Tips for Tent Camping with Your Dog

by guest writer Kelley Denz of Critter Minute

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Retrievers Love a Good Romp

 in Nearly Any Water Available

I love going camping, and every year I try to go camping at least once. I always take my dogs, Sadie and Rusty with me. They love all the new smells, sights, and sounds. Here are a few things to keep in mind when you go camping with your dog.

Make sure your dog’s vaccinations are up to date with a phone call to your vet. Take a first aid kit for you and your dog. Make sure to include sun-block.

You may want to apply flea and tick preventive on your dog. Fleas and ticks can be anywhere, but are more prevalent in the woods. Using a preventative product could help to keep you from bringing fleas back to your home and yard.

Be sure to have an updated ID tag and/or microchip on your dog, just in case your dog gets lost. If you're staying at one campsite for any number of days stop by your local Wal-mart/Petsmart and create a dog tag with the name, location of your campsite and a phone number where you can be reached. Bring an extra leash in case something happens to your regular leash.

Make sure your destination allows dogs; most campgrounds are dog friendly but some national parks like Yosemite allow dogs only in certain campsites. Verify the trails around your chosen campsite allow dogs. You can go to www.GoPetFriendly.com to find an extensive list of pet friendly campsites. www.hikewithyourdog.com offers a listing of trails in the United States and Canada that welcome dogs.

When picking out your campsite try to get one that offers your dog some shade. Camping near a stream or lake is also a good idea. It will provide your dog with an easy source of water.

Pack enough dog food and water for your pooch. I always bring collapsible bowls for their food and water. I prefer the convenience of collapsible bowls because they are lightweight, and you can easily pack them in a backpack if you decide to go hiking. After feeding, empty your dog’s food dish of any leftover food. You do not want to attract any unwanted insects or wildlife.

Bring your dog’s brush with you to remove stickers, fox tails and other things caught in their fur. I have found using a small black men’s comb will remove most stickers from dog hair fairly easily.

I prefer to sleep with my dogs while camping. This way I am alerted by Sadie and Rusty if anything enters the camp area. They also help to keep me warm during the night. However, if you prefer, there are tents made for dogs, and you could bring along Fido's dog bed.  Keep in mind if you leave your dog outside all night he/she could get sprayed by a skunk or be vulnerable to dangerous wild animals such as bears.

Make sure you are aware of other animals that may be in the area. Many people take their dogs camping with them, so other dogs in the area are likely. There could be people on horseback, squirrels, rabbits, coyotes, the list is endless. Be prepared to have some adventures. Enjoy!

Kelley Denz is the author of Critter Minute, a website and blog about natural dog products and fun, helpful tips for dog lovers. Like her post? Leave a comment at the link below to show your appreciation.

Related Reading:

Camping with Your Dogs: Part I

Camping with Your Dogs: Part II

Camping with Your Dogs: Part III--Strategies for Happy Dogs and Happy Families at the Campground

Camping with Your Dogs: Part IV—Success is in the Details

#FidoSeeFidoDo Brain and Body Workout

by Carrie Boyko, CEB
***Giveaway extended to Friday, February 6***

Today's #Dogaddictive Tip No. 3 for Easy Seated #Yoga Pose: Practice 'Do as I do' to engage your dog in the fun. Watch for more Easy Seated Pose modifications this week and visit our blog post to view more: http://goo.gl/cAHOLc #dogaddiction #doga #dogadogs #dogadogsofInstagram #Yoga #yogadogs #yogapartners #dogs

A photo posted by Carrie Boyko (@allthingsdogblog) on Jul 7, 2014 at 10:26am PDT

While watching my neighbor workout in our cul-de-sac, I was inspired to try a few new techniques to change up our activities--both my own and the dogs'--while offering them a new problem to solve: following my lead. It's been a fun new game that has left us both sufficiently tired, and sometimes laughing at one another! 

