National Dog Week: Celebrating the Dogs Who Make Life Better

September 20–26, 2026 | National Dog Week

What if every week were National Dog Week?

More walks. More playtime. More belly rubs. More adventures. More time together.

Honestly… your dog probably wouldn't complain. 🐾

National Dog Week begins September 20, and it's more than just an excuse to spoil our dogs for seven days. It's a reminder of the incredible role dogs play in our lives—and the responsibility we have to give them the happy, healthy lives they deserve.

A Week With a Little History

National Dog Week was established in 1928 by Captain Will Judy, a World War I veteran and publisher of Dog World magazine. Judy created the week to promote kindness toward dogs and educate people about the human-canine bond.

The American Kennel Club notes that National Dog Week became especially popular during the 1940s, with celebrations taking place across the country.

Nearly 100 years later, we're still finding reasons to celebrate our dogs.

And we think that's a pretty good tradition.

So What Does a Dog Actually Need?

A happy dog needs more than food, a cozy bed and a backyard.

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, responsible pet ownership includes providing appropriate exercise, mental stimulation, preventive veterinary care, socialization, training, companionship and proper identification.

The American Kennel Club similarly emphasizes that dogs need regular physical exercise and mental stimulation. The amount and type of exercise can vary depending on a dog's breed, age, health, personality and lifestyle.

In other words:

There isn't one perfect routine for every dog.

Your 2-year-old Border Collie probably doesn't have the same exercise needs as your 12-year-old Golden Retriever.

Your high-energy adventure dog may need a completely different outlet than your couch-loving companion.

And that's okay.

The goal isn't to create the “perfect dog.”

The goal is to understand your dog.

7 Ways to Celebrate National Dog Week

You don't need a big party or an elaborate adventure.

Sometimes the best things are simple.

🐕 1. Add an Extra Walk

Take a different route around the neighborhood. Let your dog sniff. Explore somewhere new.

A walk isn't just about covering miles—it's also an opportunity for your dog to experience sights, sounds and smells.

🧠 2. Give Their Brain a Workout

Try a puzzle toy, a training session, a scent game or simply practice a few favorite cues.

Mental stimulation is an important part of keeping dogs engaged and occupied.

❤️ 3. Schedule Some One-on-One Time

Put the phone down.

Sit together.

Play.

Scratch their ears.

Let them hang out beside you while you drink your coffee.

For a dog, your attention can be the best part of the day.

🦴 4. Do Something Your Dog Loves

Does your dog love swimming?

Running?

Sniffing?

Fetching?

Hiking?

Meeting friends?

Find something that makes their tail wag.

🎓 5. Practice a Little Training

Training isn't just for puppies.

Spend five minutes practicing sit, stay, recall, leash manners or a fun new trick.

Training provides mental stimulation while strengthening communication between you and your dog.

🩺 6. Check In on Their Health

National Dog Week is also a great reminder to make sure your dog's preventive care is up to date.

The AVMA recommends routine preventive healthcare, appropriate vaccinations and parasite control, along with veterinary care when illness or injury occurs.

🐾 7. Make Exercise Part of the Routine

Dogs benefit from regular physical activity, but their needs aren't all the same.

The AKC notes that exercise requirements vary by breed and that insufficient exercise can contribute to boredom, behavior problems and weight gain.

That's one reason we love the idea behind National Dog Week:

It's not about doing MORE just because it's Dog Week.

It's about finding what makes sense for your dog and making it part of everyday life.

Every Dog Deserves Their Own Kind of Happy

Here in Central Oregon, we're lucky to have so many ways to enjoy life with our dogs.

But sometimes life gets busy.

Work.

Kids.

Appointments.

Weather.

Smoke.

Injuries.

Aging.

And sometimes you simply don't have the time—or the physical ability—to give your dog the activity they need.

That's where finding convenient options can make a difference.

At Bend Barks & Rec, we bring the gym to your driveway with private, 30-minute sessions in our climate-controlled mobile dog gym.

No dog park.

No crowded facility.

No need to drive your dog somewhere.

Just a dedicated space for your pup to get moving and work toward being Run Ready.

Let's Make It More Than One Week

National Dog Week ends September 26 But your dog's need for exercise, enrichment, companionship and love doesn't.

So this week, celebrate your dog.

Take the extra walk.

Play the extra game.

Try something new.

Give them the biggest hug.

And then keep doing it long after National Dog Week is over.

Because if you ask us…

Every week should be National Dog Week.

🐾 Happy National Dog Week from Bend Barks & Rec!

Every day is a good day for a walk.

Until next week!

-Bend Barks & Rec

Bend Barks & Rec is a mobile dog gym serving the Bend, Sunriver, Redmond areas (including Tumalo and Three Rivers).