Canine Fitness Month: 4 Ways to Keep Dogs Active in Yorktown, Poquoson & Beyond

April is Canine Fitness Month, a time to focus on keeping our beloved pets healthy, active, and happy. In the beautiful coastal communities of Yorktown, Poquoson, Newport News, and Hampton, Virginia, there are plenty of opportunities to help your dog stay fit while enjoying the fresh spring air. Whether you’re exploring local trails or attending dog-friendly events, here are 4 ways to keep dogs active in Yorktown, Poquoson & Beyond!

1. Walk Your Dog on Scenic Trails

The Yorktown and Newport News areas offer stunning hiking trails that are perfect for dogs who love to explore. Regular walks on these trails not only keep your dog physically active but also provide mental stimulation through new sights and smells. It's the best kind of sensory play and enrichment we can give our dogs!

Newport News Park

One of the largest municipal parks in the country, Newport New Park features miles of wooded trails where you and your dog can enjoy nature together.

two dogs walking on leash in Yorktown, Virginia

Yorktown Battlefield

For waterfront views, head to Yorktown Battlefield Park, where leashed dogs are welcome to stroll along historic paths.

Sandy Bottom Nature Park

In Hampton, Sandy Bottom Nature Park provides serene walking trails surrounded by lakes and forests.

2. Visit Off-Leash Dog Parks

two dogs walking at a dog park in Yorktown Virginia

For pups who love to run free, off-leash dog parks are a great option.

Bark Creek Park in Yorktown opened last fall. We covered it in this blog. Fido Field Dog Park in Newport News is a fenced-in area where dogs can play and socialize safely. In Hampton, Ridgway Bark Park offers separate sections for small and large dogs, ensuring every pup has a safe space to enjoy.

Off-leash parks are ideal for burning energy, improving social skills, and giving your dog the freedom to roam in a secure environment. But, please, supervise your dog and head home when he or she has had enough - or when a bully arrives!

3. Attend Local Dog-Friendly Events

dog on leash at. a pet-friendly event in Yorktown VIrginia

Springtime in the Yorktown area is full of dog-friendly events that encourage fitness and fun. Check out markets like the Yorktown Market Days, where leashed dogs are welcome to join you as you shop local vendors along the waterfront.

Check out this blog for more upcoming events, and keep an eye out for seasonal events like dog-centric fundraisers or pet expos in Newport News or Hampton that offer activities for both you and your pup. These outings provide exercise while strengthening your bond with your furry friend. Eventbrite and BringFido are great places to check for upcoming pet-friendly festivities and activities.

Before attending a local event, make sure your dog is comfortable with crowds, loud music, microphone announcements, and unfamiliar humans and dogs. If they are not comfortable, you'd better leave them at home and let us look after them while you enjoy the event.

dog on walk with Hearts at Home Pet Sitting

4. Hire a Professional Dog Walker

Life can get busy, but that doesn’t mean your dog’s fitness routine has to suffer. Hiring a professional dog walker ensures your pup gets regular exercise even when you’re short on time.

At Hearts at Home Pet Sitting, we offer personalized walking services tailored to your dog’s needs—whether they prefer brisk walks or leisurely strolls around the neighborhood. We don't have a minimum requirement and encourage you to schedule as needed. We even offer more extensive dog walks and hikes for energetic breeds.

As we mentioned above, we can help during events - if you think your dog will be more comfortable at home, let us come to them while you have a blast!