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.

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.

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'!

Trail Safety Q&A: Dog Injury Prevention and Treatment

The Fall is the perfect time to get out and explore the local trails: the leaves are changing, the temperatures are cooler, and traffic on the trails is reduced.

But before heading out, remember that no matter what the time of year, injuries and hazards are lurking.

Because dogs lack common sense about these sorts of hazards (they are more curious about the rattling snake than they are scared of it!) it's important to know the most common types of trail injuries and how to treat and prevent them. 

Here are five common questions about dog injury prevention and treatment on the trail.


Can dogs overexert themselves? 

Yes!  Just like humans, dogs can certainly overexert themselves. This is especially true when the weather is hot, but overexertion can happen even when it's snowing outside! Because dogs don't sweat, they rely on their ability to "pant" as a way to cool down their systems. Evaporation from their panting mouths acts as a air condition for dogs, so it is incredible important to keep them hydrated and tend to the first signs of overexertion. 

How do I know if my dog is tired?

There are signs for overexertion and/or heat stroke:

1. Extreme panting
2. Body temperature over 104
3. Dark or bright red gums and tongue
4. Clumsy stupor
5. Diarrhea or vomiting
6. Seizures
7. Change in behavior

What are some basic injury prevention techniques?

1. Keep them on the trail. Just like humans, dogs can encounter potential hazards off-trail such as wildlife, rattlesnakes, burs, and uneven terrain.

2. Know their limits. Also like humans, dogs need to progressively work on endurance before tackling a major hike. Slowly work your dog's fitness and endurance up before pushing them on an extended adventure.

3. Be prepared. It's always a good idea to bring a few emergency items with you just in case such as water, a collapsible dog bowl, a leash, bandages, and an emergency guide.


What are the most common types of dog injuries?

There are a variety of injuries fairly common to dogs while hiking, backpacking, and trail running. Some of those injuries are due to the physical demand on the dog: ligament strains or tears, bruising, or exhaustion. Other common (and mostly preventable) injuries include lacerations, abrasions, worn paws, paw injuries, and torn nails.  The final type of trail injuries are those produced by outside hazards: snake bites, ticks, mosquitoes, and other wildlife encounters. Having your dog on voice command can help keep them on the trail and out of harm's way.

What do I do if my dog is injured on the trail?

Since there are so many different types of injuries and treatments, we recommend bringing along a pocket emergency guide for pets when on an outing with your pet. Other options include useful pet first aid apps for your phone like this one from the American Red Cross. 

Remember, part of your adventure is preparedness to keep you and your dog out of harm's way. By understanding the basics of injury prevention and first aid, you can ensure a much more worry-free adventure!

Related articles

• Trail Tips and Winter Trail Etiquette for Dog Owners
• Dog Dehydration and Heat Stroke During the Dog Days of Summer
• Training Your Dog for the Trail: How to mountain bike with your dog

Dog Dehydration and Heat Stroke During the Dog Days of Summer

Do you know the term "Dog Days of Summer" dates back to the Romans, who blamed the "Dog Star" Sirius on the hot Northern Hemisphere days? 

Currently in the middle of the hot, sultry dog days of summer, it's a good time to remember that dogs are just as susceptible to the heat as humans, and they need to be protected from heat stroke, heat exhaustion, and dehydration.

Heat stroke in dogs can be the byproduct of many preventable circumstances:

• Leaving dog in a hot space (like a car or garage when the temperature is above 72°F)
• Overexertion
• Humidity
• Lack of shade

If you feel a dog has become overheated or exausted, check for the following symptoms of dog heat stroke:

• Excessive panting or difficulty breathing
• Bright red, blue or gray gums
• Rapid, increased heart rate
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Anxiety
• Body temperature over 104°F
• Confusion and/or disorientation
• Seizures

 If the dog exibits signs of heat stroke, do the following immediately:

1. Move the dog to a cool, shaded, or indoor area
2. Submerge the dog in cold water or wet down with a hose (stop the cooling process once the dog's temperature reaches 104°F)
3. Encourage the dog to drink water
4. Call your veterinarian for advice and further treatment

The best thing you can do to prevent heat exaustion and heat stroke during the dog days of summer is to prevent overheating and dehydration in the first place.  Consider exercise in the morning or evenings when the temperature is cooler, provide plenty of accessible fresh water, provide a shady place for your dog outside or keep them inside during the hottest times of the day, and exercise in shady, water-friendly areas where the dog can jump in the water to cool off as necessary. 

