 3 might be National Doggy Date Night, I recommend planning little doggy dates all year around.

Dog-Friendly Date Ideas

Whether you are going on a first date, a date with your best friend, or a date with your long-time partner, I’ve put together a variety of date night ideas with dogs so you can find the perfect date night that works for everyone. Each dog date night idea includes which love languages best align with the idea, as well as a set of tips to make sure everyone has the best time. It’s important to choose an activity that you and your dog will enjoy. A nice dinner out on the patio of your favorite restaurant might sound fun for you, but if your dog gets anxious in public spaces, then opt for dinner at home instead.

1. Drive in Movie

Thanks to the pandemic, Drive In theatres are making a bit of a come back, and I’m not gonna lie– I kind of love it! There is something unusually fun about an outdoor movie compared to an in-theatre experience. Because Drive In movie theatres are outdoors, many are dog friendly! Just be sure to double check with your local theatre before you go. This is a perfect date night idea for dogs whose love language is Physical Touch (think snuggling in the car) or Quality Time.

Doggy Date Night Tips

• If you plan on sitting outside of your car, don’t forget a comfortable place for your dog to lay down.
• Order plain popcorn from the concession stand and share a few bites, or bring your dog’s favorite treat/chew to gnaw on while you enjoy the movie.

2. Wine Tasting

Lots of wineries are dog friendly, especialy those with larger outdoor spaces. Enjoy a quick walk around the premises with your dog so they can sniff and explore a bit. Then, do a tasting, split a bottle, or just order a glass of your favorite to sip and enjoy the views. This can be a real fun time for dogs whose primary love language is Receiving Gifts, as sniffing around new, interesting spaces can be really enriching.

Doggy Date Night Tips:

• Consider bringing a toy or chew for your dog to enjoy, as well as a blanket or bed.
• Bring a picnic blanket to lay out on the ground so you and your dog can lounge together.
• Upgrade your doggy date with a barkuterie board!

3. Brewery

The craft beer scene has really blown up in the past few years, and a lot of breweries/brew pubs are pretty dog friendly. This doggy date night idea can be a great alternative if you aren’t a wine drinker. Order a flight of beer and rank your favorites. This fun date night idea is perfect for dogs whose primary love language is Physical Touch or Acts of Service, especially if your dog loves being around other people.

Doggy Date Night Tips:

• Choose a seat away from main walkways so your dog isn’t in the way.
• Bring a blanket or bed for them to lay on, as well as a chew or puzzle toy.
• Plan ahead and buy some dog beer and biscuits for your dog to enjoy.

4. Picnic in the park

If the weather is nice, pack a basket with your favorite treats (human and dog) and hit a nearby park (double check it’s dog friendly and what the rules are in advance). Sprawl out on a blanket, relax, and watch the world go by. Picnics are such a fun date idea, and they are great for dogs that get nervous in busy spaces. This doggy date idea is perfect for dogs whose love language is Physical Touch, Words of Affirmation, or Quality Time.

Doggy Date Night Tips:

• Use a longline and play a game of chase, tug, or short-distanced fetch.
• Fresh fruit like blueberries and apple slices, small cubes of cheese, and low sodium deli meat are all picnic-friendly foods you can share (in moderation) with your dog. Alternatively, bring your dog their own snacks, like freeze dried liver or a bully stick.
• Practice the art of doing nothing in a new space. This is useful for us humans as well as our dogs!

5. Dinner on a Patio

This is a classic date night idea with a dog friendly twist! Even fancy restaurants sometimes have dog friendly patios, so if your pup is the type who enjoys bars and restaurants, then this is a great doggy date night idea. Make it special by getting dressed up, and consider dressing your dog up, too. This could be a fancy sweater if they don’t mind wearing clothes, or a bowtie or bandana. This date idea is great for dogs whose primary love language is Acts of Service, as it’s the perfect opportunity to practice cues like place, settle, down, etc.

Doggy Date Night Tips:

• Make sure your dog is comfortable on patios before going on a date. A great way to test this out is to bring your dog to a patio during slow hours and see how they handle it.
• Choose a restaurant with plenty of outdoor space so your dog isn’t over crowded.
• Bring treats to reinforce wanted behaviors, like settling or ignoring other people. Bring hand sanitizer to disinfect your hands after giving treats!