In today's post I'm offering a giveaway via Twitter or Instagram, whereby you can try out our new method of workout-mania. To win 3 bags of US-made treats, just post a pic of your Fido trying out our new approach, and use the hashtag #FidoSeeFidoDo. Here's how it goes:

• If outdoor activities are not an option at this time of year, try getting your dog involved in our #doga workouts by using the short, instructional videos I have developed with yoga instructor, Jess Wilson. You can see above that Tanner and I have had a #FidoSeeFidoDo moment in that photo posted on Instagram.
• Attach a long leash to your dog or work in a traffic- and distraction-safe area, like a large fenced back yard.
• Start by changing up your pace--walk, run, skip, or tip toe. Whatever provides a variation that will cause your pup to have to change his pace to match yours. I'm guessing your Fido won't be skipping or tip toeing, but certainly he can learn to speed up or slow down. Learning the "Slow" command is a good thing for most younger dogs.
• When your dog masters this easy version, try walking or running backwards while calling your dog toward you. If your dog knows the back up command, be sure to give him a chance to mimic your activity. This is a wonderful brain game for both of you! Tanner has mastered this, but seems a bit confused by doing it for longer distances. Oliver, not so much. He seems to want to turn around and face me. Whatever works for your dog, keep it fun.
• Next I tried squats moving left, then right. Both dogs moved back and forth when it was their turn, but seemed seriously confused by my goofy walking method. Neither of them tried to squat! No great surprise there. Yours?
• An easier version of the back and forth squat was squat-stepping all the way across the cul-de-sac in one direction, and then going back to the direction from whence we came. Watch your dog's facial expressions as you do this one. It cracked me up to watch Tanner tilt his head as if to say, "What the heck are you doing, Mom?"
• I'm sure I'll come up with some new variations, but for now, feel free to try these or create your own. Ideas? I'd love to hear them in the comments section!

Finally, after you use this goofy new workout approach, be sure to get on the ground and

have some good, old-fashioned bonding time with your dog. I'm talking ear rubs, belly scratching, massage and silliness. Whatever your dog enjoys, make it happen. Seal the deal with a yummy treat, and your pup will be looking forward to your next cockamamie exercise session.

Now, to enter our giveaway of 3 bags of US-made treats, just get a snapshot of your pup when you're in action and post it to Instagram or Twitter. No human faces, please. We just want to see your dog's expression. Feel free to submit pics of him joining in, if you're so lucky. Lastly, don't forget to include the #FidoSeeFidoDo hashtag in order to win.

Photos will be RT'd by @AllThingsDog and your pics on Twitter will be reposted to my Facebook page for others to enjoy. You may submit one pic per pup on each of the two venues: Instagram and Twitter. I'll draw a winner on Friday, January 23 Friday, February 6 and announce it on Twitter as well as here on the blog. Good luck, and have fun.

New Years Resolutions Include Dogs!

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

We're home from a holiday adventure that took us away from the pets. They were well cared for, loved and had plenty of exercise and social time, enjoying their all day, free play "pet hostel". Now it's time to think about 2015. My plans include adding in more variety to our walks, which have lately become a repetitive scene of neighborhood jaunting. That's going to change after I come out from under this jet lag!

Home sweet home for us and the Fidos. #HappyNewYear

A photo posted by Carrie Boyko (@allthingsdogblog) on Dec 12, 2014 at 8:50am PST

Now that the pups are home, we're first concentrating on unpacking, catching up the laundry and getting some groceries back in the house. Being away for a week can really leave your fridge looking sad! So I've started by a shopping trip to my favorite organic market to pick up all the faves on my usual grocery list. Oliver so loves hitting the grocery store with me, and is a super shopping companion. 

Upon our return, Tanner and Oliver watched carefully as I filled the vegetable bins with fresh produce and delicious, organic, grain-fed meats. After all, we're going to need lots of healthy food to fuel our new, more interesting walks.