In addition, always provide fresh water for your four-legger when outside to prevent them from drinking from waterways that could potentially be contaminated with Giardia or other diseases and bacteria.  The easiest way to do this is to pack along the small collapsible water bowl and share from your own water source.

The summer was meant to be enjoyed with your dog...it's even suggested in the alignment of the stars! So don't let the heat prevent you from a little puppy-human bonding time.  Just be smart about when and where you take your dog adventuring!

Related articles

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• Trail Tips and Winter Trail Etiquette for Dog Owners
• Dog Dehydration

DIY: Make a Paracord Dog Collar

If you've ever frequented the outdoors, you understand how important it is to be prepared in case of emergency.  I mean, haven't we all seen that James Franco movie, 127 Hours, based on a true story?

So, increasingly, we've been noticing paracord survival bracelets on the counters of many outdoor retailers.  We've long thought, "Wouldn't that make a killer dog collar?" not only because it just looks sweet, but it also makes a lot of sense!  Look what you could do with all that paracord, and you don't even have to wear it yourself!

So, we started searching for DIY paracord bracelets online, and found that you could basically make an larger version of a paracord bracelet as a dog collar.  And then we found this online tutorial for a DIY paracord dog collar, and well, we just had to share it!

So do it Raddies!  Take a rainy summer day, or maybe one that is too hot, and grab yourself some paracord, and give your dog a killer new look!

What you'll need:

1. Paracord (you will need a foot of paracord for every inch of collar)
2. Buckle
3. D-ring
4. Scissors
5. Lighter

How to do it:

That's all there is to it RAD dogs! Once you've completed your DIY paracord collar project, share it with us on our Facebook Page!

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• Standing out from the crowd

Rad Dog Review on Summer Must Have Products Segment

We are so excited that TWO, yes, TWO Rad Dog products were featured on the Ozarks Local Live at 4 News in their segment "Florida/Summer Must Have Products."

We were excited to hear some of the positive things they had to say about the Rad Dog Release 'N Run dog leash/collar combination, and the Pocket Bowl foldable dog bowl, such as:

"You are ready to go on a walk wherever you go."

"When the dog wants to do something by itself, you can let go of the leash."  

"You know what's cool about that too? Jet does not like a leash. So, if this was already on her, we don't have to chase her down to put a leash on." 

It's so great to see that consumers and reviewers understand just why we invented these dog products!  

To view the segment, just click below and go to the minute of the segment. 

View it here

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Training Your Dog for the Trail: How to mountain bike with your dog

What dogs were meant to do: bound through giant snow drifts, chase squirrels off-trail, and jump into mud with the enthusiasm of kindergartener at recess.

What dogs are generally not so good at: staying on-trail, staying on-course, and minding their own furry business. 

As much as we would love for our dogs to meander freely down congesting trails and paths, we all know that when a dog is off-leash, there's a good probability of rodent-hunting, tail-sniffing, and puddle diving.  So, we opt to keep them on-leash instead. 

If the requirement for your dog to be on-leash has you limiting your trail activities, don't fret!  With the right dog gear for the trail and a little practice, you can enjoy the trail with your dog any way you like it: on foot, on bike, on skis, and on snowshoes.

To help you along your adventure, consider these Rad Dog tips for taking your dog on the most difficult of canine trail adventures: mountain biking.

Tips for Training Your Trail Dog to Mountain Bike With You:

1. Train your pup early.  The saying, "can't teach an old dog new tricks" maybe incorrect, but there's some truth to the fact that dogs are easier to train initially than to retrain when they are older.  So, if you can, start leash training your dog at a young age. 

2. Leash train using baby puppy steps. Leash training should start out slow and short while your puppy's bones are developing. Even with older dogs, there is a "break-in" period where your dog needs to get in shape before a long trail adventure. Start by walking, then move to a light jog, working your way up to a full run.

