Those of us that hike with dogs don't need much of an excuse to get out on the trails. However, if you need a little extra motivation, celebrating National Trails Day with your dog might be the extra push you need. What is National Trails Day? American Hiking Society's National Trails Day ® is a celebration of America's magnificent Trail System. The holiday was created to encourage … [Read more...]
Jessica lives and breathes everything Dachshund, hiking and camping with dogs, and blogging. Given her cumulative 25 years of owning Dachshunds, studying the breed, and organizing an 800-member Dachshund club, she's considered a breed expert by many. Jessica's dogs have been her best hiking and camping buddies for the last 16 years. She started this blog in 2010 to share what she knows. She's since won several industry awards and become one of the premier blogging experts in the pet industry.
Backpacks for Carrying Dachshunds
I've been searching FOR-EVAR for a backpack to safely carry a Dachshund around the city or on a hike. I've seen almost every option available and tried several. All but one cause a Dachshund to sit upright, putting stress on their fragile spine, or sit in an abnormal position. Even that dog backpack is not ideal for a couple of reasons. So what is one to do if they need to safely carry … [Read more...]
How to Start Hiking with Your Dachshund
How do you start hiking with your Dachshund? To quote Nike, "Just Do It!" Well, not so fast. It is recommended that you get your Dachshund cleared for exercise first by your vet to make sure they are healthy enough. But after that, yes, just do it. I've rarely met a Dachshund that didn't decide they like to hike. Is it Safe for a Dachshund to Hike? The short answer is yes. The … [Read more...]
Teckelklub Fuzzie Fleece Jacket Review
The Fuzzie fleece jacket from Teckelklub is our year-round, go-to Dachshund jacket. We've had many of them over the years, not because they wear out but because they get worn (and washed) so often. I also like having them in multiple colors. 5 Reasons I Love the Teckelklub Fleece Fuzzie They Cover the Back Teckelklub jackets are made to fit a Dachshund's long body. They're longer than … [Read more...]
Easy DIY Insect Repellent Dog Bandana
One way to help prevent nasty critters from bothering your pet while camping, hiking, or hanging out in your back yard, is to have your dog wear an insect repellent dog bandana. You've probably seen these available online or in pet stores. But did you know it's super simple to make your own? There are several reasons that you may want to make your own instead of buy one: You don't … [Read more...]
7 Essential Items to Bring on Every Adventure with Your Dachshund
I've been hiking, camping, and traveling with my Dachshunds over 15 years. I love dog gear but, over time, I've found that there are a few essentials I take with us on every time we go hiking, camping, traveling, or just walking around the neighborhood. My dogs may be small but I know my must-have list would be the same even if I had a bigger dog. Here is my minimum, must-have list of … [Read more...]
8 Tips for Taking Great Smartphone Photos of Your Dog
When your dog is your constant hiking or travel companion, there will be a lot of picture-worthy moments. The camera you are most likely to have on hand when you want to capture the moment - because it’s the only one you have or you forgot your “good camera” in the car - is your smartphone. Unfortunately, it can be a little tricky to get an Instagram-worthy snap or high-quality Facebook … [Read more...]
5 Things You Should Start Teaching Your Dachshund Puppy The Day They Come Home
Bringing a new puppy home is exciting. It’s also kind of like bringing home a wild animal. A puppy is still learning about the world around them and how to interact with humans and other animals. They are literally born having no clue. It’s your job to teach them manners and the appropriate way to interact with people, other dogs, different sights and sounds, and all of the other general … [Read more...]
5 Things That Will Make the First Days with Your New Puppy Easier
Bringing home a new puppy is very exciting. You’ve likely chosen a puppy but have to wait weeks before he or she is old enough to come home to you. The bad news is that the wait can be difficult and feel like forever. The good news is waiting gives you a lot of time to think and prepare to bring your new furry family member home. When I was waiting for my new Dachshund puppy to … [Read more...]
Warm Dachshund Fleece Coats That Actually Fit
You bought a super cute Dachshund fleece coat or sweater but, unfortunately, it doesn't fit. It's disappointing. I get it. It's difficult to find clothes for a Dachshund that don't end up looking like a midriff shirt because it only covers half way down their body. When shopping for a fleece coat for your Dachshund, I'm assuming you are looking for something to keep them warm. If the … [Read more...]
