Summer is a wonderful time to be a dog or to have a dog. The long days offer lots of opportunity to get some exercise, shake up the routine and try something new that will strengthen the bond for both of you.

If you're starting from go, though, it's important to check in with your veterinarian before ramping up the physical activity, especially if your dog is older or overweight. You may also want to check to be sure your dog's tick prevention is the best for your part of the country before you head into any hiking areas.

If everything checks out, get moving! Here are some ideas:

Get wet. Swimming is a natural for water dogs or dogs who love the water. If your dog has never been swimming before, try to go out with a friend and a dog who's already a good swimmer. A dog who'll like swimming may learn quickly from a dog who already knows how to swim, especially if the activity is coupled with a game of fetch. Be careful not to let your dog get into trouble: Stick to the calm shallows and be sure to pack drinking water.

For older dogs or those who aren't as water-ready as the average retriever, consider a canine life jacket. These are designed to keep the dog afloat even if he gets tired.

If your dog really takes to the water, consider trying dock-diving. This relatively new sport offers titles and prizes for the dogs who can jump farthest and highest off a dock. Two groups run dock-diving competitions: Dock Dogs (www.dockdogs.com) and Splash Dogs (www.splashdogs.com).

Finally, don't underestimate the amount of fun a dog can have in a plastic kiddie pool. Many small dogs enjoy the splashing, and even big dogs like wallowing in these little pools when it's hot.

Take a hike. If you're the outdoors type, your dog may enjoy hiking with you. All you need is some conditioning, a little planning (to find trails where dogs are welcome), and a few pieces of canine hiking gear.

A healthy dog can carry about a quarter of his own weight, so get a comfortable pack for your dog and he can take in his own supplies. You'll also need lightweight, collapsible food and water bowls (along with food and water), a bright bandana (so other hikers or hunters will realize your pet isn't a wild animal), and a collar with ID and a leash. Add a couple of dog-specific items (such as a tick-puller) to your own lightweight first-aid kit.

Before you hit the trail, make sure your dog is well-mannered and well-socialized, and don't let him off-leash unless you're in an area where it's allowed and you're sure of his obedience. The "Best Hikes With Dogs" series from Mountaineer Books offers regional suggestions to help you plan.

Get competitive. Every year seems to bring more dog sports. There's a sport for every dog and every dog owner, including some for the more sedentary among us. One of the most popular sports continues to be canine agility, in which the handler directs the dog through a timed agility course.

At the top levels of competition, a handful of breeds excel -- border collies and Shelties, most notably. But you don't need a fast dog and good knees to enjoy the sport -- you just need to try. You can get started with a beginner's agility class, which many dog trainers offer.

For practice, PetSafe ( www.petsafe.net/agility) offers a collection of inexpensive backyard obstacles for beginners, or you can check out the bargains on eBay.

The U.S. Dog Agility Association ( www.usdaa.com) and the American Kennel Club ( www.akc.org) both host agility competitions, although the latter is only for AKC-registered dogs.

Whether your activity is competitive or just for fun, don't delay: The dog days of summer will be gone before you know it, and with them, the opportunity to have some great fun with your pet.

Q&A

Managing old cat and a new baby

Q: When you're expecting your first child, it seems everyone has advice, from your co-workers to all your relatives. When we were trying to get pregnant, we listened to people tell us that we had to get rid of our old cat. Instead, my boyfriend handled the litter box, so that was fine.