Below is our plan. Will you share some of your resolutions for 2015 at the comment link below. We'd love to see what each of you are planning that includes your dogs.  Let me guess, and I'll include some links to tips with my guesses here:  training, swimming or drown-proofing, doga, agility, hiking, fetch, dog park visits, regular walks, camping? Do tell!

Here's my 2015 walking variations plan. Besides the usual neighborhood walks, I'm vowing to add more variety into our daily walks by adding: 

• nearby neighborhoods that are less frequently explored,
• walking to area errands with Oliver, who is certified to join me inside businesses,
• walking errands that can include Tanner are the post office, visiting friends and my mom, which of course means a play date with Jacque, as well. I'll be working on ideas to expand this list. Tanner loves visiting bank drive throughs, but we can't do this on foot. Ideas?
• community and county walking paths,
• on-leash park walks,
• mall walking with Oliver is always a pleasure,
• shopping center covered sidewalk strolls during hot Summer days,
• multiple laps inside our local pet super stores (perfect on rainy days),
• more hiking at state parks and other natural areas,
• and more ideas to come. What are your creative ways to vary your walks?

Before I wrap up this post, let me remind you to take precautions for walking safely with your dog. Check out the link above to "regular walks" for some tips on adding extra safety as you and Fido hoof it. And finally, always keep in mind that your walks are a chance to bond with your dog. Remember this and always reward your pup with a treat, belly rub or some relaxing doga when you arrive home. There's no time like the present to appreciate your walking companion and encourage his enjoyment of these adventures. Each one will have its own unique smells, views and experiences, giving your dog more stimulation and enjoyment. Here's to a more varied 2015 walk!

Happy New Year,

PS-I'm proud to announce that 2015 is off to a good start on this new resolution. We've taken a walk around the perimeter of a beautiful, nearby lake, and walked to a convenience store errand just yesterday. Today we're headed to a pet superstore for some socialization along with a few laps around the shopping center. I'm pleased to report that Tanner and Oliver love this new plan. :)

#Doga Bonding with No Hands

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

While working in the Cobra and Upward Facing Dog poses, you'll soon find that reaching out to bond with your dog takes a bit of creativity. Besides setting a treat jar on the corner of the mat, I make use of my voice, eye contact and smooches. Asking for a "watch me" in conjunction with your dog's name quickly gets their attention on you when your hands are busy supporting your body.
I guess I started this post a bit backwards--bonding first. Now let's address the position. First and foremost, do not press yourself completely up into the Upward Facing Dog position until you are strong enough to hold your weight and your back doesn't scream "Help!" Some of you will find this position easy, while others may find their back is not so accommodating. We're each unique in our areas of flexibility and strength. You'll need to embrace this and keep on moving forward.

Cobra Pose

If you're among those that find this position out of the question, stick to working in the Cobra position by using the original video post and last week's modifications. There's really no reason to go beyond Cobra if you're not comfortable.
For those of you who find you're able to stretch further upward, take it slow. Keep your gaze forward for now. We'll wait to stretch our heads up and back till when we're all a bit more limber. If you're able to straighten your arms, keep in mind that you'll want to stack your joints--shoulders over elbows over wrists. 
You'll find grounding of this position in your ankles and feet and your hands, where

pressure into the floor will allow you to balance and stretch your chest out and up. If this doesn't feel good, drop back down to the Cobra position and focus on each of your body parts, checking in for grounding there. Balance can be a factor in your comfort level.
When you're ready to work on other poses, you'll find the whole list of #doga videos here. Prepare to get your pup involved more as we progress into poses that have more and more options. I'll be back soon with some variations on the rest of the poses in our All Things Dog Blog Doga series here at the Weekly Wag, our Saturday bonding inspiration. 
Namaste,

If you're new to Doga or Yoga, please be sure to do these three things: (1) Get your doctor's permission to start a yoga workout, (2) Check with your vet to make sure your dog is able to participate in simple Doga exercises safely, and (3) visit our introductory post where I've outlined a few tips that will help your experience go more smoothly and enjoyable. Keep in mind that you can always stop if a pose is uncomfortable, returning to a relaxing pose.