6. Netflix and chill

Build a blanket fort or make a pillow pile on the floor where you, your partner, and your dog can all cuddle up. Pick a fun movie (dog-themed optional) and don’t forget the shareable snacks! Unflavored popcorn, plain potato chips, fresh fruits and veggies, cheese, and even (plain) ice cream can all be shared in moderation, if your dog does not have a sensitive system. Just remember to double check the ingredients to make sure they are all nontoxic. When in doubt, ask your vet. This date night is perfect for dogs whose primary love language is Physical Touch, Words of Affirmation, or Quality Time.

Doggy Date Night Tips:

• Choose an upbeat dog movie like Bolt, Isle of Dogs, 101 Dalmatians, Scooby Doo, Best in Show, etc. Remember, dogs pick up on our moods, so avoid sad or scary movies.
• Share a few special snacks, but be mindful not to overdo it. Upset tummies are no fun for anyone!
• Build a blanket fort or pillow pile on the ground to snuggle up together.

7. Take a hike

Nature is a great way to bond with your partner and with your dog. Fill up your water bottles and hit your favorite trail, or opt for a new place you’ve never been before. Don’t forget to double check that a trail is dog friendly in advance, and always clean up after your dog! This is another great idea for dogs that get nervous in busier spaces. In fact, letting your dog sniff and explore on a hike is a great way to help them decompress. It helps us humans, too! This date idea is ideal for dogs whose primary love language is Receiving Gifts, Acts of Service, or Quality Time.

Doggy Date Night Tips:

• Check all rules and regulations in advance to ensure dogs are allowed. Follow all rules, including leash laws and proper disposal of waste.
• Use a harness and longline or flexi-leash (this one is my absolute favorite) to give your dog more space to sniff and explore. Just double check that leash laws allow for leashes over 6 feet long.
• Make sure your dog is in the right condition to hike, and choose a hiking difficulty that matches your ability AND your dog’s ability.

8. Coffee Date

Another classic date idea is grabbing a cup of coffee, hot chocolate, or tea at your favorite coffee shop. Give this date a dog friendly twist by bringing a comfy mat for your dog to lay on, and order them a pupuccino. If your dog isn’t the patio pup type, opt to take your drinks to go and enjoy a walk-and-talk around the block or through a park instead. This cozy date night idea is perfect for dogs whose primary love language is Receiving Gifts, Acts of Service, or Quality Time.

Doggy Date Night Tips:

• Try a hands free leash if it’s too difficult to walk your dog and drink coffee at the same time (this one from Chewy is great).

9. Ice Cream

Ice cream is a great doggy date night idea, because it can be kept short and sweet (pun intended). You can even get your dog a small scoop of plain vanilla ice cream, as long as there are no fake sugars. Xylitol, sometimes called birch sugar, is extremely toxic to dogs, as are some flavors like chocolate (obviously). This is a perfect date idea for dogs whose primary love language is Receiving Gifts!

Doggy Date Night Tips:

• If you are uncertain about ordering your dog ice cream from a shop, many pet stores (in person and online) sell dog-specific ice cream. You can also make your own!
• Share your ice cream in moderation! The sugar and fat content in human ice cream can easily upset your dog’s digestion, which is no fun for anyone.

10. Game Night

If you are feeling a night in, throw together a dog friendly game night with your significant other! You can opt for classic board games, or try out a couch co-op video game instead (It Takes Two, Overcooked, and KeyWe are some of our favorites). Spend some time playing your dog’s favorite game, too. Maybe that’s hiding a dog treat around the house for them to find, playing tug, or putting together a puzzle toy for them to enjoy. This is a great date night idea for dogs whose primary love language is Words of Affirmation, Receiving Gifts, Acts of Service, or Quality Time.

Doggy Date Night Tips:

• Invite a small number of friends over if you are feeling social and if your dog enjoys company.
• Prepare puzzle toys in advance, especially if you are having friends over.

11. Outdoor performance

Some cities have great outdoor amphitheatres for concerts, plays, and other types of performances. If your local outdoor venue is dog friendly, and your dog doesn’t mind the crowds, then an outdoor performance could be the perfect date night for you, your dog, and your significant other. Bring a blanket to sit on, and maybe a good chew or toy for your dog to enjoy, like peanut butter in a Kong. This is a great doggy date for dogs whose primary love language is Physical Touch or Acts of Service.

