National Puppy Day!

In honor of National Puppy Day, we thought we'd share this infographic on how to be a rad, puppy-loving human. Thanks My Sweet Puppy for sharing this infographic with us!

Why Travel Local?

We have been truly amazed and gracious from the band of customers who have supported our little company throughout the years as part of the "buy local" initiative.

Over the years, we've committed to buy our materials from US vendors, make local dealers a priority, keep our production here in Bellingham, Washington, and employ local designers and talent from the Pacific Northwest. And it's been great. But we leave ourselves asking, "what more can we do to support our local businesses even more?" And the answer is clear: travel local.

Often, the idea of supporting our local communities when a vacation beckons seems to leave our mind. Either we are anxious for a new view, or craving different weather. But there are some major benefits to staying close to home when the long weekends, holidays or vacation time beckon.

Reasons to Travel Local

1. Traveling local allows you to look at your state and community through the eyes of a visitor, trying things you may have never done, even though they are in your own backyard. It's a great time to do that thing you've always wanted to do: try that new restaurant, visit that hot spring or venture out to that new trail. 
2. A "Staycation" is very cost effective because cost of travel and lodging are dramatically reduced. Staying close to home means less gas money, and you either head home at night, or opt for alternative overnight accommodations such as camping, couch surfing, renting a room, or even staying in usual accommodations such as glamping tents, a tepee (found all over the Northwest) or rentable fire watch station (available through the National Forestry Service).
3. Staying close to home means less travel time. Think of it: no lines, no traffic, no crowds, no passport, no customs line, no rest area bathroom stops!
4. When you travel close to home, taking your four-legged companion is easier. There are fewer "potty breaks" along the way, you are more familiar with dog-friendly businesses, and there's fewer arrangements to make ahead of time.
5. Traveling local is less harsh on the environment because it doesn't expel emissions from a plane or long car travel. We give this idea "two paws up" for reducing your carbon paw print.
6. Staying close to home allows you to discover the lesser-known, yet fantastic adventure opportunities right out your back door. You may discover a new trail, a new sport, or a new destination for you and your dog to explore.
7.  During your adventures, you may unintentionally encourage others to check out your new local spot after seeing or hearing about your adventure. This helps promote the local economy even further.

Yes, the sun and sandy white beaches are easily enticing this time of year. But traveling local is an amazing way to explore your local surroundings, while also saving money and time and helping boost the local economy. All in favor of local travel, raise your paw!

A Love Letter To A Dog On Valentine's Day

Dear Dog,

It has come to my attention, in this month of love, that before the boyfriends, girlfriends, children, jobs and moves, there was one thing that has loved me through it all: you!

You patiently waited all day for the squeak of the door to open on the first day of my new job. You heavily nosed my significant other as to say "welcome" on our first date. You've laid with me as I cried, licked me when I was down, and walked with me when I needed exercise.

I love you. But our relationship hasn't always been perfect. In fact, it's been one of--dare I say it--compromise, on my end.

I have been the victim of thousands of cold nose nuzzles on the coldest days of the year and hundreds of hot, breathy pants on the hottest days.


I have taken you on hikes in the winter and drug you through icy patches as you stand like a statue on all fours because you are afraid of slipping, and in the fall had my clothes recolored in brown as you find every mud puddle on either side of the trail. In spring, I've chased you every time you were distracted by a bee, squirrel, dog, rabbit...and in the summer I've been showered in a bath of dog hair and river water as you shake off your spontaneous dip as close to me as possible.

We've had many adventures together camping as well, where despite lugging your bed to the campsite, you try to cozy up next to me inside my tiny sleeping bag then howl all night long at every cricket, rodent or snake that slithers within a hundred yards of camp. And when we're at home, I sacrifice at least three-quarters of my bed to your canine comfort.

There's never day when your water bowl doesn't have a puddle surrounding it and giant, soggy pieces of kibble floating in it. But no worries, if that's not fresh enough, you find your way to the "watering bowl" (as you like to think of it) where I always manage to sit down on a combination of cold toilet water and foamy dog spit splattered all over the toilet seat.

Sometimes I think to myself: there must be a better roommate for me. One that feeds themselves, has a job and smells a little better when they get out of the shower. But then I think of just how short our time together really is. One day, you won't be there to greet me with a giant bound as I come through the door, or motivate me to go for that rainy day walk. That three-quarters of the bed will feel empty and that sleeping bag too large.

As it turns out, Dog, you are the love of my life. Your purity, heart, conviction, patience and excitement add meaning to everything we do together, and I just want to say...I love you and thank you for being my dog.