3. Switch to a short leash and bike. When your pup is ready, find a quiet place free of congestion to train your dog to run with your bike.  Using a short leash, run your dog alongside the gutter-side of your bike, about a foot away from your handlebars as you pedal along. Tug the leash anytime your dog drifts away from the bike, paying close attention as you approach other people, dogs, cars, and other distractions.

4. Get verbal.  As you train your canine to run alongside your bike, be sure to give them verbal cues as well as physical cues from pulling on the leash.  Words like "Haw!" "Go!" "Right!" "Easy!" and "Whoa!" all help communicate to your dog the correct response. This also helps form a pattern of behavior and command that is useful both on, and off-leash.

5. Test drive on a wide, empty trail. After you have established a consistent pattern of behavior where the dog is able to accompany you alongside the bike in a predictable manner, you can give a wide trail a go.  Select a low-traffic, easy, and wide trail where the dog can run alongside you with few distractions.  After a lot of practice and consistency, your dog may be ready to run with you off-leash. A dog collar-and-leash-in-one, such as the Rad Dog Release 'N Run can offer you the flexibility of leash when you need it, without the added hassle.  When a leash is required, simply pull the handle on the collar of the dog, freeing the leash for use.  More utility, less gear!

6. Time to go singletrack. As you and your dog get more familiar with trail riding together, you will eventually want to teach them to run behind you so you can ride singletrack. This is done easier if your dog is on voice command because you can yell "heel" as the dog heads towards your back tire.  One of our sources suggests this approach to training your dog to run singletrack (though we have not personally tried this): "Attach a five-foot pole to the leash. Start with the dog alongside you. Say "Heel!" and move the pole back to position the dog behind your rear tire."

There are a variety of great resources out there from avid mountain bikers who take to the trail with their dog regularly.  For more information, check out this article by Utah Mountain Biking, "Training Your Trail Dog."

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How To Clean Your Dirty, Mud-Soaked Dog

What we love about dogs: their mud-slinging, trail ditching, wreckless abandon.  What we dislike about dogs: their mud-slinging, trail ditching, wreckless abandon.

Whether you live in the wet valley of the Pacific Northwest (like we do), the high altitudes of the Rockies, or the cloudy bays near the ocean, there is one thing that every dog owner is plagued by in the spring: mud.  It just comes with the trail territory.  And the more fun your dog has, the muddier they get!

Just because your dog gets muddy, doesn't mean they should be confined to the yard during mud season, it just means a little more effort on your part to keep them clean.

For those of us who consider a dip in the lake or a run through a sprinkler "bath time," we thought we would post the appropriate way to clean your dirty, muddy dog.

How to Clean a Dirty Dog

1. Prepare a workspace.  Depending on the size of your dog (and bathroom), you may decide the best place to clean your dog is outdoors.  If this is the case, prepare the area with a source of water (like a hose), a bath area (such as a shallow, plastic pool), a bucket of warm water, and the necessary tools: towels, soap, and brushes.

If you determine that indoors is best for dog washing, prepare your area with the essential tools, and fill the bath or sink with enough water to reach your dog's bend in their hind legs.

If your dog dislikes water, you may need the help of another set of hands, and leash to help hold your dog in place.

2.  Brush the dog's coat thoroughly.  This will help remove excess hair and dander.  This is also a good time to check your dog for fleas and ticks. If the dog is still wet or muddy, you may have to forgo this step.

3. Have the dog enter the bath or pool.  Have the dog enter (or jump wildly!) into the prepared bath or pool.  The water should be lukewarm if possible to help regulate body temperature and stress level. Rinse the dog throughly using buckets, the hose, or a hand-held shower head, whichever disrupts your dog the least.  Work the water into the fur of the dog's coat while you rinse.  Depending on how dirty your dog is, you may have to drain and refill the bath or pool at this time.

4. Shampoo and condition the coat.  Pick a shampoo based on your dog's needs.  Some dogs are more sensitive to product than others, and are more prone to irritation (click here for a recipe on making your own homemade dog shampoo).  Start at the neck, creating an invisible necklace of shampoo around the neck, and work your way down the dog's back, massaging the shampoo into the dogs coat and undercoat.  Work your way down the legs and hindquarters, under the belly, down the tail, and up towards the head, be sure to get into the creases, rolls, and folds of the skin.  This is especially important around the neck area.

