Guest Post by Tadej Kožar

Would you love to bring your dog with you when you camp? What if your dog is reactive and not reliable outdoors? It is possible to take a reactive dog camping with you, but you will have to consider a few things before heading to a campsite or out in the backcountry.

The worst scenario can happen at a campsite that is crowded with other campers and their pets. If your dog will react to any of them even while just passing through you could have a stressful camping experience.

First, it is important to know why your dog is reactive so you work with him to fix the issue. Here are the most common reasons for a dog being reactive:

The lack of socialization
This is one of the most obvious factors for a dog’s reactive behavior. If your pup wasn’t introduced early on to various situations with people and other animals he can be reactive. It is best that you introduce a young puppy to new things as soon as possible as the brain is more perceptive in the first 4 months of a dog’s life.

Bad past experience
If you got a dog from an owner who mistreated him, this can be a problem. Your dog could associate people with pain and bad things and react negatively. It is important that he gets your trust. You will achieve this by working with him on a regular basis and reassuring him that he can trust people.

Your dog could be in pain
Your dog’s reactive behavior could actually be a reaction to his pain. Take your dog to a vet to determine if he has any health issues that make him reactive.

How to help a reactive dog when camping

Dogs with behavior issues require work, patience, and good techniques to overcome the problem successfully. Here are some tips for how to camp with a reactive dog:

Research the campsite

As the owner of a reactive dog, your responsibility is to find a more peaceful campground with not so many people, pets and events. Your dog will have an easier time coping with a new environment, people, and situations this way. Campgrounds that have adequate privacy between pitching plots are the best options.

Set up a dog-friendly camp

When you arrive at the campsite, let your dog research the place first. This way he will get familiar with the new environment. Then prepare a specific place for him so he can enjoy the quiet and rest undisturbed.

Get a pet-friendly tent

If your dog likes to sleep with you or close to you, get a tent that is appropriate for dogs. Some camping tents have a vestibule that is breathable and big enough for you and your dog to spend the night inside. You can even opt for a tent that has a vestibule floor made of material so your dog’s claws won’t tear apart and destroy the tent.

Set up a crate or an x-pen

If your dog is used to being outside, you can set up a place for him to relax, eat and walk. You can buy an x-pen, crate, or portable fence where he will feel comfortable and not so anxious.

Additional help

If you have a very reactive pet you can cover up his crate or place where he relaxes when you have to cook a meal or collect firewood. Use tarps, blankets, or towels to cover the place where he stays so he can’t see “the triggers” that will make him react.

What to avoid

One big mistake dog owners make is putting their dogs on a short leash. If you restrict your dog’s movement, he can be even more anxious and aggressive. Instead, give him his own place (crate, x-pan, etc.) where he will have more freedom.

Dog-friendly activities

Enjoy the outdoors with your dog and make sure you provide activities that will make him calm and comfortable.

Long walks

Take your dog for a long walk. He will be occupied with discovering new surroundings and sniffing around. Sniffing is the most basic behavior that makes dogs calm and this is exactly what your dog needs.

A walk will keep your dog occupied and mentally and physically stimulated so he won’t be able to react to the possible triggers. However, if he still finds a way to change his calm behavior, take him away from distraction and talk to him calmly.

Have a morning and an afternoon walk so your dog can explore and release his excess energy. The purpose of such action is to stop the reaction and offer him a better, calmer solution.

Play with your dog

Bring along your dog’s favorite toys that he can play with. With an interesting toy like a bone, rope, or a ball he will be occupied and less triggered by other factors and situations.

Change your dog's behavior in a moment

Changing your dog’s behavior is the most crucial thing to do when he starts to show signs of feeling uncomfortable. When you see a trigger that he is most sensitive to, take him away or give him his favorite toy so he can be focused on other more familiar things. It is important that you know what triggers his problematic behavior and to react accordingly.

Make your dog feel comfortable

Every dog that exhibits reactive behavior needs to feel calm and comfortable. Use your dog's name and talk to him quietly when he feels threatened. Try to get away from the trigger. This is an important step in the rehabilitation of a reactive dog.

Pack his gear

No matter where you take your dog camping you need to take care of his gear. He must have some sort of blanket or a bed where he can relax. If he is not used to resting in the vestibule of your large group tent then give him a sleeping area that reminds him of home.

Leash or harness

Use a leash or a harness when you walk with him. Don’t let him wander around the campsite by himself as he could get triggered easily by wild animals and smells. He can still enjoy a walk if he is restrained.

Treat pouch

A treat pouch is basic gear for a reactive dog. It will come in handy on walks and when you want to divert your dog’s reactive behavior. Give him a treat from time to time when he behaves and also use a small treat when you want to divert his attention to a triggering situation, human or an animal.

