I learned the hard way that my dog was not ready to hike off-leash during a trail run on an on-leash trail. Sixteen miles into an 18-mile run, Sora and I came upon a group of senior birders on a single track trail. Sora, with plenty of energy reserves, was off leash and I was …
Knowing what I know now about dog socialization, the dog park is a place I avoid entirely, unless I’m sticking to the outside to work on training. The purpose of dog parks is to create what is meant to be a safe space for dog owners to take their dogs to play and get some …
Teaching your dog impulse control is an important life skill that can help keep them safe and curb unwanted behaviors like darting out of doorways or jumping on people. Impulse control means teaching your dog to wait for permission before engaging in a specific activity. Many dog owners struggle with teaching their dogs to wait …
Working with a professional dog trainer after I adopted Sitka was one of the best decisions I made for the both of us. I felt resistant at first because I believed that needing to hire a professional meant that I had failed. However, I realized that I had plateaued with my knowledge and wasn’t reaching …
Like many, I learned about balanced dog training and the use of aversive tools like the prong collar and e-collar after exhausting the use of positive reinforcement only training with a challenging dog. Prior to using them, I misunderstood how the tools work, due to widespread misinformation about their usage. After talking with many friends, …
Visit Bend hosted me on this amazing trip to Bend to celebrate Bend Ale Trail Month. All opinions are my own. Did you know that the Bend Ale Trail was the first ale trail in the west? It started in 2010 with just eight breweries and today consists of over two dozen breweries spread throughout …
If I had known how much of a difference a Gunner Kennel would change the car riding experience with Sitka, I would have purchased one the day I got him. Until I had Sitka, I had never really thought about the need to restrain my dog in the car. My other dogs lay quietly in …
This post is sponsored by Dexas International, creators of some of my favorite travel and camping essentials for dogs. I only work with brands I use and would personally recommend, and I think Dexas rocks. I am not a veterinarian, nor am I a veterinary nutritionist. What I am is a passionate dog mom who …
Thank you Crystal Mountain Resort for hosting Sitka and me in exchange for this honest review of our experience. Spoiler alert: we can’t wait to go back. Crystal Mountain Resort, a ski area located near Mt. Rainier is a place I’ve heard about my entire life, having grown up in Washington. However, the fact that …
This post is sponsored by TailTrax, an innovative app for pet parents that allows you to store all of your pet’s most important information to access anytime, anywhere. All opinions are my own and I think TailTrax rules. With the rise in natural disasters due to climate change, like hurricanes, floods, and wildfires, it’s becoming …