Three Winners Named for Visibility Vests

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

© AllThingsDogBlog.com
Visibility Vests Make Hiking Safer

Looks like we have a lot of hikers out there; good for you! With so much in the news about obesity problems among both humans and dogs, you're on the right track. Today we're going to name the three winners who will receive a Visibility Vest to make their hiking expeditions infinitely more safe for their dogs. Let's face it, when Fido is wearing a bright yellow vest, he's easily visible against the deep green leaves--or brown during a drought--throughout the forest.

If you're running through babbling brooks, romping in the surf, or trekking in a rain or snowstorm the same thing applies. Bright yellow will make your pet stand out against the background, assuring he is visible to any hunters, vehicles, fishermen or others that could accidentally cause harm.

Thanks for all of your enthusiastic participation in our giveaway, sponsored by Gold Paw Series. If you missed it, please read our review and visit the Gold Paw Series webpage to learn more. If you find yourself itching to buy one for your dog, you can use this Store Locator.

Without adieu, let's name our winners: B. Jaroudi, H. Bridson, and M. Core. Congratulations, ladies!  You'll be hearing from me via AllThingsDogBlog@gmail.com. Watch your inbox AND your spam file. I'll need to hear back from you with your dog's size selection, your name and street address for shipping. Please use the information on the webpage to select your size. If your dog is borderline, I recommend going up to the next size. The vests are not large, and they do have adequate adjustability to tighten them up when needed.

Please let our sponsor know you've enjoyed this promotion by giving them a thank you on their Facebook page. Once again, we thank you for joining in on this event.

Happy tails,

While we did receive samples of the Visiblity Vest for review, we have included only our own opinions in this article. No compensation was accepted for this review and giveaway.

Hiking with Dogs Safely

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

© AllThingsDogBlog.com
Mom! Can I explore?

Nothing inspires me more than nature. During our hiking trip to the Blue Ridge Parkway, we found lots of reasons to be inspired, but sometimes the result was more of a photo opp than an exploration. Both Oliver and I exhibited a need to check out these curious spaces, but safety ruled and we had to stick with a photo and move on. Sort of a bummer, but when you're out on a trail there's no one but you to offer first aid. Better to play it safe than meet a Rattlesnake inside that log.

Along the trails there were many places I wanted to veer off the beaten path to see something I heard, smelled or thought I saw. During that 2 week trip we saw Bear, Deer, Fox, Rabbit, Turkey and countless other birds that I can't identify.

© AllThingsDogBlog.com
Hiking? This was a Climbing Adventure!

Sometimes the adventurer wasn't Oliver. Sometimes it was me. Climbing this tree root maze was fun for me. But I'll admit that getting down was a bit tenuous. Maybe next time I'll simply take a photo in front of it? Well, probably not. But it's a good idea to consider. I just have these tree climbing urges that are hard to overcome. My childhood memories beckon. Go figure!

Here are a few things we learned about hiking safety that I'd like to add to my other recent posts:

• Watch your dog's nosework. You don't want it finding a red ant pile, snake hole or other critter that could do him harm. Carry Benedryl for a quick proactive treatment in case of a bite. Use a mosquito repellant if you're hiking in the warm weather months. There are lots of non-toxic versions available that work well.
• Curb your own urges to explore off the path. I'm guilty, but I'll put my name on the Adventurers Anonymous membership and ask you to join me if you're a little over the top also. Be careful!
• Take care with the photo opps. Slippery? Skip the pose and get a shot of the natural beauty in the background. We found lots of areas where rocks, tree roots and mud were treacherous. Pay close attention for your own safety as well as your dog's.
• No matter how much of a momma's boy your dog is, don't release the leash. It wouldn't take much to have him bolting through the underbrush after who knows what. And that critter he's chasing may bite, fight, or scratch. Have no mercy on the leash grip.
• Natural rock steps along some of the hiking paths were growing algae, fungi, and lichen. All these growths were slippery when wet, and some were not easily seen. Don't leave your glasses behind, and DO watch everything you step on for that telltale sheen that could mean you'll go flying if you don't take care.
• Be alert for other hikers and their dogs. Not all will be happy to greet your dog, so maintain the quiet of the forest and move along without much ado when an aloof attitude is approaching.
• I can't stress enough how important it is to pack water, a snack (power bars for you
  
  and Fido; more here.) and a first aid kit. Mosquito repellant is also important during the season for these blood suckers. We recommend trying one of the non-toxic versions made with various types of natural oils--much better for you and your dog. Do get your vet's approval before using any product made for humans on your dog's coat. Better safe than sorry.

Keeping safety in mind will assure your adventure will be a bonding one that you'll both remember for years to come. Now, go take a hike!