Having a reactive dog demands a lot of work, patience, and techniques so you two can camp together peacefully. It is crucial that you know your dog's triggers so you can prepare for them while you camp.

Photo by Patrick Hendry on Unsplash

Tadej Kožar is the founder of Camping Valley. The site is an extension of his lifestyle and passion for the outdoors. Tadej believes we live in a technological era but nature is reminding us more and more that we should go to the places where our heart and soul feel like home.

If you're fully vaccinated against COVID-19, you may be ready to travel -- and that could mean an overnight stay at a hotel with your beloved four-legged companion. The good news is that more and more hotels welcome dogs, according to NextAvenue.org. The website has the following to say about some hotels that even allow dogs at no extra charge:

A few hotel and motel brands don't charge at all... Motel 6 and Studio 6 have more than 1,400 U.S. hotels where dogs stay for free. Aloft, a Marriott brand, not only doesn't charge, but provides each canine guest with a complimentary Animals R Fun (ARF) kit which includes their own bowl, picker-upper bags, treats, a dog tag, pet toys and a bed. Kimpton, an IHG (InterContinental Hotel Group) brand, allows furry guests to stay at no charge and provides a list of items, such as a water bowl, that can be borrowed (some restrictions apply).

You should check with the hotel's website first to review the latest pet policy, or use a general site such as BringFido.com, which lists hotels, restaurants and other establishments that are pet-friendly.

Photo by Amy Humphries on Unsplash

Our friends at AVL TODAY have published a great list of dog-friendly bars and breweries in Asheville. Here's the intro...

"Sometimes, you just want to go out on the town to wet your whistle. But if you have dogs at home, leaving them alone can be pawsitively pitiful. The good news that won’t make those sad puppy dog eyes turn your way? Asheville is a doggone dog-friendly place, with a plethora of watering holes where you can bring your pooch. We suggest bookmarking this page so you’ll know where your four-legged friends are welcome when it’s time for you to hit the town for an adult beverage."

Find the whole list here: https://avltoday.6amcity.com/dog-friendly-bars-breweries-asheville-nc/?

Image by Sektkellerei Inführ from Pixabay

This is a dog story we had to share because it shows how wonderful and unexpected a relationship can be between dogs and humans. This little fella, Paco, was found on a road one day and adopted by a guy who lives quite an adventurous life. As you'll see in the video, Paco fearlessly accompanies him on all of his adventures! If you'd like to see more of Paco's adventures after watching this video, just search "Paco the adventure dog" on YouTube.

Our friends at Subaru have published a useful, informative guide to dog-focused road trips. It includes:

• Listings of helpful websites, dog-friendly hotel chains and rules of doggie etiquette
• Recommendations for all the best gear for your dog's road trip
• A helpful article about backcountry hiking and camping with your dog
• A vet's advice for driving with your dog.

Whether or not you're driving a Subaru, you'll find this guide to be a goldmine of tips! Check it out here: https://subarudrive.com/articles/dog-road-trips

Photo by Michael Bartlett on Unsplash

If you've been thinking of venturing out on a trip with your dog, you've no doubt thought about the possible complications of travel because of COVID-19. That's why you may find a free guide from MillionMileSecrets.com valuable.

This handy guide offers comprehensive information about flying with your dog, including the latest regulations for traveling with pets on major airlines. You should be aware, for example, that virtually every major airline no longer accepts pets in cargo areas, but they do allow "carry-0n pets" if your pet fits in a carrier placed under your seat.

In addition, the guide covers alternatives to airline travel: Traveling with your pet by car, by ship and by train.

You'll find the guide here: https://millionmilesecrets.com/guides/travel-with-pets-covid-19/

Image by StockSnap from Pixabay

As states begin to open up for business during the pandemic, you may be wondering if it is safe to travel at all, much less with your dog. CitizenShipper.com has prepared a comprehensive guide about how to stay safe while traveling with pets. It provides pet safety travel tips and describes how pet transportation options have been affected by the ongoing crisis. In the guide, you'll find:

• How to prepare your pet for travel
• Pet travel by plane
• Pet travel by car
• Pet travel by train
• Pet travel by ship
• FAQ: Pet safety in a pandemic

 Check out this helpful free guide here: https://citizenshipper.com/blog/pet-travel-tips-during-covid19/

Image: Pixabay.com

Over 43 million households in the U.S. include dogs as part of their family. Businesses recognize that dog owners are a large group of people who are passionate about their pets. Increasingly, hotels, restaurants, and retail establishments are instituting dog-friendly policies, welcoming dog owners and their furry friends. In fact, a number of businesses even offer incentives for dog owners.

