The days are still warm(ish), the leaves are crunchy, and your dog is ready to sniff out every moment of fun. Whether you're all about those cosy vibes or love hitting the road, we’ve rounded up four must-do autumn activities for you and your pup. Grab the leads, pack some treats, and let’s make the most of this tail-wagging season.

🍂 Leaf crunching sniffaris
There’s nothing quite like watching your pup leap through a pile of crunchy leaves! Autumn parks and trails are full of golden backdrops, perfect for doggy photo shoots (and yes, we wrote a blog on how to take the best autumn dog photos, thank us later). Let your dog follow their nose on a proper sniffari, exploring new scents in piles of leaves or rustling through pathways. Don’t forget to snap a few photos of your dog living their best leafy life!

☕ Cosy café dates
Chilly mornings call for warm drinks and snuggly café visits. Why not take your pup on a cosy café date? Grab one of our autumn bandanas or bow ties so your dog is café-chic, and pack a comfy blanket and some treats from our boutique to keep them settled at your feet. Not sure where to go? We’ve rounded up the best dog-friendly cafés in Christchurch and Auckland on the blog - perfect for finding a new weekend hangout.

💦 Dog pool parties (Yes, Really!)
Just because summer’s over doesn’t mean the fun has to stop. Around April, a bunch of human swimming pools throw epic dog pool parties to mark the end of the season. Your dog can splash, swim, and socialise to their heart’s content. Our personal favourite? The Oxford Dog Pool Party in Waimakariri - always a hit with our Sweet As Pup crew. Keep an eye out locally, grab a towel, and let your pup make a splash before winter sets in.

🚗 Autumn road trips
Autumn is ideal for hitting the road - less heat, fewer crowds, and all the golden scenery. Whether you’re heading off on a hiking trail, visiting a new dog park, or taking a spontaneous road trip, this is the time to do it. Pack your dog’s essentials (treats, poop bags, travel bowls—you know the drill) and explore somewhere new together. The only question is: beach or bush?

Before the cold sets in, tick off your dog’s autumn bucket list. From leaf piles and café hangs to splash zones and weekend getaways, there’s plenty of sniff-worthy fun to be had.