Be My Valentine,

Your Human

A Rad Year In Review

Of course the beginning of every new year has so many great things to look forward to: so many trails to be broken, adventures to plan, and road trips to take in the year ahead! But we've had a great 2016--stellar in fact--and we don't want to cruise into the new year without taking a look as some of the new and incredible ways we've grown in the past year.

So, we thought we'd share these interesting little facts about our year at Rad Dog Pet Products. What color did our customers like the most? How far did our products travel? And, what breed is our smallest customer? Read on to find out!

A Rad Year In Review

• Top Instagram Posts From Other Contributors: 
• @crunch_adventures, @pawsonpeaks, @pawsforabeer, @kelpie_subaru and @outdoorrunning

  

  Our Dogstagrammers

• Number of New Color Combinations on the Release ’N Run:  
• Two; Olive Green and Turquoise/Red

Our New Olive Green Release 'N Run

• Most Popular Color:  
• Blaze Orange, followed by Red 

  

  Blaze Orange: Our customer's favorite color choice
  

• The Best Color Choice for the Release 'N Run (Based on Dog Fur Color):  
• Red-furred dogs look best in the Fuchsia
• Blonde dogs look great in Olive Green, Turquoise and Blue
• Brown-furred dogs look good in Olive Green and Blue
• Black and white dogs look great in bold colors like Fuchsia, Turquoise and Red

  

  Black dogs look great in bold colors

• Farthest Place an Order Was Shipped:  
• Perth, Australia (9,251 miles from our production in Bellingham, Washington)

• Most Interesting Places We've Shipped Our Products To:  
• Higashiyamatoshi, Japan
• Alvsio, Sweden
• Schalsum, The Netherlands
• Duisburg, Germany
• Bray, Ireland
• Dubai, UAE

  

  We've shipped our products to Dubai!

• Number of Instagram Likes: 
• 11,423

• Number of Instagram Comments: 
• 785

  

  You bark, we listen!

• Most Popular Day Online at myraddog.com:  
• Free Shipping Day, December 16th

  

  FREE is a very good price!

• Largest Audience Outside the US: 
• Russia

  

  We have a lot of Russian Rad Dogs!

• Most Popular Product:  
• Release 'N Run Retractable Leash ad Collar in One 

• Most Popular Time to Shop For Your Dog On Our Website: 
• 5pm PST

  

  Time to shop!

• Smallest Dog Featured On Our Website: 
• Aussie Shepherd (We need more! Follow us on Instagram and use #radwinterdog to make the connection with us!)  

To all our rad customers (four-legged and two) that contributed to these statistics, thank you!  It's been a RAD year and we look forward to another one!

Unique Stocking Stuffer Ideas for Dogs

'Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse. The stockings were hung by the chimney with care in hopes that Santa Paws soon would be there.

If the job of Santa Paws has you a little behind this Christmas, no worries! You don't have to disappoint your fur-babies! There are plenty of small and creative items you can fill your rad dog's stocking with this holiday season that are a far cry from the hastily-filled and pre-stuffed pet stockings from the pet store. This year, choose to fill your dog's stocking with items that promote health, exercise and locally-made products.

Ideas for Stocking Stuffers for Dogs

1. Detachable collar light for outdoor exploring at night
2. Organic dog treats 
3. A portable dog bowl like the Pocket Bowl
4. A new dog tag 
5. Biodegradable poop bags
6. Dog whistle
7. A ball
8. Dental chews
9. Himalayan dog chews
10. Frisbee
11. Dog shampoo
12. Gift certificate for grooming or nail clipping
13. "Wag more, bark less" sticker
14. Musher's Secret protective paw wax
15. Dog pedometer

When deciding what to fill your dog's stocking with, the best gifts are gifts that promote health, happiness and sustainability. Choosing items that promote exercise, healthy eating, good dental hygiene and are equally friendly on the environment are a win-win.

Thinking Outside the “Gift” Box: Gift Guides for the Hard To Buy For

If you’ve ever Googled the phrase, “gifts for the hard to buy for,” or spent hours swarming the Internet for ideas for a hard-to-please person, you know that finding the perfect gift for the picky is practically impossible! It should be easier these days, with so many companies with fascinating products and ideas just a click away on the Internet, yet somehow more options just means more to weed through when trying to find the perfect gift.

So, we’ve spent the last few months searching for those perfect products for different types of people—from trendy dog owners, to trail runners, to techies. We tried to think outside the “gift” box, looking not only for products, but for innovative ideas such as memberships and subscriptions too.