Wikibuy has put together a handy infographic that lists numerous national restaurant chains that offer a variety of specials for dogs, such as secret menus and special treats. The infographic also has a listing of hotels offering deals and freebies, as well as a section of general pet freebies. It's a useful guide that could tell you which places welcome dogs -- and it could also save you money.

Check it out here: https://wikibuy.com/blog/pet-freebies-5692fab42da

Asheville has been lauded as one of the dog-friendliest small cities in the United States. So... just how dog-friendly is Asheville?

Thanks to pups-on-the-street research, AVL Today has put together a list of 30-plus dog-friendly places in downtown Asheville where you can eat, drink, and shop with your pooch. The list includes breweries, patios, and shops where dogs are welcome.

The summer is a great time to enjoy WNC's dog-friendliest city. Check it out here: 
https://avltoday.6amcity.com/downtown-dog-friendly/

Image: Kiranda70, Pixabay.com

When it comes to getting directions, GPS on your smartphone is a given. What you may not know is that GPS is now becoming common for tracking dogs. There are numerous GPS dog trackers available on the market today; in fact, the choices can be bewildering. Here is some basic information about why tracking your dog with GPS makes sense, courtesy of TeletracNavman (and thanks to blog reader Natalie for pointing us to this resource):

• 40 percent of dogs are startled by loud or unexpected noise. This "noise anxiety" can cause dogs to become frightened and bolt. A GPS tracker can help you find a frightened pet quickly.
• When a dog goes missing and you aren't home, it could be hours before you take action. Some GPS trackers can notify you as soon as it happens.
• A GPS tracker is your best friend when you are traveling with your dog. When you or your dog are unfamiliar with an area, it can lead to trouble.
• If your dog likes to chase animals, cars or moving objects, a GPS tracker can help you track him down.  

TeletracNavman offers several other reasons for GPS tracking, plus a comprehensive list of helpful articles about losing a pet. You can find this resource here: https://www.teletracnavman.com/gps-fleet-tracking-education/tracking-your-dog-with-gps

Image: Simon Howden, Freedigitalphotos.net

No doubt you love your doggie enough to take him or her on a trip with you. If that trip includes airline travel, you need to know about airline regulations regarding pets. You may have heard about recent airline crackdowns on emotional support pets as well as some unfortunate behavior by airline crew regarding pets, but there could actually be some benefits associated with taking your pets along for the plane ride, as long as you observe rules and advocate for your dog.

CreditCards.com has just published a handy free online guide, "Guide to Flying with Pets (and getting rewarded for it)," that lists the top U.S. airlines' pet shipping requirements, service animal requirements, and emotional support animal requirements, all in one place. You'll also find the top fifteen U.S. airports' pet relief area locations.

In addition, the guide features information about a few airlines that actually offer rewards for taking your pet with you, plus lots of good advice about flying with your pet.

Check it out here: https://www.creditcards.com/credit-card-news/pets-reward-frequent-flier-miles-1263.php

Image: Khunaspix, freedigitalphotos.net

It's always a challenge to take a trip with your dog if it involves an overnight stay. The good news is more hotels now accommodate dogs, and you can even find private vacation rentals that allow pets as well.

AllTheRooms.com, the largest and most complete accommodation search engine, offers several helpful "pet etiquette tips" when you travel with your dog. Recommendations include doing research beforehand on dog-friendly accommodations, monitoring behavior, cleaning up after your pet, and more. Read the article here: https://www.alltherooms.com/w/2017/10/guests-pets-travel-pet-etiquette-tips/

In addition, if you or anyone you know is planning a trip to the Westminster Dog Show, held in New York City in February 2018, AllTheRooms offers a handy listing of dog-friendly accommodations, including hotels and private rentals, near the show: www.alltherooms.com/westminster-club-dog-show 

Image: Pixabay

When you’re planning a trip, you have dozens of details to worry about. If you add a pet to the mix, those details may begin to feel overwhelming. Whether you’re traveling for pleasure or moving to a new place, that doesn’t mean you have to leave your dog behind.

