Tails from the trail and tips on training your human

Taking your dog along with you on a camping trip is as exciting for a dog owner as it is for your dog! If you are going hiking or biking, followed by camping overnight along with your pooch, you will need to plan ahead. Make sure to carry all the necessities your dog requires to make your trip convenient and hassle-free. This might include doggy snacks, dry food, a leash or harness, water bowls etc.

Also, consider investing in a good dog bike trailer or carrier. If you frequently take biking trips and like to take your dog along with you, investing in a dog bike trailer makes sense. A dog bike trailer is an enclosed compartment on wheels that can be attached to the back of your bicycle. When taking your dog along with you on a biking adventure, it can be stressful to always keep an eye on it as it runs alongside your bike.

Dog Bike trailers are useful for long biking journeys as they allow your dog to rest. They are also suitable for small dogs who might tire keeping up with your bike and also for elderly dogs who might lack the stamina to keep up due to age.

Dog Bike Trailers for Camping

When buying the perfect dog bike trailer, keep in mind some key features that will keep your dog safe and comfortable. Look for a trailer that is sturdy enough to carry your dog’s weight and is made of materials that are enduring and long-lasting. A trailer with a steel frame is a good option but make sure it is not too heavy for you to pull as you peddle.

Plastic trailers are usually not a long-lasting option as they easily break down. Also, choose a trailer with an easy to hook hitch so you can easily attach it with your bike. The trailer should be stable to handle and maneuver as you peddle through corners or potholes. Choose trailers with front entry as dogs are most comfortable with those instead of entry from the top or side.

Here are some of the best dog bike trailer options.

Petsafe Happy Ride Aluminum Dog Bike Trailer

The Petsafe happy ride bike trailer comes in two sizes, medium and large. The medium-sized trailer can carry dogs up to 50 lbs., and the large one can carry a weight limit of 110 lbs. This trailer has a large sunroof through which your dog can enjoy the fresh air and earthy smells and enjoy the outdoors. The trailers front door has a waterproof layer, protecting your dog from the elements. You can also attach your dog’s harness with a safety rope inside the compartment. The trailer has a washable cushion within and a wide wheelbase for stability.

Aosom Bike Trailer Cargo Cart for Dogs

This bike trailer cargo cart is especially apt for older dogs who lack the ability to keep up with you while on a biking journey. Your aged dog can still keep up with the adventure with the help of this dog bike trailer. This trailer is also easy to access as it has three doors on the front, side and top for easy entry. It also has explosion-proof and wear-resistant wheels that are durable on all types of roads. The trailer is well ventilated with two windows on the side, so it does not become stuffy inside it. This option is apt for long journeys and camping trips.

Best Dog Carriers for Camping

When going camping with your dog, investing in a dog carrier is a smart decision because there is a chance your dog might run out of energy halfway and will need to be carried. Choosing the right carrier is important for both your own and your dog’s comfort. The carrier needs to be the right size for your dog so pay attention to carrier measurements. The material of the carrier also needs to be comfortable for your dog so look for carriers made of breathable fabrics or mesh. Lastly, also ensure your carrier has enough storage space to make the hiking or camping trip easier!

Let’s have a look at some of the best dog carriers for camping with your dog.

Outward Hound Kyjen Pooch Pouch Front Dog Carrier

This dog carrier backpack comes in two sizes, small and medium. The small bag back weighs 12 ounces, while the medium weighs 24 ounces. This popular front carrier is made from water-resistant, durable nylon fabric and can carry dogs weighing up to 15 pounds. This backpack has padded straps, a padded back and a pouch bottom for your comfort when carrying your pet. It also has adjustable straps and a breathable mesh harness for maximum comfort, making it the perfect dog carrier bag for a long trip.

Kurgo Dog Backpack Carrier

The Kurgo dog back bag carrier is a high-end backpack carrier that is a great buy when going camping with your dog. This bag has a water-resistant polyester top and a waterproof Armorsole bottom. It also has mesh ventilation and padding that makes carrying easier for both the dog and owner. The Kurgo backpack is airline- and TSA-approved, hence great for long hiking or plane journeys. It can be worn front or back, depending on your convenience. You also get a lifetime warranty from Kurgo when purchasing this backpack.

