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!

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!

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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!

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Enhance The Dog-Owner Experience

In the spring, you can change activities as quickly as the weather changes.  One minute, you are taking a leisurely mid-day stroll around the park, the next you are dodging a downpour while hiking.  You may even get a few sunny days on the beach, river, or lake.
Whatever the weather and wherever the geographic region, there's one thing we know about dog owners: if they are out adventuring, they want their dog alongside them. We call it the "dog owner experience." It's why no dog owner ever has to walk, hike, or adventure alone. It's an outing with your best friend.

To make sure nothing gets in the way of a dog and their owner venturing to the outdoors together, the owners of Rad Dog (Brian and Paula) developed the Release 'N Run dog leash (and collar) in one.  They felt that dog and owner adventures would be enhanced if the dog's gear was as ready to go as the dog itself.

Sick of fumbling around for gear and holding a dog leash during outdoor adventures, Paula and Brian developed a "grab-and-go" leash.

Have you been stuck searching for your leash, or left holding the leash once out on the trail?  Then consider the Release 'N Run dog leash and collar in one. It was developed to make a better outdoor dog owner experience, with these five advantages in mind:

1. All the Gear You Need Right Where You Left Your Dog.  

No more fumbling around for a leash, collar, or any other gear.  Everything you need is right where you left your dog, so adventures are as easy as calling out Fido's name and slipping out the front door.  In fact, your dog will probably be waiting on you, wondering why it takes so long to tie your shoes and fill up your water bottle.

2. All the Function, Nothing Extra. 

Rad Dog is gear for those who like to travel light.  So we created a leash and collar in one that provides everything you need to grab your dog and go, and nothing more.  No tricky clips. No leash adjustments. No heavy equipment. Just the simplicity of a collar with the function of 4-foot retractable leash to use whenever leash activities beckon.

3. Lightweight, But Surprising Strength.

Because we know our customers like to travel light, you can be sure we made our Release 'N Run as lightweight as possible--ounces in fact! But don't let that fool you into thinking this can't hold your big, rad dog!  The Release 'N Run, made with climbers webbing and Cordura® and Spectra® cord (one of the world's strongest and lightest fibers), is strong enough for use on dogs weighing up to 110 pounds. In addition, the internal retracting mechanism on our retractable collar/leash in one, is made for maximum strength and durability.  In fact, it was originally designed for the tethering of tools and weapons for the police and military.

4.  There When You Need It, Gone When You Don't.

When out on walk, run, or ride, who wants to be stuck holding the leash? What do you do with it once your dog is free to wander?  Well, you can tie it around your waist, or train your dog to hold it in its mouth, OR...you can simply let go and let the leash on the Release 'N Run retract back into the dog's collar.  Once fully retracted, the sleeve covers retracting mechanism and handle, so your dog is free to roam without getting caught up. So it's a collar most of the time, and leash when you need it.

5. Ready in a Flash.

Outings with your dog should be as spontaneous and hassle-free as possible.  What's better than an impromptu jump out of the car to explore or a last-minute stroll around the block?  With the Release 'N Run, your dog is always prepared in a flash for the next great adventure.

Likewise, once out on your adventure, your dog can go from meandering to under leash control in seconds.

Many great adventures are unplanned. You and your dog can be ready to take on the next great spontaneous adventure with the Release 'N Run collar and dog leash in one. There's no need to plan ahead, with the Release 'N Run dog collar, everything you need is right where you left your dog.

Buy the Release 'N Run

P.S. Did we mention it comes in purple too?

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