What’s up everyone?
Like many of you, pets have been a big part of my life. Getting a pet as a child taught us many life lesson. These lessons we really didn't understand at the time, but as we got older they would become very important to us in our daily lives.
I have had all types of animals. All pets have their good and bad qualities. It all comes down to personal preference. No offense cat people, but I feel the dog is the superior pet. And before you jump my case. YES! I have owned cats in my time and YES! I acknowledge that they have their place with some people and their lifestyles. Just not for me. Dogs are a loving and a constant companion, which brings us to the topic of todays post. Adventuring with pets, more specifically with dogs.
We have been adventuring with pets since I was a little guy. An adventurous Lhasa Apso named Bernardo. Bernie loved to get in the dirt. He enjoyed the red rocks of Moab and the sandy dunes of Little Sahara Sand Dunes. He even made it up to Yellowstone a few times. He had adventured with us up until he physically couldn’t, even though he wanted to.
Now a days we adventure with a goofy and hyperactive American Bulldog, Odin Wrath Child. He looks intimidating when you first see him, but this quickly dissolves when you get close to him. He is more playful than aggressive and doesn’t understand just how big he is and watch out for his tail. Its like being hit with a hammer.
This K-9 loves to get into the wilderness and experience new places and smells. Back in Utah we would take him camping and hiking. He also loves water, which is strange because he hates taking baths. Go figure. He was a trooper on our cross country trip when we move to our new home. Since we moved to Chicagoland his adventuring days have slowed down. A few years back, a K-9 flu swept through the area causing many issues for the dog community. In response to this new regulations and restrictions were put in place. Do to this and still learning the area, he is limited in what he can do. At least we have a dog park near us that we can take him to so that he can get his energy out.
Through my experience and looking at the internet, I have come up with some tips I feel will help you adventure with your pet better.
- Start them young: This establishes guidelines, rules and expectations. Also it get them used to the sounds of your particular activity. Less distractions and more focus on what around them.
- Make sure they are health and up to date with their vaccinations: Animals come into contact with a lot of thing out in the wilderness.
- Ease them into it and understand their limits: proper conditioning can prevent injury for you and your pet.
- Have the proper equipment: This usual qualifies as a good collar or harness, but it boils down to the activity. Consider vests (life or hunting), goggles, cold weather protection. A K-9 first aid kit is not a bad idea to have. Some things in human kits will work, were others can cause harm. K-9 kits have items specifically formulated for them.
- Have plenty of water, food and snacks: Consider having a special toy or treat that they only get when adventuring making it more special for them.
- Bring a copy of medical records with you: Especially if you plan on crossing state lines.
- Research and plan: This I consider to be one of the most important things when adventuring with your pet. Look into animal friendly hotels, restaurants and camping areas. Each state has their own laws and regulations when it come to pets. This also extends to National and State Parks. Additional fees may apply to have pets with you in certain areas.
- When road tripping plan on stopping every 2 - 3 hrs: This allows them to stretch out, use to facilities and get some food and water.
Adventuring with your pet can be a fun and rewarding experience. It does take more planning and consideration, but in the end it will be worth it.
Until next time. Thanks for stopping by.
Josh
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