All the companies and products we sought out have something in common with our own company: some are local to the Pacific-Northwest region, some are made entirely in the USA, and some are an engineer’s fantasy, giving us a sneak peek at where product innovation is heading in the future. For whatever the reason, we hope you join us in supporting these interesting and innovative businesses. And, find that perfect gift along the way!

Gifts for the Trendy Dog Owner:

(pictured)

Dog Socks

Casetify Dog Breed Phone Case

 “Putting Your Pet First” Book by John Sleasman

Rad Dog Release ‘N Run Collar with Retractable Leash in Turquoise

“I’ll Run Everywhere” Personalized Photo Frame

“Will Run for Treats” Throw Pillow

Gifts for the Trail Runner:

(pictured)

Rad Dog Release ‘N Run Collar with Retractable Leash (Assorted Colors)

HYDAWAY 12oz Collapsible Water Bottle (Assorted Colors)

Runddies Athletic Underwear by Oiselle

“Make Time to Run” Running Journal

Ice Bug Shoes

Rollingfwd Vibrating Foam Roller

Sweet Spot Athletic Skirts

(not pictured)

Moon Valley Organics Muscle Rub

Strava Social Networking App for Athletes Premium Subscription

“Never Run Alone” Women’s Dog Tee

“I’ll Run Everywhere” Personalized Photo Frame

“Will Run for Treats” Throw Pillow

Rad Dog Pocket Travel Dog Bowl

CamelBak Hydration Pack

Gifts for the Avid Bike Rider

 (pictured)

Live to Ride Decorative Sign

Cycling-Themed Reusable Grocery Bag

Freehub MTB Community Magazine Subscription (available online & in paper form)

Rad Dog Release ‘N Run Collar with Retractable Leash (in Fuchsia)

Sweet Spot Athletic Skirts

HYDAWAY 21oz Collapsible Water Bottle (in Rose)

Blinged Out Dog Paw Bike Bell

(not pictured)

Strava Social Networking App for Athletes Premium Subscription

Moon Valley Organics Muscle Rub

CamelBak Palos^™ 4 LR Waist Hydration Pack

 

TurboPup Complete K9 Meal Bar

Gifts for Outdoor Techies Who Like Gadgets

(pictured)

 

Whistle GPS Pet Tracker

 

HYDAWAY 21oz Collapsible Water Bottle (Assorted Colors)

 

Rad Dog Release ‘N Run Collar with Retractable Leash (in Blue)

 

GoPro Fetch Dog Harness for Adventuring

 

RinseKit® Portable, Pressurized Outdoor Shower

 

Gifts for the Environmental Do Good-er

 (pictured)

 

Freehub MTB Community Magazine Subscription (available online & in paper form)

 

Rad Dog BioHybrid Dog Waste Bags

 

100% Natural Himalayan Dog Chews

 

HYDAWAY 12oz Collapsible Water Bottle (in Chili)

 

Moon Valley Organics Muscle Rub

 

Trendy. Athletic. Outdoorsy. Techy. Do-gooder…No matter what their gig, we’ve found a gift for them. From retractable leashes, to collapsible bottles, to social networking apps, the gift solution is there, you just needed help finding it!

How to Know if Your Dog is Really A Werewolf

While the werewolf may be a figment of our imaginations, they are wolves nonetheless. So it makes sense to mention the werewolf on a blog about dogs during the spookiest month of the year.

With their superhuman strength and canine senses, werewolves embodiment of both man and beast. In fact, even the name “werewolf” comes from the root “wer” meaning male man, and wolf.

Stories of the werewolf date back as far as the written word. In the original stories, which can be found in ancient Romanian and Greek pieces, the werewolf was able to change form at will. Modern pieces, such as Teenage Werewolf, Little Red Riding Hood, and Twilight have distorted character and appearance the traditional werewolf, however there are some similarities that are commonly carried from story to story. These similarities include the following, agreed upon features of a werewolf.

How To Spot A Werewolf

• Born on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day (considered a divine punishment for competing with Christ's birthday according to legend)
• Red Hair
• Unibrow
• Index and middle finger are the same length
• Appetite for raw meat
• Insatiable thirst for water
• Hair on the palms of the hand
• Strange sleeping habits and the tendency to restlessly circle around the bed before laying down
• Changes back to a human if a piece of iron or steel is thrown overhead in animal form

What can we learn from vigilantly scouting for a thirsty, raw-meat-eating human? Well, probably nothing, but you may never be able to look at a red-head with a unibrow the same again. And if you dog was born on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, you may not want to throw iron at them, because they might turn into something a little more scary than the hairy Michael J Fox in Teen Wolf.