Doggedly Seeking Doga Pushups

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

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So take a guess where I started with my yoga pushups. Yup, on the wall. And to be honest, that's still where I do the majority of them. #fessuptime

My upper body strength has always been a challenge in tasks that involve my whole body. I'm 5'10" tall, so that's a lot to leverage. I'm not making excuses, but I hope I'm giving you some inspiration; there is hope. :)  Despite my inability to do a series of pushups that look like they should, I can do pushups from my knees. I started with a little less than a straight body position, but have improved greatly. Practicing the plank position seen at the top is the best thing I've learned. This really makes you engage all your muscles and work them all at the same time. Psst--I think my bum is getting a bit firmer :)

The dogs are great when I'm working on this pose. They eyeball me as if to say "You've got this, Mom". I doubt I'd practice these buggers if I didn't have my cheerleaders here to support me. Oliver often offers a play bow, while Tanner's constant presence gives me strength.

The wall versions are quite another thing though. Not only do I do these daily, but I like doing them. They stretch my chest, help strengthen my neck where I have injuries, work all of my upper body, and are a great excuse to get out away from my desk and focus on something else for a few minutes when I'm stuck on a problem. It's amazing how much mental clarity yoga brings me. Sometimes I'll return to my desk after a few #doga poses and find that all my problems were simply fuzziness of thinking. I'm starting to take more frequent breaks, and the dogs are loving the bonding time. Met too!

Notice in these images that I've demonstrated two leg positions. Each will feel a bit different, but most people will find the wider stance is easier in the beginning. You can also try working further away from the wall to add more difficulty, when you're ready.

What I neglected to photograph was the arm positions. Try experimenting with two versions: elbows out and elbows down along the ribcage. If you have any shoulder issues, you may find the elbows down position will be more comfortable, and therefore more productive.

Finally, when working with your elbows out as shown above, you can also face your fingers inward, as opposed to upward. If you have wrist or forearm issues, try both options to find the one that works most comfortably for you.

You may enjoy watching the short instructional video at my original post for more tips.

And when you're ready to work on other poses, you'll find the whole list of #doga videos here. 
Now that I've gotten my two toughtest poses out of the way, the #doga sessions will not only get easier, but also more fun. Prepare to get your pup involved more as we progress into poses that have more and more options. I'll be back soon with some variations on the rest of the poses in our All Things Dog Blog Doga series. See you soon!
Namaste,

If you're new to Doga or Yoga, please be sure to do these three things: (1) Get your doctor's permission to start a yoga workout, (2) Check with your vet to make sure your dog is able to participate in simple Doga exercises safely, and (3) visit our introductory post where I've outlined a few tips that will help your experience go more smoothly and enjoyable. Keep in mind that you can always stop if a pose is uncomfortable, returning to a relaxing pose.

Doga Modifications for Your Comfort: Wide-Legged Seated Forward Fold

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

If your hamstrings are half as tight as mine, you'll find that you're with me here. I'm not going to be mimicking my daughter's forward fold, seen at the top in these images--ever! After separating one hamstring from my hip in a skiing accident, I've got an extremely tight area back there that doesn't allow any forward folding to happen. But I'm working to make it all come together.
I've progressed through blocks at various heights, used blankets under my fanny to raise the floor, and beleive it or not, I started on a chair. I'm thankful that I can lean forward just a tiny bit without the inevitable bend creeping in. I'd love to see you all start on a chair if you're even the tiniest bit sensitive to this position. 
As for the fold, just ignore it until you're able to begin leaning forward without curving your lower back. Work at making sure your hips and shoulders are in alignment, lifting your chest and head to the sky. 
When you do try to fold, your goal should be to pivot at the hip joint, keeping your back perfectly straight. Easier said than done, yes? You may enjoy watching the short instructional video at my original post for more tips. And when you're ready to work on other poses, you'll find the whole list of #doga videos here.
My dogs are great cheerleaders as I sit and breathe through these poses that are more

