The Rec Report
Welcome to
Your behind-the-scenes pass to all things Barks and Rec. From pup wellness tips to road stories and rescue features, we’re here to bring the outdoors to your home—one tail wag at a time.
National Dog Week: Celebrating the Dogs Who Make Life Better
Celebrate National Dog Week 2026 with seven simple ways to improve your dog's health, happiness and daily routine—from exercise and enrichment to training, companionship and preventive care.
Hug Your Hound: Celebrating the Dogs We Love and Remembering the Ones We’ve Lost
Celebrate Hug Your Hound Day in Bend, Oregon by appreciating the dogs beside us and remembering beloved pets we've lost. Learn about canine grief, pet memorial ideas and ways to honor your dog's life.
National Disaster Preparedness Month: How to Keep Your Dog Safe During a Wildfire or Emergency in Central Oregon
Learn how Central Oregon dog parents in Bend, Sunriver, Redmond and surrounding communities can prepare their dogs for wildfires, smoke and other emergencies. Discover what to include in a dog emergency kit, how to create a pet evacuation plan, update identification and veterinary records, find pet-friendly evacuation locations, and safely exercise dogs during poor air quality.
🍎 Back-to-School Reset: Helping Your Dog Adjust to the Fall Routine
Back-to-school season means big routine changes for dogs, too. Learn how to help your Bend dog adjust to more alone time with predictable exercise, enrichment and a consistent fall routine.
Concert Night in Bend: How to Help Your Dog Relax While You're Away.
Heading to a concert at Hayden Homes Amphitheater? Learn how to prepare your Bend dog with exercise, enrichment, a calm environment and a predictable routine while you enjoy the show.
Every Dog Has a Different Routine: Finding the Right Exercise Balance for Your Bend Lifestyle
Not every dog needs the same exercise routine. Learn how to find the right balance of physical and mental enrichment based on your lifestyle, your dog's personality, and your daily schedule.
Smoke Season in Bend: Keeping Your Dog Active When Outdoor Air Quality Changes.
Wildfire smoke can impact your dog’s health and routine. Learn how Bend Oregon dog owners can safely exercise their pets during smoke season with indoor enrichment options.
Summer Schedules Change but Your Dog's Need for Exercise Doesn't
Summer schedules can get hectic, but your dog's exercise routine shouldn't. Discover why consistent physical and mental exercise helps reduce unwanted behaviors, maintain a healthy weight, and keep your pup happy all season long.
Wildfire Smoke Isn't Just Hard on You; It's Hard on Your Dog, Too!
Wildfire smoke is an unfortunate part of summer in Central Oregon, but it doesn't have to derail your dog's exercise routine. Learn how smoke affects canine health, what warning signs to watch for, and how to keep your pup active while protecting their lungs during wildfire season.
Mid-Summer Is Here: Keep Your Dog Safe, Happy, and Moving
Summer has arrived in Central Oregon, bringing hotter days, dry trails, and an increase in foxtails and cheatgrass. Discover simple ways to protect your dog's paws, avoid dangerous grass awns, and keep them active even when the temperatures climb. Learn why indoor, climate-controlled exercise can be the safest way to help your pup stay healthy all summer long.
Why Regular Exercise Makes Your Dog Easier to Walk (And Happier at Home)
Daily walks shouldn't feel like a tug-of-war. Learn how consistent exercise can reduce excess energy, improve leash manners, and help create a calmer, happier dog in Bend, Oregon.
Celebrating Dog Dads: The Treat Dispensers, Ball Throwers, and Adventure Guides
This Father's Day, we're celebrating the dog dads of Bend, Oregon. From early morning walks to endless games of fetch, here's to the dads who make life better for their four-legged family members.
Heroes on the Run, Doggolympics, and a Day Celebrating Dogs in Bend
Join Bend Barks & Rec at Heroes on the Run and Hungry Hound's Doggolympics. Celebrate rescue dogs, community, and everything that makes Bend one of the most dog-friendly places in Oregon.
Heroes on the Run (8:00 AM - 1:30 PM): 5K and 10K walk/run along the Deschutes River, followed by a Kids Mini Run.
The K9 Kings Show (1:30 PM - 2:00 PM): A live, high-flying frisbee dog performance by JD Platt & The K9 Kings.
The Doggolympics (2:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Friendly, fun-focused competitions featuring an obstacle agility course, a high jump, a 50-yard sprint, and a best trick contest.
Summer Break Is Here: Don't Forget About the Dog
School is out, summer adventures are beginning, and schedules are changing. Learn how maintaining your dog's exercise routine can help create a happier, more balanced summer for the entire family in Bend, Oregon.
Serving dogs throughout Bend, Sunriver, and Redmond with Central Oregon's climate-controlled mobile dog gym.
Memorial Day Weekend: Keeping Routines Steady for Happier Dogs
This Memorial Day weekend, learn how consistent routines help keep dogs happy and balanced through summer. Bend Barks & Rec shares tips on mid-week exercise and offers 10% off for veterans.
Spring Weather, Summer Schedules & Staying Run Ready
Summer break is only one month away. Learn why now is the ideal time to establish a regular dog exercise routine with Bend Barks & Rec’s mobile dog gym in Bend, Oregon.
Busy Schedules Ahead: Why Now Is the Time to Plan Your Dog’s Summer Routine
Summer is coming fast. Learn why establishing your dog’s exercise routine now prevents stress, behavior issues, and missed opportunities later.
Earth Day & Your Dog: Why Spring Exercise Matters More Than Ever
Celebrate Earth Day by prioritizing your dog’s health. Learn why consistent exercise in spring sets your dog up for a happy, balanced summer.
Spring Has Arrived in Bend, Is Your Dog Keeping Up?
Spring has officially arrived in Bend, bringing busier schedules and more time outdoors. Make sure your dog stays active, calm, and ready to enjoy the season with consistent exercise and support.
Daylight Saving Time Is Coming: A Smarter Way for Busy Pet Parents to Keep Dogs Exercised
Daylight Saving Time starts next Sunday. For busy pet parents in Bend, consistent dog exercise matters more than ever. Learn how simple routines keep dogs calm, healthy, and happy—even when schedules shift.