Putting Your Pet First: A practical and ideological view of pet care and medicine

It’doesn’t take a doctor to know this, but we’re glad he said it anyway: “It is good to love a pet and be loved by a pet.”

Dr. John Sleasman discusses this bond between dog and owner in his book Putting Your Pet First: A Veterinarian’s Perspective.  As not only a veterinarian, but a lover of pets as well, Dr. Sleasman demonstrates his compassion for pets and their owners, as illustrated in a variety of short stories in his book about his patients, including an anecdote about crafting a new bill out of acrylic for “Goosey Gander” and fitting “Momma Dog” with corrective glasses following cataract surgery.

In short, Putting Your Pet First tells the story of John Sleasman’s journey to veterinarian practice, the evolution of his practice and the advances in veterinarian medicine over the last 40 years. Along with being informative, his patient stories are guaranteed to make you laugh. His compassion for, and commitment to animal welfare are threads that run throughout the book, as well as the recurrent theme of the human-pet relationship and the importance of veterinarian care for the family pet. Dr. Sleasman’s intelligence and ingenuity in crafting treatments for animals will make you chuckle as well as give you a deep sense of respect for the thoughtful and  innovative care he has provided for his patients and their owners.

The book begins with the story of how John developed a love for animals while living the farm life as a child on the Olympic Peninsula in Washington State in the late 1940s where animals were seen as purposeful, having an economic value, and not as pets. Eventually, a family pet arrived and Blackie, a crow, became John’s first pet. He then tells of the variety of animals they had on the farm and ultimately, of the situation that led him to become a veterinarian: when his horse “What Do’s” labor went wrong and required John to provide her with daily treatments in order to save her life.

Woven between hilarious and heartwarming stories of Dr. Sleasman’s patients, he describes a variety of changes in the pet care industry, beginning with the one veterinarian who could “do it all” and concluding with the current, highly specialized--yet fragmented--veterinarian medicine. Dr. Sleasman draws his book to a close with extremely valuable advice for navigating veterinary care, especially in an age of high pressures of corporate veterinary medicine, where trust may often be eroded in the face of escalating tests and fees.

Anyone who has a pet and has sought medical consultation or treatment from a veterinarian will find this book entertaining and informative. We truly appreciate the unique, educated and compassionate approach Dr. Sleasman has brought to veterinary care and are thankful for this book that is both informative and hilarious.

The book can be found on Amazon under the title Putting Your Pet First.

Adventure Dogs and their Humans: Established in 1915

When you hit a trail with your furry friend, or play fetch in a park, do you ever wonder who has gone before you and been captivated by this very same place?

How many a hikers have enjoyed a hike up to this same peak, to look out at the splendor beyond? And how many paws have trekked through on this wanderlust before your canine?

These are the questions we ponder as we make our ascent up the trail. We decided to look and see just who was the first to share outdoor adventures like these with their pup, a tradition that would be fufilled by people and their furry adventurers for years to come!

The Gehrke Family: America's first canine-accompanied outdoor adventurers

Pictures of the Gehrke family from pbs.com

In 1915, a childless couple from Nebraska, Margaret and Edward Gehrke, decided that they were going to make a lifestyle of going to the places that were popularly loved by others. More specifically, they acted on their dream to travel to all National Parks in the United States, with their beloved furry canine companions in tow.

Margaret, a former school teacher, was a lover of books. Edward was a fishing enthusiast and dog lover who enjoyed photographing their adventures together. The life they had envisioned evolved as they began to make a beautiful life despite it being one without bearing children. With their furry children in tow, they made an intentional effort to visit all of the United States National Parks (18 in total at the time).

Their love of the the parks initially began as they were traveling home via train from a trip to San Francisco. They stopped to see the Grand Canyon, and it was then that the splendor of the parks would captivate their hearts. Initially they traveled by train, but eventually their signature traveling method would be made possible by the Buicks--17 of them in all--which would end up navigating their journeys. Each summer, they faithfully chose a park until they eventually reached their goal and saw all 18.

Margaret kept a journal, and made an entry of their adventures every single day, while Edward photographed all of their excursions. One particularly notable trip was documented in the piece "To A Dog" and devoted to their beloved furry canine companion Barney, who made the 7,000 mile journey in the Buick as they traveled to parks out west.