difficult for me. I can talk to them and they seem to offer encouragement with their gaze. Don't discount your dog's company. I'm finding that I stay on the mat and work longer when they spend this time with me. I've tried practicing when they are on a 'play date' and find that I do a version of speed-yoga that isn't as productive. I'm thankful to have my #doga companions here today for our bonding time. Let the #doga begin! 
Tell me about your doga partners. What do they do that helps you stay with your practice?
Namaste,

If you're new to Doga or Yoga, please be sure to do these three things: (1) Get your doctor's permission to start a yoga workout, (2) Check with your vet to make sure your dog is able to participate in simple Doga exercises safely, and (3) visit our introductory post where I've outlined a few tips that will help your experience go more smoothly and enjoyable. Keep in mind that you can always stop if a pose is uncomfortable, returning to a relaxing pose.

#Doga: Easy Seated Pose With Pups

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

I guess I've fessed up by now. I've become a yoga geek. Not a Yogi, mind you. Just a #doga geek! Today I'm here to share some ways you can modify the Easy Seated pose, while practicing #doga with your dog. Some of my tips will help you physically perform the pose, while others are more for your bonding experience. Many of these are pictured in the collage above:

• Placing a folded blanket under your bum will raise your seat, pad the tailbone and allow your hips to open with less whining.
• Begin by grounding your "sitting bones" evenly into the blanket or your yoga mat. Balance yourself between the two bones to give yourself a good grounding.
• Position options can include use of a mudra (hand sign that indicates your state of mind), prayer position, upward arms, or an infinite number of other ideas that you're sure to come up with. I most certainly have enjoyed simply stroking one of the dogs as they lay on or across my lap. #glorious
• Before and after enjoying a number of breaths in the Easy Seated Pose, stretch your hips to allow the position to become more comfortable and loose. Don't overdo; just loosen yourself up before beginning.
• If you find your hips are still more tight than usual, you can adjust the stretch by placing rolled up towels or yoga blocks under your legs. Experiment with different positions to get a variety of heights that may offer just the right amount of stretch for you personally. Every day will be different. Embrace this!
• If your hips are beyond tight, try sitting on a chair, listening to your inner voice about balancing and relaxing each of your body parts, while lifting your head and spine to the sky.
• Remember Jess's wise words from her #Doga instructional video on the Easy Seated Pose: each day you'll find that your personal comfort and flexibility will vary. Listen to your body and heed its request for respect.

The dogs and I have so much fun while I'm practicing that more than an hour can pass without my realizing I've been working out. What's more, we're all smiling at the end of the workout and feeling cozy. We nearly always wrap up with some snuggling and a good treat. I like to reward them for spending quality time with me.

I can't tell you how much I love the warm feeling I get when we make eye contact, perform play bows (downward dog is almost the same thing!), come nose to nose, perform for a treat, exchange a kiss, share a lap or give a high five. Tanner has learned to "Do as I do" by mimicking some of my poses. This just melts me! You can see some of these experiences in the collage below which shares some intimate moments caught on camera between me, Tanner and Oliver:


We look forward to seeing you at our next Weekly Wag when we'll share more modifications for your #doga practice that will aid in bonding and performing your yoga positions.

Namaste,

If you're new to Doga or Yoga, please be sure to do these three things: (1) Get your doctor's permission to start this or any other workout, (2) Check with your vet to make sure your dog is able to participate in simple Doga exercises safely, and (3) visit our introductory post where I've outlined a few tips that will help your experience go more smoothly and enjoyable. Keep in mind that you can always stop if a pose is uncomfortable, returning to a more relaxing pose for you.