90+ Holiday Gift Ideas for Adventurous Dogs and Dog Lovers
It's that time of year again. Gift guide season! For the last couple of years, I've had fun putting together my list of favorite products. You can read some of my past guides, and other articles listing must-have goodies for adventurous dogs and their owners, below. Previous Dog-Related Gift Guides (That I Just Updated) 10 Perfect Gifts for the Adventurous Dog 10 Unique Gifts for … [Read more...]
3 Crucial Things to Know When Visiting a National Park with Your Dog
You've been eyeing the beautiful pictures on Instagram or online for a long time and you're finally going to visit that National park this summer. And, of course, because you hardly do anything without your furry sidekick, you're dog is coming with you. Then you find out that dogs aren't allowed in National Parks and your dreams are dashed. Are Dogs Allowed in National Parks? First, … [Read more...]
Why I Chose Vectra 3DⓇ Flea and Tick to Protect My Dogs
I admit that I didn’t use flea and tick protection for my dogs for a long time. In Western Washington, it used to be rare for us to run into fleas or ticks so we didn’t need to. However, that has been changing over the last few years. Today, the number of these pests has increased in the region so it's more important than ever to protect your dog from flea and ticks if they venture … [Read more...]
Can CBD Oil Help Calm My Anxious Dog?
I know what it’s like to have an anxious dog. Gretel was so nervous she was on Prozac when I adopted her. Over the years, she’s calmed down and learned to not be so reactive. However, sometimes when she gets stressed, her inner demon still rears its ugly head. I help control her anxiety naturally now using CBD products made for dogs. What is CBD? CBD (Cannabidiol) is a product of the … [Read more...]
High-Quality CBD Oil for Dogs – HempMy Pet Review
Not to brag, but I kind of consider myself a bit of an expert on the topic of CBD for dogs. I’m have a few “secrets” - things about me I don’t talk about often, or ever, on this blog - like: I went through a huge hippie stage when I was younger and wanted everything I used to be totally natural and am still inclined to go that route as my first choice I’ve always been fascinated by the … [Read more...]
11 Funny Things About Dachshunds Only Owners Will Understand
What traits make a Dachshund unique? Why are Dachshund owners so nutty about the breed? Dachshunds are special little dogs with addicting personalities. They're cute and full of attitude. Most Dachshund owners say things like: "Once I owned a Dachshund, I could never go back." "You don't own a Dachshund, they own you." "My Dachshund has me very well trained." "A Dachshund thinks … [Read more...]
How to Crate Train an Adult Dachshund or New Puppy
When I adopted Gretel, she was almost 1 years old and the rescue told me that she was crate trained. After bringing her home we realized she was most definitely not! She threw an anxious fit when I shut her in a crate. One time, she broke a nail scratching the sides and bled all over. Another time, she actually busted the plastic crate in half. I had to, basically, start training all … [Read more...]
Ticks, Ticks, Ticks: Remember to Protect Your Dog When Hiking
I never worried about ticks when I was growing up. Although I do remember my parents saying our family dog had a tick once; ticks weren't mentioned often and I hadn't seen one. I didn't realize how lucky I was, until later. You see, I grew up in Western Washington State where ticks are rare. I also didn't hike as a kid. And, as a child, I wasn't responsible for our pet's safety so nasty … [Read more...]
5 Mistakes That Can Get You Kicked Out of a Dog Friendly Restaurant
We are lucky to have a lot of dog-friendly restaurants in Seattle. Not only are there restaurants where you can sit on the patio outside with your dog, but there are a few that allow you to actually eat inside with your dog! I love taking Gretel with me to a local pub or cafe on the way back from our hikes. I admit she is not always the best behaved dogs though. I see some dogs in … [Read more...]
How Much CBD Oil Should I Give My Dog?
Whether you are talking about how much CBD oil, or dog treats that contain CBD oil, to give your pet, the discussion is really about the amount of CBD the product contains. One CBD dog treat from one brand might not contain the same amount of CBD as one treat from another. The amount of CBD, measured in milligrams (mg), you should give your dog depends on a lot of things like weight, your … [Read more...]