In the 1930’s, Edward began working on a traveling house to take to their next park adventure. Sadly, he died in 1939 before the “house-car” was ever driven to a National Park. He was 58. Margaret survived her husband for another 40 years. In her years following Edward’s death, Margaret continued to visit the parks, often with her furry companions by her side. The last park she visited was the couple's favorite park, Rocky Mountain National Park. Today, the photographs and the journals can be seen at the Nebraska State Historical Society.

Next time you go on a National Park excursion, don’t forget to give pause, and think of all the people and furry companions that have found splendor and comfort in the very same place. The mountains are calling you too, to greet them with two boots, and when possible, four paws. 

Back to School? No! Back to the Backcountry (with 15% off)!

Back-to-school? No! Let's make the most of what's left of summer and head back to the back-country instead!

To celebrate the last days of summer, Rad Dog is offering 15% off your entire dog gear order at www.myraddog.com. That means 15% off all the items perfect for a fall frolic down the trail.

What might you be able to do with all that rad gear for your dog? Well, there's the Rad Dog essentials, like the revolutionary Release 'N Run dog leash/collar in one; the only collar on the market with patented, retractable leash stowed right into the base of a collar. Take you dog for a hike with tons of off-leash freedom, then grab the stowed away leash when critters, other dogs, or leash laws require a little restraint.

For your fall travels, there's the handy food caddy, our Feed Bag, that holds up to six pounds of food (for dogs with big appetites), and folds down to get smaller as your food starts to deplete. It's also perfect for bringing to the dog sitter or kennel for fall adventures where there are no pups allowed.

We have all the gear to get you back to the back-country this fall. Get it at 15% off now through Labor Day using promo code "laborday16". Happy Trails (and tails!) Rad Dogs!

Tips for National Park Travel with Your Dog

August 25th marks the 100-year anniversary of the National Park Service, and as outdoors-people, many of us will want to use the anniversary as an excuse to get outdoors and #liveunleashed with our dogs. But the reality of the situation is, most national parks have restrictions on how our best friends can join us.

So what do you do when your best adventure traveler is a four-legged companion? Here are a few tips for national park travel with your dog.

Tips for National Park Traveling with Your Dog

Do your research beforehand

Some national parks allow dogs; it’s simply restricted to particular areas or trails. For example, the Grand Canyon National Park is actually a place you can take your best friend, but only on the rim trails, and always on a leash. Doing your research is imperative! There might not always be a sign to tell you where your dog is allowed to go, and fines can get hefty. Stay informed and be a responsible dog owner so that dogs and their human companions can enjoy these areas for years to come.

Some parks have kennels

The number of national parks with kennels for your dog to stay at while you see the whole park may feel limited, but be sure to check out nearby cities, too. Sending shot records to these facilities will be a part of the process, so again—do your research and plan your trip to allow your dog to have fun with you in the accessible areas, and so you can have your own time to explore the backcountry or steeper trails.

Know your campground rules

Camping near or inside a national park is half the fun! While most campgrounds allow dogs, they cannot be left unattended. Again, look into pet-friendly lodging in the area. For example, the Shenandoah National Park in Virginia has lodging, allows dogs inside their campgrounds, and even allows leashed dogs on most of their trails. It can be done!

Pet-friendly hostels or hotels

Let’s say after you hit the trail for the day you’d like to cozy up in a bed instead of inside a tent. There are hotels and hostels out there that allow dogs. While extra fees may apply, consider the option because it solves the where-to-leave-your-dog problem. If your dog is kennel-trained, that’s a big bonus! Having a safe place for them to rest in while you’re out will aid their comfort. Try aiming for an individual room in a hostel. If your dog is prone to barking while you’re away, try a safe citronella spray collar.

Pack accordingly

For those times when your dog can join you inside the park, don’t forget to pack a collapsible water/food dish, plenty of water for the two of you, snacks, your dog’s harness or collar, and the appropriately-sized leash (parks usually require a 6-footer or less). Don’t forget the bed or kennel for sleeping the day out in the sun off and never keep your dog in a car in seemingly mild temperatures. Even if the temperature outside is only 75 degrees, it can quickly reach unbearable temperatures inside.

Follow these tips and feel prepared for the adventure you can’t wait to take with your dog this summer! Happy 100-year anniversary, national parks!

A Rad Dog Music Playlist for Your Summer Travels

You've filled your pack with gear, thrown the Pocket Bowl and Feed Bag into the back of the car, and filled a tall HydroFlask with water. The windows are down and your furry companion is grinning ear to ear as his jowls flap fantastically into the wind. But there's something missing from this very moment, and you realize what you need a soundtrack that puts this exact moment of road-tripping paradise to music. 

