Outdoor adventures with your pup can be some of the best memories you will make with your pup. We all joke that dogs look like their owners, but have you ever noticed that your pup’s personality either mirrors or fits yours perfectly? I’ve always felt like Olive and I are kindred spirits, and the best part is that we share the need for adventure. Since I adopted her, Olive has always gone everywhere with me: long road trips, weekend getaways, runs, and hikes. So many hikes. We share the desire to climb on every rock and investigate every nook and cranny of the wilderness. Having an adventure buddy is one of the best parts of having a dog as your best friend, and getting your pup outside is crucial to their health and happiness.
Getting back to nature
Getting your dog outside is just as important for them as it is for you. Studies have shown that access to fresh air and greenery boosts our immune systems; and it likely does the same for our pups. Additionally, dogs have to get their “tan” on. Well, not really, but getting outside gives them the Vitamin D they need to remain healthy and energetic. Being outside is good for their mental health, too. The sights, sounds, and smells keep your dog alert and their mind active.
Winter wonderland
Olive and I live in southern Oregon, about an hour from Crater Lake National Park, so we make sure to go every winter to run in the snow (if you’ve never been to Crater Lake with your pup, I highly recommend it!). Hiking in the snow is one of Olive’s all time favorite adventures because we get to practice her vertical jumps by seeing which of the tallest snow piles she can jump onto, dig endlessly, and catch snowballs. Not to mention that snow has a much lower impact than pavement or even dirt, so it’s a good change of pace from our normal runs. There are also fewer smells on snow, so she gets to just run around and be crazy without getting distracted.
Summer scenes
In the summer, Crater Lake is a very different experience: there are still a lot of hikes, but not all are dog-friendly (for safety reasons) so you have to make sure to do your research. We usually end up taking the Rim Drive and stopping at every dog-friendly trail and waterfall along the way. When it’s especially warm, it’s important to pack salve or booties to protect Olive’s paws on the way to the trails.
When we’re not at Crater Lake on hot summer days, waterfalls are also a great learning activity for Olive. She doesn’t like getting in the water, and of course the noise of waterfalls can be overwhelming but when I bring treats, it can be a great way to get her comfortable with a new environment. It’s really important to me to work with her on overcoming her fears in safe environments so she understands that she is safe with me, and no matter how scary a situation is, she is going to be okay.
Learning to be a responsible park-goer
Adventuring with Olive is always rewarding but it’s important that we’re respectful of our environment. When going to hike in National Parks with your pup, an easy acronym to remember is BARK :
- Bag your pet’s waste
- Always leash your pet
- Respect wildlife
- Know where you can go
Some parks have BARK ranger programs, and each has their own tag, so your pup can collect them all.
Whether you’re taking your dog to the city park, a National or State park, or on a local trail run, it’s important to know the rules and leave no trace. These simple steps ensure that dogs continue to be welcome in our beautiful National Parks.
(Dog) mom of the year
Finding open spaces to run and act wild is second nature to dogs. I’m fortunate to live so close to a dog friendly park that encourages learning about wildlife, experiencing the snow, and protecting the park, because it means I get to watch Olive have the best day of her life every time we go. These excursions don’t just make me happy, they connect Olive to nature, expose her to sunlight and fresh air, and give her a fun way to exercise. Being a great dog mom is not just about picking up after your dog, but about finding ways you and your dog can get outside and have fun together. It’s as good for you as it is for them!
Gone on any adventures with your pup recent? Have any upcoming adventure plans? Send us some pictures of your outing at whathepup@spotandtango.com!