A new free online guide published by UpgradedPoints.com can help. "The Ultimate Guide to Traveling with Pets" offers some tips to show you how to keep yourself and your pet calm and comfortable, no matter what distance or mode you travel. The guide includes helpful information about the following:

• Prepare for your journey
• Research the pet rules of your destination
• Contact a specialist pet relocation company
• Learn about your airlines' pet policy
• Prepare for other modes of travel with your pet
• Find pet-friendly accommodations
• Schedule a pre-trip checkup with your veterinarian
• Prepare your pet and pack the essentials
• Watch your pet's diet
• Plan for emergencies and the unexpected
• Keep your pet calm and comfortable during the journey
• Enlist in the latest pet resources

You can find the complete guide here: https://upgradedpoints.com/traveling-with-pets/

Another helpful guide that concentrates on train travel with pets can be found here: https://millionmilesecrets.com/guides/traveling-with-pets-on-trains/

Image: Dan, Freedigitalphotos.net

Hooray for Posana, a restaurant at 1 Biltmore Avenue in Asheville. Recognizing that plenty of dog lovers dot the Asheville streets, Posana has not only welcomed dogs to their outdoor patio, the restaurant has also created a menu especially for culinary canines, according to a recent report in Mountain Xpress.

The menu was kicked off on March 7 in a nod to "Dine to be Kind," a fundraising event in which Posana, along with over sixty other local restaurants, contributed a portion of sales to Asheville Humane Society. Martha Pollay, co-owner of Posana, "worked really hard to find things that were pretty lean and good for dogs to eat," says Peter Pollay, co-owner and executive chef.

"Homemade biscuits, grilled Carolina Bison burgers, grilled Ashely Farms chicken breast, Brasstown Beef doggie meatloaf and a dessert dish of bacon soy doggie ice cream make up the canine menu," reports Mountain Xpress. "Prices range from $3-$8. All orders are served in dog dishes."

So next time you're in downtown Asheville with your doggie, remember that you'll find both a warm welcome and a special menu at Posana.

Image: Stuart Miles, Freedigitalphotos.net

Going to Europe can be tough for dog owners. You spend the whole trip worrying about your beloved pet, stuck in a kennel, when you should be having a good time. So why not bring your dog with you? It’s not as much of a hassle as you might think.

Craig Manor, a resort overlooking Lake Windermere in England's lakes region that welcomes dogs, has prepared a very useful infographic guide that takes you step by step through the whole process of entering Europe with your dog. It covers things such as what the legal requirements are, booking a flight, choosing an airline, what to check when picking a destination and how to make sure your dog is ready to fly.

The guide is intended to simplify a process that once seemed daunting, into something a lot more straightforward. That way both you and your dog will be able to enjoy a relaxing holiday.

You can find the infographic here: http://www.craigmanor.co.uk/travelling-in-europe-with-your-dog/

Guest Post by Jennifer Scott

Taking a vacation is meant to be a relaxing endeavor, but when it comes to traveling with a dog there can be a lot of added stress. It’s important to make sure that your companion is safe and comfortable, especially on long, curvy rides on mountain roads. Here are seven tips for safe pet travel:

1. Visit the vet’s office first. You want to be sure that your pet is ready to hit the open road (or open air) health-wise, especially since you won’t be close to his regular doctor while you’re away. Further, many airlines require a certificate of veterinary inspection within 10 days of traveling.

2. Be wary of harsh weather conditions. If you’re flying during the summer or winter months, be sure to check that the airline will accommodate for extreme temperatures. This is especially important if your pet will take the trip below the cabin. If you’re taking a winter weekend getaway to the mountains with your pup, pack him his own blankets and sweaters to protect him from the cold.

3. Choose the right crate for your pet. Crates are required for pets to travel via plane, and an excellent option for car rides. (They’re also a good way to keep pets polite while staying in hotels or with a loved one.) Make sure the crate large enough to allow him to stand, turn, and lie down with plenty of ventilation. It should have a leak proof bottom and be lined with absorbent material like a towel or blanket in case of potty accidents. A “live animal” label should be placed in a clearly visible spot on the outside.

4. Pack a travel kit. Even if your pet is a tenured traveler, the process can be quite stressful for animals. Put together a travel kit for him full of his favorite goodies and toys to create a sense of familiarity: his food, water bowl, bed or blanket, and a couple of his favorite toys. If you’re flying, you may want to consider leaving him a T-shirt that smells like you for added reassurance.

5. Look out for safety hazards. Though you’ll want a leash with you, don’t leave it in the crate as it could be a serious choking risk. Loose collars can pose a similar problem, so find the happy medium between too snug and too loose. Dogs will appreciate a good chew bone to keep their minds occupied, but make sure it won’t break into small pieces that he could choke on (especially on a bumpy flight or road trip).

6. Figure breaks into your travel time. Especially if you’re going on a lengthy car ride, plan to take pit stops every two hours or so to give your pet a break. Give dogs a potty walk and allow them a little extra time to run around, explore the mountain scenery, or play with a ball or Frisbee; it’ll make him feel less restless and maybe even burn off enough energy to let him snooze during the drive.

