Adventuring with your Pup: Tips & Tricks from Paws N’ Claws Written by Erin Campbell
Adventuring with your pup can spark a magical connection with your canine companion, but there are some things to consider before you hit the outdoors. Thankfully, our friends at Paws N’ Claws have some great tips and tricks on how best to adventure with your pup. As owner Dave Terranova suggests, checking in with your veterinarian, assessing your dog’s command skills, making sure you have all the right gear and knowing where to go with your furry friend should all be considered before you set out on your next “pupventure”. And as Dave reminds us, “preparation doesn’t guarantee success, but it increases the odds.”
Although most dogs will follow their family anywhere, it is important to know if your pup is ready for a big adventure, and if they are up to date on vaccinations and preventative medications. Dave explains that dogs under one year of age still have growing bones and joints, and too much distance can be detrimental for development. Although development is very dependent on the breed and size of your dog, checking in with your vet at your pup’s one-year-old wellness exam is a safe bet. Also important is confirming that your canine is up to date on vaccinations covering Distemper, Parvovirus, Rabies and Leptospirosis, and is current on preventive heartworm medication, along with flea and tick repellent as well. An optional vaccine to consider is the rattlesnake vaccine (and yes, there are rattlesnakes in parts of Steamboat) that essentially buys you time to get to a vet should your pup have an unfortunate encounter. While it won’t negate the rattlesnake venom, it will give you up to 24 hours to seek treatment, which could ultimately save your dog’s life. And lastly, Dave reminds us, making sure to have your dog microchipped and sporting an up-to-date dog tag are both key should you become separated.
Along with making sure your dog is physically healthy for an outdoor adventure comes the behavioral health component. Does your pup know the essential commands and how strong is the recall command? If there is uncertainty, keeping your dog leashed is always a good idea – and perhaps necessary depending on where you choose to adventure. The “come” command is vital and your pup should have very strong and reliable recall before taking them off leash. Paws N’ Claws carries various training devices and collars, which Dave says can be highly effective when trained and used appropriately. Other commands to master before being off leash are “stay,” “leave it” and “sit” – all of which can help you keep your dog under control and away from wilderness conflict.
Once you’ve determined that your pup is both physically and behaviorally ready for a big adventure, taking inventory of your pet’s gear is the next step – that’s where Paws N’ Claws has you covered. Having the right leash and harness for your pup is essential, as well as a collar with up-to-date information. Packing enough water for your pup – two ounces of water per pound of body weight per day while hiking – along with a collapsible water bowl is key if you are adventuring somewhere without fresh water; however, if you are hiking in the Rockies, chances are that you will have plenty of fresh water around (just make sure toxic algae is not a threat to your pup). High reward treats for your pup to reinforce good behavior and replenish energy are a must and consider something for your dog to chew – like a bully stick – while you take breaks yourself. When it comes to your dog’s food, Dave reminds us that “Paws N’ Claws carries a lot of freeze-dried food and treats, which are a lot lighter than packing in canned food or dry kibble – and you can find streams and creeks to rehydrate the food.”
Should your big adventure find you on water with your pup, make sure to have a properly fitted life jacket on your canine – not only does it keep them safe, but it will help you pull them back into a boat or paddleboard if needed. Other things to check off the list are extra poop bags, first-aid items specific for a dog and a safety light or light-up collar should you be out in the dark with your adventure buddy. If a dog backpack is of interest, Dave has a great tip to consider: “Dogs can carry their own stuff, but most of us probably don’t pack much weight in a dog’s pack; however, dog packs are sufficient to help, even if they are used to carry out the poop bags that you’d rather not have in your own pack with the food.” And for your car, you may want to consider having seat covers along with dog towels and wipes on board as most pups return from big adventures quite a bit dirtier than when they set out.
Now that your pup is ready physically, behaviorally and outfitted with all the right gear, knowing where to adventure with your canine companion is equally important. National parks usually don’t allow dogs on all their trails, however, quite a few national forests, state parks and BLM lands allow dogs with a six-foot leash requirement. Also important is to know what type of wildlife you may encounter so that you are prepared to keep yourself and your furry friend safe. Adventuring wisely and respectfully is key and the B.A.R.K. acronym will help you remember some basic rules, especially when you are in national and state parks:
Bag your pet’s waste
Always leash your pet
Respect wildlife
Know where you can go
When adventuring in and around Steamboat or other areas of Colorado, respecting wildlife is key. Dave says, “with the amount of moose out there and things that sneak up on you when you’re not expecting, it’s amazing how effective training devices and collars are when used appropriately to diminish the likelihood of an incident in a backcountry situation. And sometimes you don’t even have to be on a big adventure, training devices and collars can be useful on the adventure downtown where you are likely to see a moose if you’re in Steamboat.”
Now that we’ve covered all the bases, we wish you and your pup well on your next big adventure. Thanks to Dave and all our friends at Paws N’ Claws for not only providing all the great food, treats and gear for “pupventures” but also for educating us on how best to adventure with your canine companion.
For more great information about keeping your furry family members comfortable in hot weather, read Dog Days of Summer