From old country to classic rock to funk, these 16 songs are sure to keep you and your dog(s) groovin’ while driving cross country, into the mountains for a trail day, or through town running errands prepping for those summer adventures. Play on!

A Summer Roadtrip Playlist for Your Dog-Friendly Travels

1. “Runnin’ Down a Dream” by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers

2. “On the Road Again” by Willie Nelson

3. “We’re the Best of Friends” by Natalie Cole

4. “Who Let the Dogs Out” by Baha Men

5. “I Love My Dog” by Sublime

6. “Hound Dog” by Elvis Presley

7. “Kick the Dust Up” by Luke Bryan

8. “Black Dog” by Led Zeppelin

9. “Diamond Dogs” by David Bowie

10. “I Wanna Be Your Dog” by Iggy and the Stooges

11. “Fox Chase” by Earl Taylor

12. “Old King” by Neil Young

13. “Atomic Dog” by George Clinton

14. “Happy Trails” by Roy Rogers

15. “These Boots Were Made for Walkin’” by Nancy Sinatra

16. “Wagon Wheel” by Old Crow Medicine Show

Have a favorite song you’d like to add to the list? Comment below to keep this playlist growing!

Happy roadtrippin'!

6 Tips for Traveling Internationally with Your Dog

Jayla and her dogs in Sienna, Italy

Guest Blog by International Traveler and Dog Enthusiast, Jayla Rae Ardelean

I had an opportunity to move to Italy for ten months, but didn’t know the first thing about getting my two dachshunds over there to be with me. This, I believe, is a problem for many people who opt to travel with their dogs.

After listening to advice from a friend who was also able to move her dogs internationally—as well as doing countless hours of my own research—here is what I’ve gleaned about the process, so I can share it with international dog travelers all around:

Lessons Learned From International Travel With Dogs

1. Your vet/vet tech should conduct research on the health and safety requirements for the country you are traveling to. This will include necessary vaccines, other shots, microchips, and quarantine periods (if there are any). You’re in for about a two to three month-long ordeal, but think of it as an adventure! The timing of when your dog can get particular shots and when you can obtain a certificate of veterinary inspection (often from government office, such as the Department of Agriculture) is a major factor. You will need all of this paperwork to show to the airline and to representatives at your final destination.

2. Let’s say there’s not just one country, but multiple on your itinerary. Your dog needs a passport. Research regions thoroughly before hopping a plane to another country once you’re outside of the United States. For example, although the UK is currently a part of the European Union, it is not a part of the open borders Schengen area, and therefore has different requirements for your dog.

3. The most important distinction you need to know is that there are International Air Travel Association (IATA) guidelines and there are also guidelines specific to an airline. Although it is assumed that airlines follow IATA guidelines, that is not always the case. Choose a great airline and then compare both sets of guidelines to make sure they are complying with IATA. I found an airline that interpreted the IATA guidelines differently when it came to the number of dogs allowed in one kennel, and was almost not allowed to depart into Italy because of it.

4. Is your dog small enough to travel in the cabin below your seat, or are they big and heavy, thus needing to travel inside a kennel below the plane in cargo space? (Which, by the way, is pressure and temperature-controlled, so don’t worry!) I used this website for information and products because it was recommended to me, although I found the kennel size I needed there, and then found it cheaper and able to ship quicker on Amazon. You’ll need to know how many pieces of carry-on luggage and checked luggage the airline you have chosen allows; a dog kennel below the plane counts as one piece of checked luggage, and a dog kennel in the cabin with you counts as your main carry-on. Typically, it is cheaper to fly your dog in the cabin with you, but the size and weight of your dog is the deciding factor.

5. The time of year you are traveling is crucial. You may be hard-pressed to find an airline that will take a kenneled dog in the cargo hold between May-August because of high temperatures on the runway, but these restrictions do not apply when your dog flies below the seat in front of you.

6. Prepare to make a lot of phone calls to airlines/airports with your questions. Take the name of each person you speak with so you can refer to them later, in case there’s a problem.

Don’t forget your Release N Run Leash for airport convenience, and for when your dog climbs mountains alongside you during your travels!

Jayla Rae Ardelean is a crazy wiener dog lady with a ween team of two, currently living abroad. Follow Timmy and Autzen on Instagram @weenteamstrong

Must-Follow Instagrammers For Dog Owners

Instagram is starting to feel like...Dogstagram! We have so enjoyed joining the Instagram community (find us at @myraddog) and we've made some great online friends along the way.