7. Consider boarding your pet. Though it’s difficult to leave your beloved pet behind, however temporarily, it may actually be better for him to skip the stress of travel. You can find a responsible pet sitter who would love to care for your companion, and with today’s technology you can easily stay updated on his stay with daily photos and video chats. Think of it as your pet taking his own vacation in a safe, compassionate environment!

Traveling with a pet can be tricky, but with the right tools and approach even the ruff-est rides can be enjoyable!

__________

Jennifer Scott is a lifelong sufferer of anxiety and depression. She created her website, SpiritFinder.org, as a platform for advocacy on opening up about mental health. Through the site, she hopes to share the types of steps and success stories that can help others realize their own power. When she isn’t working on her website, she enjoys traveling, working with animals, and seeking out new friendships and adventures.

Image: Federico Stevanin, freedigitalphotos.net

Planning a trip with your best friend?  Before you do, it's vital that you plan ahead. This helps you keep in mind the best interests of your dog. Traveling with your pet can be either an amazing bonding experience or a stressful nightmare. Proper planning and preparation takes the bite out of your stress.

The first decision you will have to make is whether to bring your pet with you on your trip. Will you have enough free time during your travels to attend to your pet? Not all pets are suited for travel and some pets don’t like to travel. All over the world, millions of pets and pet parents travel every day. The increase in popularity of pet travel has meant many of the leading hotel chains worldwide are now pet friendly.

An Australian organization, Greyhounds as Pets, has produced a handy infographic that gives you all you need to have a fun-filled holiday with your treasured family member. You can download the infographic at the link below.

View this photo

(From the ASPCA Blog)

Summer travel season is in full swing, and we think trips are always more fun when you bring your furry friends along. If you’re planning to take a vacation this summer with your pets in tow, we’ve got you covered.

In the car:

Taking a road trip? Here are a few car travel safety tips brought to you by Subara, an ASPCA supporter.  

Practice makes perfect: It’s a good idea to practice having your pet ride along for a series of short car trips leading up to your big trip.

Ride safely: Keep your pets safe and secure in the car by having them ride in a well-ventilated crate or carrier. The crate should be large enough for your pet to stand, sit, lie down and turn around in. Secure your pet’s crate so it will not slide or shift in the event of an abrupt stop.

Road trip snacks: Be sure to pack plenty of water, and avoid feeding your pet in a moving vehicle. Your pet's travel-feeding schedule should start with a light meal three to four hours prior to departure.

For a full list of car travel safety tips, visit our Pet Care section.

Traveling by plane:

Unless your furry friend is small enough to ride under your seat on a plane, the ASPCA advises avoiding air travel with pets. However, if you must bring your pet along on your flight, it’s best to plan ahead. We recommend you book a direct flight if possible. Here are a few other suggestions:

Careful with crates: Prior to your trip, purchase a USDA-approved shipping crate that is large enough for your pet to stand, sit and turn around in comfortably.

IDs, please: Be sure to mark the crate with the words “Live Animal,” as well as your contact information and a photo of your pet. Make sure all vaccinations are up-to-date and that your pet has been microchipped for identification purposes.

In-flight food: Attach a pouch of your pet’s food to the outside of her crate, and freeze water in a dish for your pet to drink as it melts throughout the flight.

For more air travel safety tips, visit our Pet Care section.

No matter where you’re headed this summer, please be sure your pet is wearing an ID tag at all times. Happy trails, and safe travels!

According to USA TODAY, here are readers' ten favorite U.S. pet-friendly resorts and hotels for 2013 (and what they offer for pets):

1. El Portal Sedona Hotel - Sedona, AZ; fenced yards and free pet-sitters.

2. Red Mountain Resort - St. George, UT; offers hikes with shelter pets.

3. The Benjamin - New York, NY; pet mini-bar, on-call vet, BarkBox goodies.

4. Fairmont - Washington, DC; pet treats by the Executive Chef during afternoon tea.

5. Hotel Monaco - Alexandria, VA; yappy hour; no fees for guest pets.

6. W Hotel Midtown - Atlanta, GA; yappy hour; walking distance to Piedmont Park.

7. Loews Coronado Bay Resort - San Diego, CA; doggie surf lessons; room service for canine menu.

8. The Little Nell - Aspen, CO; puppy jet lag kit; free book on peti-quette.

9. The Loden - Vancouver, BC; walk to Stanley Park; free Modern Dog magazine.

10. Galleria Park Hotel - San Francisco, CA; eco-friendly dog bowls; yappy hour with big views.

http://www.usatoday.com/story/life/weekend/2013/12/27/the-best-of-2013-/4180815/