National Walk Your Dog Week!

                         Are ya followin' me, Parental Unit?

Yes, you heard that right, it's National Walk Your Dog Week! And what better time than fall, with it's cool, crisp sunny days, crunchy leaves underfoot and the smell of cider in the air to take long, leisurely walks with your pup? (You do have cool, crisp sunny days, don't you...unlike the warm-ish, humid and dank days we're having here.) Regardless of your weather, check out some special ways to celebrate with your dog this week.

You know we've always advocated twice daily, as-long-as-you-can-muster walks with your four-legged best friend—you know it's great physical and mental exercise for both of you!

And before you go, check out these tips for getting the most out of walking with your dog from Cesar Millan, the "king" of the dog walk! You can even learn the basics of meditation on your walks, by trying to "experience what is around you without thinking it about it in words." Parental Unit says she's going to try that on our next walk tomorrow morning—along with some strong coffee...

Let us know how you plan to celebrate this special week with your pooch—we'd love to hear the stories of your walks!

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Sunday's "Living With Your Pet" Tips: Safe Fall Hikes With Your Dog

     Fabulous photo of me by John Clark of Clark Creative

If you're all excited to get outdoors again after a long, hot summer and take your pooch on a hike rather than just a walk, you might want to first read these tips from our friends at the ASPCA. 

Hopefully we'll get to go on at least one major hike this fall, but if we do, I can assure you that Parental Unit will be prepared-she acts like we're going into the wilderness each time we go out the door! Although I love to make fun of her, if you're going on a real hike, the ASPCA recommends that you take enough water for both of you-"nature's water bowls" like streams, lakes or puddles, are off limits-they may contain parasites or toxins. And if you typically use a retractable leash, leave them home for a hike-they're prone to getting tangled and don't give you enough control over your dog in an emergency situation-which could be just fellow hikers with their own dogs. And don't forget ID firmly attached to your dog's collar with your cell phone number (This is one thing that Parental Unit must do, pronto).

If you do go on a fabulous fall hike, let us know-we'd love to know where you found some great fall foliage! Meanwhile, I've had my backpack on for days now...

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Sunday's "Living With Your Pet Tips": Take Your Dog Camping!

Fabulous photo of me by John Clark of Clark Creative

What a perfect time to go hiking and (even) camping in the woods with your best friend-the leaves are turning color, the skies are sunny and the air has a bit of a brisk chill...invigorating isn't it?

But as with most every adventure, some preparation helps, so we (with a little help from Parental Unit's cousin) culled these tips for getting the most out of a camping trip with your dog. We think they work just as well for a day hike in the woods, which Parental Unit seems to favor. Don't tell her I said this, but she's more "indoorsy" that the outdoorsy type...

         Photo courtesy of Pet Food Direct...Will this ever be me?

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