Doggy Date Night Tips

• Be mindful of volume. Dogs’ ears are more sensitive than ours. If you are attending a loud performance, like a concert, don’t sit too close to the speakers.

12. Drink and Draw

One of the unexpected positives to come out of COVID is the plethora of virtual programs. If you are feeling creative, sign up for a virtual art class. Painting to Gogh offers a couples’ paint night kit that includes all the art supplies and an artist led tutorial so you can host your own private painting date night right out of your living room! Many museums are also offering virtual workshops, or you could YouTube a class for free! Get your dog involved with this simple lick painting activity. This is the perfect date night idea for dogs whose primary love language is Receiving Gifts or Acts of Service.

Doggy Date Night Tips:

• Stay on theme by looking for a “Paint your pet” class.

13. Try Geocaching

Geocaching is an outdoor activity in which participants use a GPS or their mobile device and other navigational techniques to hide and seek containers at specific locations marked by coordinates all over the world. It is basically the world’s largest treasure hunt. You can get started here. This is a super fun activity and is perfect for bringing your dog along for the ride. Hell, they might even help you sniff out the cache! This adventurous date idea is great for dogs whose primary love language is Words of Affirmation and Acts of Service.

Doggy Date Night Tips

• Plan out your geocache stops in advance and make sure they are areas where dogs are allowed.
• Bring lots of treat to reinforce wanted behavior. You can also sprinkle treats in the grass and let your dog sniff them out if they aren’t having much luck with the caches.

14. Whip up a nice meal

There is cooking dinner, and then there is whipping up a FEAST. Spend some time picking out a new, interesting recipe to try, maybe something from a cuisine style you don’t normally cook. Then, you and your partner can spend the evening creating something delicious. Considering making a little something special for your dog, too. Cooking meat and dog-safe veggies without seasonings can be a fun way to incorporate them into the special evening. This is a perfect date night idea for dogs whose primary love language is Receiving Gifts.

Doggy Date Night Tips

• Pick out a movie themed to your meal. For example, if you make spaghetti and meatballs, watch Lady and the Tramp!
• Baking a your dog a homemade dog treat is also a great way to include them in an at-home dinner. These no-bake Carob Peanut Butter hearts super easy and quick to make!

15. Take a Romantic Stroll on a Dog Beach

If you live near the coast, find a dog friendly beach to enjoy a sunset (or sunrise) stroll. If your dog enjoys the water, plan for some wave frolicking and maybe even some fetch if that is your dog’s thing. Even dogs who don’t love the water can enjoy a leisurely beach stroll, since there are so many new and exciting smells to discover. This romantic date idea is great for dogs whose primary love language is Receiving Gifts, Acts of Service, or Quality Time.

Doggy Date Night Tips

• Invest in a biothane longline. These are waterproof and super easy to clean, which is perfect for the beach. Meanwhile, longlines allow your dog freedom to sniff and explore while still respecting leash laws. I would recommend at least 15 to 20 feet, if not longer.
• Depending on the tie of year, be mindful of how hot the sand might be, particularly in the evening.
• Lots of people break leash rules at the beach, so be prepared for this. Either opt for sunrise, when there are less likely to be a bunch of people out, or try to find more secluded beaches.

16. Double Date

Last but not least, a double doggy date night can be a great way to double your fun. This could be your friends, or your dog’s favorite playmate! Most dogs are social creatures that enjoy company from other dogs, especially dog play dates with a dog they get along with. If your dog does not like other dogs, that’s okay, too! Try a “double date” with your dog’s favorite human, instead. This doggie date idea is great for social dogs whose primary love language is Physical Touch and Words of Affirmation.

Doggy Date Night Tips

• If you/your friend don’t have a yard, consider renting a Sniff Spot for an hour or two, or plan a weekend trip somewhere.
• Going for a hike or taking a long walk is also a great activity for a doggy play date.

Ideas for Doggie Date Night

Be sure to pin this post so you don’t forget these dog friendly dates! They are perfect for National Doggy Date Night on February 3, but save these ideas to use year-round, too!