Questionsssss for ye knowledgeable yelpers! I was just watching The Dog Whisperer and now I feel guilty that I'm not stimulating my dog enough. He spends most of his time on the couch next to me or his kitten bff.

He's too big for a purse. Is there anywhere I can take him that's more fun (for me...) than walking him around the neighborhood? Bonus points for being an option in the winter! I used to know one restaurant that had kind of a tented patio and was dog-friendly, but now it's closed (hmm maybe because of broken health regulations...).

Or, other fun places/activities I could take him to? Dog-friendly happy hours? One of those cool obstacle course places where people jog alongside their dog as he fails to run through tunnels, etc. (are those only in the Midwest and on The Dog Whisperer)?

Barrel Oak Winery is pet friendly--in the tasting room and on the patio (yelp.com/biz/barrel-oak-…)! Of course there's various dog parks around the area. A lot of people like the one in Shirlington since it's large and has water (although that water is gross).

There are a lot of places that allow dogs on the patio: Art and Soul, and Clare and Don's Beach Shack (Falls Church) are a few, and there's a dog happy hour at Hotel Monaco in Alexandria. Never been though.

I have a list: yelp.com/list/the-dog-li…

All Kimpton owned hotels/restaurants are dog friendly, many of which offer dog happy hours as well. I know you're up in MD, but check with Barkley Square and Karing by Kristina in Alexandria, as they regularly host large dog gatherings, often at ACKC (bonus for the humans!).

I mentioned Art and Soul cause they actually have a dog menu! artandsouldc.com/images/…

Also, the Nationals have a "bring your dog to the ballpark day" -- kinda weird but it may be fun?

Tommy Joe's has a semi-regular doggy happy hour on their patio.  They put a space heater out there and it is not too bad unless it is raining.  I think the dog walking service, DogCentric sponsors it.

There are fun places to go:  Leesburg Canine Country Club, 22025 Evergreen Mills Road, Leesburg, VA 20175; Dogtopia of Herndon, 720 Jackson Street, Herndon, VA 20170.  During nice weather there are several places with Yappy hours.  Here's a fun blog:  metro-dc-dog-blog.com.  I Do Dog Photography comes to you to capture images of your dog.  See more at idophoto.com.

These are money, thanks guys!

Regarding grooming I highly recommend Bonnie's Grooming on Capitol Hill (healthydogstore.com). I have a samoyed and they always do a beautiful job on her-- she requires a lot of brushing out because she has a double coat . And she always comes home happy (as opposed to experiences with other groomers where she seemed traumatized by the experience).
For dog walking and taking care of pets when you're away, I recommend Frisky Felines & Friends (friskyfelines.com)   which is run by Sunshyne.  She and her assistants are very good with pets.  The dog is always happy happy to see them.