Happy hiking,

Wondering where the Doga modifications series went? We'll be back with more ways to increase your succes, starting next Saturday, October 18. The pose we'll focus on next week will be Child's Pose, one of my favorites for relaxing and calming the mind. You'll love the way Tanner and Oliver interact with me, so be sure to stop by. Meanwhile, you can find all the other Doga posts, videos, modifications and tips at this link.

The All Things Dog Blog dogs eat ORGANIX, which is why we're super excited to share their banner ad on our site. Tanner wants you to know that his favorite Jerky Chip Cookie flavor is Chicken, but Castor and Pollux has several flavors available for your discriminating pooch. All opinions you find here are completely our own. 

Giveaway: Visibility Vests for Dog Hikes

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

(c) AllThingsDogBlog.com
Visible During a Hiking Break

The lightweight visibility vests I've reviewed and am now going to give away, have proven to be cool enough for warm weather hikes like the one photographed here. It was 86 degrees outside and even Tanner, my always loving chilly weather dog, was feeling chipper and enjoying the hike. That was a great sign that the vest was not overdone. It's just large enough to make him visible, but not so imposing as to turn him into a billboard. Perfect!

Now that we've enjoyed sharing our thoughts, we've been cleared to give away 3 vests to our readers. Calling all hikers; it's time to rally for the safety of your pups.Tell your club members and friends that we've got this safety event going on and our goal is to find homes for 3 visibility vests.

The Rafflecopter entry form will be open for your entries through midnight Thursday, October 23. I'll announce the winners on Friday afternoon, October 24. Prizes will be shipped to our winners after I receive shipping details from each.

One last detail. The Rafflecopter entry form could use a Visibility Vest! Sometimes it's hiding, so here's a tip on how to find it: click the post title above. That's it, and the Rafflecopter will pop to attention and allow you to select your entries of choice.

(c) AllThingsDogBlog.com
Oliver Loves His Bright Vest

Remember to keep it fun, using only those entry methods that you love doing.

What's my favorite entry method to see on this end? It's always fun to watch the Tweets coming through. Gold Paw needs a little coaxing to get onto Twitter, so you get to help. This time I'm going to give you a chance to share your dog's hiking photos in this giveaway, so grab your cameras and have some fun.

Not into entering giveaways? No problem. You can order your vest online at Gold Paw or find a store near you at this link.

Good luck!

While we did receive samples of the Visiblity Vest for review, we have included only our own opinions in this article. No compensation was accepted for this review and giveaway.

Safely Enjoy Fall Colors With Fido

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

© AllThingsDogBlog.com
Visibility Vests are Comfortable Enough
 for a Whole Day Hike

Our recent trip to the Blue Ridge Parkway took us on many a beautiful hike through dark, damp woods. We had lots of dirty paws, plenty of wipes to clean them up, and more importantly, we had safety vests to assure that our dogs were easily seen.

With the peak of Fall colors coming soon, many of you may be contemplating a hike to view the explosion of Mother Nature in the trees and forests near you. Please be sure you're hiking in areas that are not open to hunters, and as an added safety measure, we recommend use of a safety vest to give your dog a standout look that no one will mistake for a wild animal.

We like the Gold Paw Series that includes a great selection of eco-friendly (made from recycled poly knit with low-impact dyes) sports coats for dogs. For hiking, we chose the Visibility Vest shown in these photos. You won't need lights since the glow in the dark trim needs no light source to glow. These USA-made vests are dayglow yellow and include an emergency information card to add your pet's important facts--health facts, name, contact info.

If you'll be hiking on a chilly day, you may wish to consider a stretch fleece under the vest to keep your dog warm. All Gold Paw wearables are machine washable in the gentle cycle. The Visibility Vest may also be rinsed off and hung to dry. Easy peasy!

© AllThingsDogBlog.com
Enjoying a Break

Clear pockets make room for storage of a few waste bags and a whistle is attached with a lanyard for the owner, just in case you risk an off-leash session in a safely guarded area. To be sure, this is not something I would recommend while hiking in the woods, but an enclosed area could appear in an abandoned farm, so it's a nice touch that could be useful.

While the Visibility Vest comes in 5 sizes to assure the perfect fit for your hiking buddy, we love the adjustable elastic, no-clip front to keep the vest snug again Fido's chest so as not to catch on underbrush. A good fit is important to keep your pup from getting snagged. 

Got a hiking club? Gold Paw can help with bulk orders. Visit their Visibility Vest page here. You'll also find a Store Locator on their website so you can visit and view products to feel their tremendous quality. There's more to learn on their Facebook page, so be sure to "Like" Gold Paw on Facebook and tell them I sent you!

Of course you know what's coming up next--a giveaway. Three winners will get to select the size needed for their dog and Gold Paw will custom make the perfect Visibility Vest for their next hike. Watch for the giveaway post to open soon.

Happy tails,

While we did receive samples of the Visiblity Vest for review, we have included only our own opinions in this article. No compensation was accepted for this review.