Camping, biking, or hiking enthusiasts should consider investing in good-quality dog bike trailers and dog backpack carriers if they frequently take their pups along with them. The right dog trailer or back bag carrier ensures a smooth and exciting journey for both you and your pup!

by Bobby J Davidson

We are in business to provide great products for the outdoorsy hikers, campers and their dogs; and to help clean our parks, rivers and oceans for a better planet earth for hikers and their dogs.

Parks Clean

Parks are high-traffic areas in most cities. This means that trash is bound to show up in and around your park and playground.

When discussing ways your family can help clean your local park, don’t overlook a literal cleanup! Picking up trash will make a huge difference in the appearance and vibe of your park. A clean area will encourage others to keep the park pristine. When picking up trash and debris, make sure to wear gloves to protect yourself, and put trash in appropriate receptacles or lawn bags. You can also contact your local trash company to schedule a pickup when you are finished.

Rivers Clean

The storm drain on your street collects the water from your roof, driveway, and sidewalk and funnels it directly in your local lake or river. Nutrients from grass and leaves, pet waste, and fertilizers “enrich” our lakes and streams — feeding algae blooms and harming fish. Chemicals from washing your car in the drive and household chemical spills add up, taking a nasty toll on our favorite swimming areas and fishing spots. Soil can also be picked up by runoff, reducing the clarity of water and hurting fish.

So as you prepare your lawn and garden, here are a few helpful tips to keep our lakes and rivers beautiful and safe for all of us.

Use mulch and vegetation to keep soil from washing away.
Sweep or rake grass and leaves away from street curbs.
Mulch and compost grass clippings and leaves.
Keep paved surfaces to a minimum.
Capture water runoff with a rain garden and rain barrels.
Wash your car on the grass, where the water will get filtered.
Keep chemicals away from storm drains.
Collect your pet’s waste.
Aim your rain-gutter downspouts onto grass.

Beaches Clean (do it for the ocean)

In 2007, the United States Senate and House of Representatives passed the National Clean Beaches Week Resolution to recognize the value of beaches to the American way of life and the important contributions of beaches to the economy, recreation, and natural environment of the United States.

Clean Beaches Week, celebrated annually July 1-7, offers the perfect opportunity to encourage stewardship and volunteerism along our coastlines. But where do you even begin? Follow these tips to get started.

Identify a clean-up site. Choose a place that needs some TLC, making sure that volunteers can safely access the site. Get permission, if needed, for your clean-up event, perhaps from the local parks agency.
Choose a site coordinator. (That might be you!) A beach clean-up takes a lot of work and needs an organized person to keep everything on track before, during, and after the event.
Visit the site in advance. The coordinator will need to know where to set up a volunteer check-in station, where to leave trash and recyclables, and what area(s) volunteers will clean.
Gather supplies. Depending on your location, you’ll need supplies such as trash bags, a first aid kit, hand sanitizer, wipes, and large coolers of water. You should also provide (or ask volunteers to bring) items such as reusable work/garden gloves, reusable water bottles, sunscreen, and bug spray.
Plan how to handle the recyclables. Reach out to recyclers in your area (and perhaps your community’s solid waste departments) to make arrangements for accepting any glass, plastic, and aluminum that you collect.
Line up event partners. Contact local businesses for donations of drinks, food, and supplies. Ask a local solid waste hauler to donate their services for trash removal.
Plan for handling hazardous waste. Determine how you’ll dispose of any medical and sewage waste you might find. One solution: A wide-mouth container with a tight-fitting lid, such as an empty laundry detergent bottle. Clearly label that it contains hazardous waste.
Get volunteers to help. Recruit friends, family, co-workers, and neighbors. Create an event on Facebook and ask volunteers to sign up online. This will give you an idea of how many people to expect and will help communicate event details.
Stay safe. Be prepared for a variety of health emergencies, from minor cuts and scrapes to heat stroke.
Take photos! Post pics online to share the success of your event and recognize volunteers for their hard work.