There’s a lot of excitement centered on getting that new dog or puppy. We dream of the adventures we’ll pursue together and the deep bond that’ll be built for years to come. As a dog owner and trainer, when I think about what characteristics I want to instill in a dog or puppy, three things come to mind. I want to develop a happy dog, a good dog, and dog that loves me.
When we walked into the shelter, a hundred hopeful faces turned our way. Each dog eager to please, to be loved, to find a home. Each kennel holding an adoptable dog. We rounded the corner and found the one who’s online photo had brought us there in the first place — Trigger, the German Shorthair Pointer mix who’s mug shots had made us burst out laughing and jump in the car within minutes to make the hour drive to Salt Lake City.
Bear, Kashi, and I have been traveling the country full time for about three months now. Our journey to get here was not easy, but the puzzle pieces kept falling into place making it possible for us. We try to spend as much time as we can exploring, but we weren’t always the adventurous family.
I absolutely love backpacking with my border collie, Barley. There are few greater joys than watching his white-tipped tail flagging through the Minnesota underbrush, witnessing his discovery of an icy Colorado mountain stream, curling up with him in the cold of a Utah desert night.
“It’s going to be a long night,” I said to my husband, as the dog whined at his bedside for what seemed like the thousandth time. She had a ball in her mouth and a crazed look in her eye. She wanted to play. She was not sleepy. It was 2 a.m.
If you plan on spending any time in the backcountry or just outside adventuring with your pup, you will soon realize it is a good idea to have a first aid kit. This can range from very basic to very stocked depending on what types of activities you are doing.
We expect a lot out of our adventure dogs and their bodies. We hike, fish, trail run, and mountain bike with our canine companions at our sides.
The next episode of our Mitkof Island adventure series begins at the base of a majestic peak known as Crystal Mountain. The unmarked trail to Crystal Lake begins at the hydro electric plant next to the Blind Slough Salmon Hatchery.
Just like adventurous people, adventurous dogs need next-level fuel. Whether your dog is joining you for a mountain biking trip, a fly fishing weekend, or an all-day hike, it’s smart to really think about his nutrition for the day.
If you ever find yourself island hopping around Southeast Alaska, be sure to plan a stop in the quaint little town located on Mitkof Island called Petersburg. My Wife Marissa and I, and our dog Finn, are constantly looking for adventures nearby.