We've followed people that camp with their dog, take their dog climbing, seen dogs who do incredible hikes up massive peaks, and met dogs that have just plain warmed our heart. So, we thought we'd share some of our favorite Dog Instagrammers, as well as some of our favorite hashtags.

Must-Follow Dog Instagrammers

@outdoorrunning
This avid outdoorswoman and her beautiful white dog are always on the move, impressing us with their breath of outdoor adventures and amazing ability to capture them on camera.

@savatgy
This combination of beautiful outdoor photography and heartwarming portraits of domestic animals will tease your eye and calm your soul. The photography is so beautiful, we hardly notice the feline pictures.

@campingwithdogs
There is seriously nothing that will make you feel more warm and fuzzy than this collaborations of dogs in the outdoors. #love

@our.monster.maya
For your Golden Retriever fix, follow this outdoor pup as she grows up to a full grown outdoor dog.

@west_coast_heeler_pack
This fun loving pack of Blue Heelers are always out adventuring, and getting into trouble along the way.

To make your dog famous on Instagram, follow our tips for photographing dogs, and then tag your photo with some of our favorite hashtags!

#traildog #offleash #liveunleashed #dogslife #trailbuds ##Dogadventures #runningwithyourdog #lovedogs #runningdog #besomedoggy #adventuredogs #instadogs #traildogs #dailydog #rescuedog #adventuredog #adventurecompanion #traildog #intents #letscamp #DogsRule #betterwithpets #dailydog #dogoftheday #dogsofinstagram #rescuedog #petstagram #lovedogs #thedailydog #instadog #Wagmorebarkless #petscorner #dogdailyfeaturesss #campvibes


Happy Dogstagramming!

March Madness's College Ball Four Legged Mascots

We admit, we like to spend the sunny days of spring out and about with our four legged companions. But, when the rain is pouring and the wind is whipping, we have another little indoor ritual that we enjoy: college basketball!

Since it is March Madness this month, we thought we’d combine two things we love—basketball and dogs—into a blog post.

We found there are 7 NCAA teams with dog or wolf mascots that will be competing for a sweet seat in the sweet sixteen, or possibly, the final four! 

Why so many canine mascots? We like to think it’s because dogs are athletic, versatile, good-sports, and territorial. But we can’t be sure! All we know for fact is that having a mascot like Jack the Bulldog, or Spike makes us cheer a little harder for those teams.

NCAA Teams with Dog Mascots

Team: Albany

Nickname: Great Danes

Mascot: Damien and Lil’D, the Great Danes

Team: Butler

Nickname: Bulldogs

Mascot: Hink the Bulldog and Blue III

Team: Georgetown

Nickname: Hoyas

Mascot: Jack the Bulldog

Team: Georgia

Nickname: Bulldogs

Team: Gonzaga

Nickname: The ‘Zags

Mascot: Spike the Bulldog

Team: NC State

Nickname: Wolfpack

Mascot: Mr. and Mrs. Wuf, wolves

Team: Northeastern

Nickname: Huskies

Other Teams with Dog Mascots in College

New Mexico Lobos, Lobo Luie and Lobo Lucy (wolves)

North Carolina A&T Bulldogs

James Madison Dukes and Duke Dog the Bulldog

And of course…the Washington Huskies!

Happy March Madness, Rad Pack! Hope it’s a howling good time!  

Why Dog's are Great Life Partners

Photo via NaturalVibration

"Roses are red, violets are blue, I love you, but I love my dog too!"

Because February is the month when we declare our love for those who make our lives better, we thought it to be the perfect season to recognize a life partner who sometimes does not get credit for their contributions to our happiness: our canines.

Historically, dogs have been pets longer than fish, hampsters and other animals. And perhaps that's because dogs have an uncanny ability to provide companionship, friendship, loyalty and even compassion. Anyone with a dog will agree: dogs have soul. They are our friend, our trail buddy, our companion, our dinner guest. So we decided that this Valentine's Day, we want to recognize the reasons why dogs are more than just pets, but our life partners.

Why Dogs Are Great Life Partners

Dogs Are Loyal. People, they say, come for a season, a reason, or the rest of your life. But dogs, they come in our lives for all three. The only time they leave us, usually, is when their bodies can no longer keep up. Their friendship is loyal, beautiful, and monogamous (unless of course, someone else has a treat in their pocket).

Dogs Provide Companionship. No, dog's can't talk. But even if they could, do you think they would ever use the word "no"? Absolutely not. Whatever we're doing, our dogs are right there beside us, along for the ride and ready for any adventure. They may not be able to say no, but they sure can say "yes" to the next walk, hike, or ride in the car with a wag of a tail!

