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Taking your furry friend outdoors...

Spending time with your dog(s) outdoors is one of the most rewarding and the best memory-making experiences you can have. I have discovered, however, that you just can’t jump in the car with your furry friend without a little forethought on what he or she may need to keep safe and comfortable. Here is a little research I have done on how to be prepared when bringing your dog on an outdoor adventure:

1. Make sure dogs are allowed where you are camping.
You can search for pet-friendly campgrounds. Each state or national park has its own dog regulations. You can check out each individual park’s website. The United States Forest Service (USFS) has plenty of primitive camping opportunities if you prefer to camp in undeveloped areas -- which usually means more relaxed dog regulations. Check with the USFS Regional Office in your area for information. 
Make sure you check with private campgrounds because they may have stricter restrictions, including limits on the number of dogs per campsite or the size of dogs allowed.

2. Check that your dog’s vaccinations are up to date; some parks or private campgrounds require up-to-date rabies vaccinations. Bring vaccination certificates along as well as medications if needed and if there are fleas or ticks where you are going, it’s good to pack for that as well.

3. Bring dog items such as a kennel if needed, dog bed (sleeping bag-see below), leash, food and water bowls and you may want to bring his favorite toy. Consider bringing a runner or stakes and cables so they can roam around the campsite and not leave the area and end up in someone else’s campsite. Bring treats for rewarding good behavior and a nightlight for its collar. Don’t forget their tags and better yet, make sure you chip your dog. It makes it easier to find them if they run off or if you get separated.

4. Protect them from wildlife
There are bears, wolves, coyotes, mountain lions and other wild animals out there that can be a danger to your pet. Most campsites require that dogs be on a leash but this is a good thing as it will also protect them from wildlife. However, DO NOT EVER LEAVE your dog tied up. A dog that is tied up is in danger of being attacked by a wild animal and they are more likely to bark and annoy neighboring campers. Keep your dog from chasing deer and other wildlife. It’s best to leash your dog in areas where there is abundant wildlife. Sometimes, even the best-trained dog will be tempted to chase a deer or other wild animal.

5. Take them on hikes with you. 
Keep up their daily walking routine by taking them on a hike. 
Make sure the terrain’s not too rough for their paws. If you know the trail will be rough, try out the Ultra Paws Durable Dog Boots or any other style of boot. They will protect their feet from sharp rocks, glass and other debris that may be on the trail — and make sure you clean up after your dog on the trail.

6. When considering a tent…think of your dog as a person and get one large enough to include him. Never leave a dog unattended inside a tent…they can easily claw their way out.

Kayaking
1. Get a Personal Floatation Device (PFD) for Your Dog
They make them for dogs. There are several reasons they should wear one while in the kayak even if they can swim.

If they fall or jump out and get scared, the PFD will hold him/her up until you can get to them. 
There is a handle on the top for easy "pickup" back into the kayak or onto the dock. If your dog is too big to pick up, then you can at least have something to hold onto to steer them in the right direction.
Get them familiar with the kayak
Have your dog sit in the kayak while on the dock and get familiar with it. Move it around a little and show them that there is nothing to fear. This is also a great time to see if a one man or tandem kayak will work better. Some big dogs need a tandem kayak in order for you to paddle while the dog lies in the kayak.

2. Start Out in Flat Water
Start out in a lake, pond or bay where the water is calm. If they do fall or jump out, then he/she can swim to shore. Plus, it will be less work for you while you and your dog get used to paddling together.

3. Take a Friend
Don't take your dog out when you're alone. Go with someone else in case you need help. Some dogs get very nervous in the kayak so it may take a tandem kayak team to keep the dog calm until he/she gets acclimated.

Camping, Hiking and Kayaking Gear for Dogs:

Collapsible bowl, packable, lightweight food and water bowl made from durable, long-lasting polyester fabric with a waterproof liner to help you combine storing, feeding and watering.

Dog packs: The Approach Pack from Ruffwear: Attached saddlebags with a weight-forward design, Web Master™ Harness frame, padded handle, stash pockets and gear loops, a single-piece leash attachment point and reflective trim.

Water resistant LED tag: Spotlight LED Carabiner from Nite Ize: A water-resistant LED tag, with steady glow and continuous flash modes. Set in a lightweight, stainless steel carabiner, attaches quickly and securely to your dog’s harness or collar.

LED Dog Collar - Nite Dawg LED Collar Cover from Nite Ize: A low profile flexible LED strip that fits smoothly over your dog’s collar and secures with hook-and-loop tabs. Red LED lights feature flash and steady glow modes and provide 75 hours of illumination in steady glow mode.

Roamer™ Leash from Ruffwear: 
A stretch webbing leash that can be hand-held or waist-worn. Talon Clip™ provides a strong and secure attachment -- the handle is padded for comfort and a convenient accessory loop is included for pick up bags or small clip on items


Sleeping Bag - The 2-in-1 NobleCamper™: A compressible dog bed that transforms into a sleeping bag. Compresses into its stuff sack for storage or travel. Features a Ripstop shell and cotton-like Taslan nylon liner.

Life jacket - Aquapro Pet Flotation Device from KONG: Made from 1680 Ballistic Nylon/Diamond Ripstop and available in five sizes. Uses 3 Layer Soft EVA 5MM Foam for comfort and reflective trim for visibility. Features a low-profile safety handle for lifting your dog out of the water.

First aid kit - Trail Dog First Aid Kit from Adventure Medical: This kit caters to the types of injuries dogs encounter most on the trail – primarily to their paws, with an assortment of dressings, bandages and tools like the splinter picker/tick removers to remove ticks or thorns.

Miscellaneous:
Tru-Fit Smart Harness with Camera Mount from Kurgo:
The Tru-Fit Harness with camera mount plate allows you to mount an action camera (ie, GoPro®, Sony Action Cam) to your dog’s back or chest. Five-point adjustment system for a perfect fit and camera stability. Quick release buckles provide functionality as a walking harness or in-car pet restraint.

Garmin Astro 320 Tracking Device: Allows you to keep track of up to 10 dogs with multiple handsets and T 5 or T 5 mini dog devices. Features include a high-sensitivity Garmin GPS/GLONASS transmitter, map drawing capabilities, BirdsEye Satellite Imagery compatibility, a 3-axis electronic compass and a vibrant, sunlight-readable 2.6-inch color display.

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