Tails from the trail and tips on training your human

Best Dog Owner | Long known as ‘a man’s best friend’ dogs are exquisite little creatures. Our four legged companions repay the love we give them ten-fold. The companionship of a dog is like no other and their loyalty has no limit. They’re willing to accompany you in everything that you do. Even scientific research now backs up the claim that our canine buddies can drastically benefit our mental and physical health. Being around them not only gives you a sense of purpose but helps manage stress and remain calm.

While owning a fur-baby is a privilege because of its numerous upsides, it also comes with its responsibilities. It is a long-term commitment and we owe it to them to be the best pet parents that we can be. Providing them healthy and happy lives while nurturing and caring for them is our responsibility.

Here are a few basic tips that will not only help you become a considerate dog owner but will also strengthen your bond with your little fur baby.

Assess your lifestyle:

Before buying a dog it is necessary that you evaluate and assess your lifestyle. Never purchase a dog on an impulse. Ask yourself whether or not your daily routine allows you to spare enough time to cater to the needs of a pet and give them the attention that they deserve. Look at your living space and see if you have enough spare room to accommodate a pet. Realize that owning a pet is a full-time job that requires emotional, financial and time commitment.

Search different breeds:

Once you’ve thought your decision through, the next step is to select a dog breed that is suited to your personality and lifestyle. Examine what qualities you’d like to see in your dog. Their energy level and how active they are, how much grooming they need, their temperament, size and training needs are all things that you need to keep in mind while selecting the breed that is right for you. Educate yourself and do your research regarding the unique characteristics and qualities of the breed that you’ve chosen. This way you’ll know what to expect and treat them correctly.

Be patient with them:

Having patience and giving your pup time and space is the first step to being a considerate dog owner. Initially every pet requires a couple of weeks to adjust to their new surroundings. It is natural for them to feel scared, insecure and homesick. Let them be free to explore their new home and adapt to their new lifestyle. You have teach and train them while observing patience and compassion.

Set boundaries:

Disciplining your dog is best done at the stage of puppyhood. Teach your pup right from the start what is and is not appropriate. Boundaries, whether they are for your personal space or work, will make life much easier for both you and your pet.

Give them quality time:

Regardless of how packed your schedule is, it is essential that you take out some time for pet-owner bonding. Make an effort to take them on long walks, play with them and allow them to socialize with other dogs and their owners.

Sufficient physical activity is a crucial part of a healthy lifestyle for any pup. As dogs get older, it is easier to start taking them for granted. Their energy level may decrease and they may not be active but they still need their owner’s attention every now and then.

Supply quality food:

It is necessary that the food you provide your dog fulfills their basic nutritional requirements. Refer to a vet to properly understand what diet is best suited for your dog according to their breed, age, and size and activity level. Give them high quality, organic food and keep their diets simple and consistent. Provide them with lots of fresh water and occasionally healthy dog treats.

Schedule regular visits to the vet:

Prevention is always better than cure. Don’t wait for your dog to fall sick before you take them to a vet. One or two visits every other month will ensure that your four-legged companion lives a long healthy life. Keep them up-to-date on all their vaccinations and don’t hesitate to reach out to a vet if you feel that something is off instead of self-diagnosing.

Routinely grooming:

A dog’s grooming requirements depend solely on its breed. However, routinely bathing, brushing of teeth, clipping of nails and regular deshedding procedures are essential for the physical well-being of every dog. Every now and then take them to a professional to learn the best grooming tactics for your pup.

Plan ahead:

If you’re leaving your pet by themselves, prepare and plan before head. Make sure you leave an adequate supply of food and water, nowadays there are many pet TV channels and technologies like automatic treat dispensers to keep your canine friend occupied while you’re away. You can even appoint dog walkers to keep your dog’s activity needs in check.

Safety and security:

Make sure your dog wears an identification tag with your name, address and contact information at all times. Also set up an emergency contact, enlist a family member or a friend to take care of your little one in case of accidents, illness or any other occasion. Always have a kit filled with food, water and first aid equipment ready in case of emergencies or a disaster. With time microchips are becoming cheaper and more accessible, they are a permanent way to keep track your fur baby.

Train your dog well:

Training your dog and teaching them the basic commands helps strengthen your bond with them. Teach them to sit, stay, fetch, grab the newspaper and hold groceries. This will give your canine a sense of purpose and well-being. Take them to different dog classes, pet stores and parks to help them socialize and meet other pets and owners as well. Use positive reinforcements to encourage good behavior and praise them for being obedient and listening to your commands.

There is no right or wrong way to raise a dog, but as a good dog-parent, their well-being has to be your main priority. They are a wonderful addition to your family and should be treated as such. Everyone is attracted to a young puppy but the real challenge is to adapt to their changing needs and behavior as they grow old.

by Maria A 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.