Father’s Day’s here once again, and the question on everyone’s mind is: “what should I get the special men in my life?” Socks are a timeless classic, right? Or maybe… cologne?
But what about the guys whose “kids” are furry, four-pawed, and like to play catch? Dog dads, in other words.
Here are some clues this could be you:
- you find yourself sporting facial hair or a full beard, since your morning shaving sessions often get gate-crashed by an “unexpected guest”.
- there’s a special someone in your household who eats like a king, and then there’s you – living off coffee and peanut butter straight from the jar.
- when away from home you have, at least once, FaceTimed your dog and shared your latest updates with them, while your partner stands awkwardly in the background.
At YuMOVE, we’re all for including dog dads in holiday celebrations. So, without further ado, here are some great ways to celebrate Father’s Day as a proud pet parent.
1. Get matching haircuts
Ok, so you may not want your haircut to literally “match” your dog’s – unless he’s a Poodle and you’ve always thought that men’s fashion peaked in the 1970s.
All the same, getting a fresh ‘do can make any guy feel like a million bucks. And, even if they don't really want to be washed, your dog will look and feel great after a grooming session, too.
Rocking a new hairstyle is a great way of treating yourself, changing things up in your life and having some fun. As for your dog’s new look… we’ll just leave this here without comment.
2. Push it to the limit at an Ultimutt Race
Some guys – and some dogs – just prefer to take it easy. Think ‘hammocks in the sun’ rather than ‘waking up at 4:00 AM to train for an Ironman Triathlon.’
On the other hand, some just love to feel the burn, and just about every German Shepherd comes alive during a serious endurance run.
Usually, dogs and humans do their fitness challenges separately. But the lines are starting to blur. In 2016, for example, one dog entered a half marathon and came in seventh. And her owner didn’t even know about it!
If you love a challenge, how about treating yourself and your canine athlete to a shared endurance event like the Ultimutt Race obstacle course?
Of course, we’d be dropping the ball here if we didn’t also mention that our YuMOVE joint supplement for dogs is perfect for any fitness-themed canine outing.
3. Host a mouth-watering cookout
In case you haven’t noticed, dogs really like to eat. And even if not every dad is a gourmet chef, almost all love a good grill.
So, when the sun’s shining, why not host an awesome cookout?
Between grilled chicken breasts, hotdogs, lean burgers, and roasted yams, your dog can safely enjoy many of your favorite barbecue staples. Just keep a watchful eye out that they don’t swipe an entire rack of ribs from under your nose.
4. Hit the road (Jack)
Sometimes, you just want to get in touch with your inner ‘Rebel Without a Cause’ and head off on an action-packed road trip.
With only a car, a loose plan, a great playlist, and some essential canine supplies, it’s possible to have truly incredible adventures with your dog by your side.
Unsurprisingly, your fearless Fido is likely to also get a lot of joy out of seeing new places, running through unfamiliar woods full of unfamiliar smells, and spending quality time with you.
5. Just spend a day with some of your favorite snacks, watching a great (dog-themed) film
This Father’s Day, while your dog unwinds with a delicious calming treat after a high-energy game of ‘catch my own shadow’, why don’t you just grab a bag of Doritos and load up Netflix?
Sometimes, we all just need to take it easy – and if you can’t watch mindless TV on Father’s Day, when can you? No doubt your dog will love just curling up next to you and enjoying your company. But you could always put on a dog-themed movie if you want to really get them invested.
Need some inspiration for your next movie night with your dog by your side? Check out these canine classics...
Bolt
When a famous on-screen “super-dog” has been raised to believe his powers are real, it only takes the “kidnapping” of his owner to set him off on a cross-country rescue mission. Bolt is, without a doubt, one of the premier feel-good animated family comedies of all time.
I Am Legend
Will Smith co-stars alongside German Shepherd, Sam, in this 2007 post-apocalyptic action-thriller. A mutated super-virus has wiped out humanity. One man struggles to hold on, feed his dog, and find other survivors in a wasteland inhabited by corrupted “Darkseekers.”
Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey
In this 1993 remake of a ‘60s classic, we follow two dogs and a cat on a cross-country journey to reunite with their family. Expect plenty of laughs from this feel-good family comedy, with some surprisingly emotional moments thrown in, too.
Marley & Me
Based on a true story, Marley & Me follows newlyweds John and Jenny Gronan, and their mischievous Labrador, Marley, as they navigate life’s highs and lows for over a decade. This comedy-drama is a must-see for dog lovers. Expect to laugh and cry.
How are you planning on celebrating Father’s Day as a dog dad? Please share your pics on our Facebook or Instagram pages – we’d love to see you both enjoying the occasion!