Dogs Love Their Owners. Dogs provide a no-strings-attached love. They rely on us, protect us, and love us even when we have a bad day, yell at them for chewing up the newspaper, or forget to give them their daily treat. They are never judging us, disappointed in us, or harboring resentment towards us.

Dogs Are Affectionate.  A dog always welcomes a good pat or belly rub, and if asked, will return that affection with a jump on the lap, a nose nuzzle, or a lick on the face. Any show of affection, any time, is appreciated, no strings or motivations attached. It's love in it's purest form.

Dogs Have Soul. Dogs have an uncanny ability to read our emotions and respond appropriately. They can sense when we are happy, blue, excited, or bored. When we are happy, their tail is wagging. When we're sad, they rest their head on our lap. When we are excited, they are jumping up and down with barking enthusiasm too. And, when we are bored, they will bring us a leash.

Happy Valentines Day to you and your dog(s)! Dog's truly are the best life partners, and they make our world--simply put--RAD!

Six Dog-Friendly Ski Destinations for Winter-Loving Canines

Dog Friendly Nordic Trails Across America

Is there any display of joy more pure than a dog bounding through white powdery snow on a mid-winter's ski or snow shoe?

Dogs have long shown us their desire, endurance and ability to race through the snowy forests on their four legs far exceeds our own, and more mountain resorts and ski destinations are catering to this new furry customer, leading to a growing number of dog-friendly ski destinations--both downhill and cross-country.

From the far-West to the far-East, there are a variety of dog-friendly snow destinations that provide a variety of canine comforts--from dog waste stations to freshly-laundered dog beds. These are six of our favorites.

Six Dog-Friendly Ski Slopes and Mountain Destinations

Lake Tahoe, California. Dog-owning snowshoers and Nordic skiers alike will find good reason to visit Lake Tahoe. Not only does Lake Tahoe offer dog-friendly cross-country ski trails at both the Hope Valley Outdoors Cross Country Ski Center and Tahoe XC, the Northstar resort also offers dog-friendly moonlight snowshoe hikes on the mountain (dogs must remain on-leash, however...gee wouldn't it be great if there was a leash for that?).


Jackson hole, Wyoming. In Jackson Hole, at Snow King Resort, not only is there an entire dog-friendly first floor, there are miles of dog-friendly snowshoe and Nordic ski trails.

Wanoga Sno Park outside of Bend, Oregon

Bend, Oregon. Often-acclaimed for being one of the most dog-friendly destinations in the United States and once named "Dog Town USA," Bend's ski areas are no exception. Though the downhill ski resort of Mt. Bachelor is off-limits to dogs, there is a groomed snow park play area complete with toys in the West Village parking lot of Mt. Bachelor. Just a few miles from the mountain, there are dog-friendly cross country skiing and snowshoe trails at Wanoga Sno-Park, which are groomed and maintained by Bend's local dog-advacacy group, the DogPAC.

Lake Placid, New York. The Lake Placid Resort--the "jewel of Adirondack Mountains"--provides dog-friendly lodging and five miles of canine-friendly play. Close by, Fido can enjoy 2,000 miles of hiking and Nordic ski trails as part of the largest mark trail in the United States. The topper? Upon check-in at Lake Placid Resort, your canine will be greeted with laundered dog beds and bowls of fresh water.

Chittenden, Vermont. Your four-legger will not miss out on any adventuring in Chittenden, where they are welcomed in rustic cabins at the Mountain Top Inn & Resort with a dog bed, bowl, and welcome treat. For the more active canines, there are a variety of hiking and XC ski trails which allow leashed canines.

Our top pick...
Telluride, Colorado. This is an active dog-owners paradise. Not only are four-legged companions welcome in certain dog-friendly cabins year-round on the 13-minute gondola ride to and from Mountain Village (for when Fido wants to hit the slopes), but the ride is FREE for pooches and pedestrians. That's not the only dog-friendly transportation in town: Telluride's shuttle bus, The Galloping Goose, also allows leashed pups along for the ride, which is convenient when hitting up one of Telluride's many pet specialty shops.

While in the Town Park, poop-bag stations are handy and there is an area for off-leash play. For more active adventuring, dog owners can enjoy three pet-friendly trails right from the center of town.

If you are trying to find a winter vacation destinations that combines all things you love--your dog, the outdoors, snow, and skiing--any one of these dog-friendly ski destinations is sure make the list. It's beautiful, powdery, snow-bounding fun for the whole family!