5. Wash the face and head.  Using a cloth and warm water, work the shampoo into the neck and head of the dog, using circular motions.  You can carefully wash around the ears and snout, but be careful not to get the shampoo into the dog's eyes, ears, nose, or mouth. Many dogs have ears that are prone to infection, so it's very important to avoid getting water into the ear canal.

6. Rinse well.  The best way to avoid skin irritation is to rinse your dog extremely well. Using a bucket, hose, or shower head, rinse and massage simultaneously until the water runs clear and free of soap.

7. Air Dry. If you are one of the lucky ones, you can train your dog to shake themselves dry before they exit the bath.  But most dogs will wait to do this until they are within inches of you and your furniture.  So, starting with their back, massage them with a towel, working your way down their back, belly, and legs. Give their paws a good rub (especially between the toes) to get any dirt you may have missed, as well as give them a clean paw to run through the house with. Also pay good attention to the ears, which should be dried thoroughly to prevent infection.

Some like to blowdry their dog, but most Rad Dogs are the "air dry" type.  A good brushing and a couple hours in the atmosphere ought to be all you need to style your dog.

As much as you would probably like to avoid the smell of wet dog from permeating your home, if you let a wet dog outside, they will most likely find the dirtiest patch of yard to roll their freshly-cleaned self in. So, consider putting them in the garage or letting them roam around the house until they are dry.

And that's how you clean a dirty dog, Rad Dog style!

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Trail Tips and Winter Trail Etiquette for Dog Owners

One of the best benefits to winter activities with your dog is that most places have looser leash laws during the winter season, which means more unrestrained running, jumping, and snow dancing for your dog.

 If you are new taking your canine on these cold-weather adventures, there are few trail courtesies you should know about.  Whether you are snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, or just enjoying a cold-weather hike, keep in mind that the same courtesies exist on trails and outdoor spaces during the winter months, even if they are covered up with snow.

Winter Trail Etiquette and Tips for Dog Owners:

1. Leash Laws Don't Trump the Golden Rule. If even local leash laws do not require the use of a leash, if you have an excitable, boisterous, or space-invading dog, keep them on-leash when other trail-goers and dogs are present. A good rule of thumb is to leash up any dog not trained on voice command, no matter what time of year, or how empty the trails.  For dogs on voice command that like to wander off-leash on busy trails, consider a collar and leash in one, such as the Rad Dog Release N Run, which allows your dog to be "on leash" at a moment's notice, without forcing you to hold the leash when they are frolicking about.

2. "Leave No Trace" Goes Double for Dog Poop.  Have you ever seen a dog-friendly trail after the first snow melt?  It's not pretty! As tempting as it may be to kick the poo to the side of the trail or ignore the incident (rather than gallivanting through the snow in search of the stinky pile), leaving dog poop behind is just not cool. And Rad Dogs must be cool. So don't forget the dog poo bags...it's your doggy doodie duty!

3. Don't Leave Your Dog Behind. Dogs were meant to enjoy the trail with us, so don't leave them behind in the car.  They could be disruptive to others at the trail head or get too cold/hot in the car, so if you don't want them to come along for the hike, snowshoe, or ski, don't bring them at all.

4. Bring Lots of Water.  Even in the cold weather, dogs can become dehydrated, so make sure to bring plenty of water and keep your dog hydrated.  We recommend "traveling light" with the Rad Dog Pocket Dog Bowl.

5. Think Like a Dog. There are so many distractions on the trail--other dogs, small children, pedestrians, horses, and wildlife--it is important that you keep your dog in control at all times.  Even the best behaved dogs can act out of character if they encounter something new. Don't neglect bringing a leash just because the trail does not require one, and keep in mind that most trails require leashes be no longer than 6 feet long.

6. Know Your Dog's Limits. Just like humans, dogs need to build up stamina and endurance. Be sure you are aware of your dog's physical abilities before attempting a new trail. Check to make sure their paws, pads, and nails are in good shape before heading outdoors.

7. Be aware of How Your Dog's Presence Affects Others.  Did you know that a long leash can "close-line" a mountain biker? Or that a dog can spook a horse, causing injury to its rider?  As a responsible dog owner, it is important to understand the consequences of your decisions when handling your dog.  Stay alert, maintain control, and keep your dog on the trail and within your eye line at all times.