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 several essentials I take with us on every time we go on an adventure. 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 what I bring on every adventure. Disclosure: Some of the links below are … [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.
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 Dachshund?
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...]
How Much Exercise Does a Miniature Dachshund Need?
It frustrates me that so many people treat their wiener dogs like lapdogs. I see so many Dachshunds that are overweight and I'm sure it's the belief that Dachshund are fragile and don't need much exercise that significantly contributes to that. Just because Dachshunds are nicknamed "sausage dogs", doesn't mean they should look like one (the nickname is actually because it's speculated that the … [Read more...]
How to Choose a Small Dog Crate for Your Dachshund
You’ve just brought home a new Dachshund. Perhaps a puppy, a senior dog, or an adult. On your must-buy list is a crate. You've heard everyone talk about the importance of crate training, but where do you even start when it comes to choosing the right crate for your Dachshund? Ask yourself these questions, and follow these tips, to help ensure you pick the right crate for your … [Read more...]
Dog Friendly Hike Near Portland: Dog Mountain Trail
I read a lot of trip reports about the Dog Mountain hike north of Portland, Or (east of Vancouver, WA). I read about it being dog friendly, the amazing yellow wildflowers in spring, and the spectacular views of the Columbia River. I also read about how steep the trail was, about the potential for rattlesnakes, about the ticks, the flies, and about the poison oak. Since we aren't used to … [Read more...]
10 Things You Probably Don’t Know About Dachshunds
When I first got a Dachshund, I knew nothing about them. Today, some people would call me a "fanatic". Between doing research for my blog, and via my friends in the Dachshund club that I run, I have probably learned most of what there is to know about wiener dogs. I thought I'd share a few fun facts and things that surprise most people when I tell them. 1) Dachshunds Are Hunting … [Read more...]
Love and Loss: Letting Go of My Dog With Dementia
I slowly meandered through the woods with Chester and sat on a log. I had things I needed to say to him. Things I wanted him to know. There was no better setting than in the woods a few miles from my house to tell him. We'd shared almost 16 years of adventure in places like that. As I held him tight and started to whisper to him, he looked away from me like he was searching for something. He … [Read more...]
