#StopYulin2015: What you can do right now
This is a rather heavy subject but here at CWD, we have the opportunity to use our voice for good. I'm sure most of you have heard about #StopYulin2015. If you're squeamish, don't click on the hashtag if you're scrolling through Instagram or Twitter. There is a Change.org petition to end this horrific day in south China and I recommend you sign this one. While there's not a whole lot you can do to stop the unethical treatment of dogs in China, there are 2 things you can do right now in your home or where you live to make a positive difference with dogs.
1. Volunteer or donate to a shelter
Each year almost 4 million dogs go into shelters and over 1 million have to be euthanized. They need your help. It can be as simple as taking the shelter dogs for a walk on your lunch break. You can also be an advocate for #adoptdontshop. Here are 6 reasons why you should adopt from a shelter. You can also give to organizations like The Pedigree Foundation where 100% of donations go directly towards helping dogs in need.
2. Give your dog the best life ever
Take your dog on lots of hiking trips.
@timothyvolk
Take your dog camping.
@acoloradogal @twomillstones
Play fetch.
@ulyageo
Go kayaking. Canoeing. Or even SUP'ing.
@breezeturner
And most importantly, give your dog a hug.
@morgan.dee
Like #stopyulin2015 and all the dogs that have to be euthanized each year, these dogs will never know what it's like to be loved. The least you can do is give your own dog that satisfaction.
Please share this post with someone who needs to know about #stopyulin2015.
5 Things to Remember When Hiking With Your Dog
By: Laura Van Zonneveld
There are countless things to remember when taking your dog hiking but these are the top 5 you need to remember from Laura Van Zonneveld- animal behaviour biologist and canine psychologist from Sweden.
Enough water to cover the length of the trip, for both you and your dog! A collapsible bowl is definitely recommended, since dogs drinking from a bottle normally waste quite a lot. A collapsible bowl will easily fit in your bag and is light. If the weather is warmer you are obviously going to need more water. If you are walking past a river or a lake, make sure that the water is clean if you want to let your dog drink from it. During summer, springs or lakes can be contaminated with cyanobacteria (blue-algea), which can make your dog very sick and can even be fatal. Information if the lake you are visiting is contaminated can usually be found on the internet or at a local tourist information office, however, to avoid possible intoxication it’s best to provide your dog with tap or bottled water.
Dry food and a lot of treats! Make sure that the food you bring doesn’t go off over time or in warmer climates, take it with you in an air tight bag or container to keep it fresh. Because your dog is exercising more than usual, they will require more food to keep in shape. The treats you can use for recall or to distract your dog when you come across some exciting smells or sights. I normally carry treats in a treat bag around my waste. This keeps my dog close at my side most of the time.
Normal leash and a longline. Even if your dog is good off lead, you might come across hikers who don’t particularly like dogs or you could encounter a busy road where you have to keep your dog close. I like to use a bungee leash which is loosely attached around my waist. The bungee is a buffer for sudden pulls, making walking more comfortable for both you and your dog. The waist attachment is something I really like, I can keep my hands free to take nice pictures of the surroundings, hold my bag or sweep annoying insects out of my face. Also when my dogs is sniffing around me, the line will move with her and won’t get tangled up around my legs or trees and bushes. The longline we use on our camping spot, we attach it to a tree in a clearing so our dog can walk around, not get stuck on trees too often and is not able to disappear into the forest.
First aid package. You never know what you might come across. Your dog can step in something sharp, get bitten or stung by an animal or trip and hurt a leg. You can buy a pet first aid kit at the veterinary clinic, pet store and sometimes even at a chemist. They typically come with an antiseptic, gauze rolls, tape, tweezers and some other useful stuff. They are usually equipped with a booklet on how to perform first aid for your pet. Reading in to this or even taking a course before you go on a trip is highly recommended.
Make sure that you know what to do and who to contact if something more serious happens and where an first aid kid is just not enough. Be up to date about possible poisonous snakes that you can come across, and ask your veterinarian what to do if you or your dog gets bitten.
Another handy thing for the first aid kid is paw wax. We normally bring homemade paw wax with us as well. After a long walk on rough terrain her paw pads can get a bit dry and sore, and in the worst case even cracked. The paw wax prevents the cracks, but also keeps the pads soft and protected against heat, cold and salt.
Clothing or other gear. This of course depends on the weather conditions, the terrain that you are walking in and the physical appearance of the dog. My own dog has a very short one layered coat, so in winter she can’t keep warm herself. In cold or wet weather we always bring a coat with us in case she gets cold or uncomfortable.
When you are walking in warm weather, it is a good idea to bring something to cool your dog down, overheating is a serious case which you want to prevent at all costs. There are special cooling vests and collars for dogs on the market, which can keep your pet from overheating. For a cheaper alternative you can also put a wet cotton white shirt or towel on your dog. The white colour reflects the sunlight away and by making it wet it will cool down your dog even more.
If you are walking in rough terrain you can use dog boots to prevent injuries, or use them after your dog injured their paw during a hike, this will make the walk back more comfortable for your dog and it keeps the wound clean.
What are some of your tips for hiking with your dog?
Laura Van Zonneveld was born and raised in a small town in the Netherlands and is currently living, working and studying animal behaviour biology and canine psychology in Sweden.
Top 5 Dog Friendly Beaches in the US
I don’t know about you, but the perfect day would be sitting by the beach with my four-legged friend, sipping a Pina Colada, and watching the sunset. With summer here, let’s soak them up while we can.
Instead of just day dreaming about it… we decided to put together a list of the top 5 dog friendly beaches in the United States.
1. Ogunquit Beach, Maine
We start in the very tip of the East coast in Ogunquit Beach in Maine. This beach has 3 dog friendly portions; the most well known being Moody Beach. This white sands beach allows dogs before 10am and after 5pm. Perfect for a morning run or evening sunset stroll! If you are in Maine, here are some other dog friendly beaches.
2. Hunting Island State Park, South Carolina
Moving a little more south on the East coast is Hunting Island State Park. This park allows dogs at any hour of the day as long as they are on a leash. (more on the rules for this beach here)
3. Siesta Key, Florida
This beach has been rated #1 on countless lists including Trip Advisor and the New York Times. So what makes this beach so special? With fine white sand and local shops and eateries, Siesta is connected to Venice one of the only exclusive dog and owner beaches. (More)
4. La Jolla Beach, San Diego
#lajolladogs. Yep. That’s a thing for the locals in San Diego. This pet friendly beach has several dog walking groups that meet a couple times a week. The pet friendly portions of the beach are open year round and are marked by signs upon entering. (More)
5. Mokuleia Beach, Hawaii
Last but definitely not least is this beauty! Mokeueia is known well amongst the locals. This is also a white sand beach and allows dogs as long as they are on a leash. If you are lucky enough to be visiting or living in Hawaii with a four legged friend, we found this list pretty helpful!
What are some of your favorite dog friendly beaches?
Comment below.
We would love to know!
Win a GoPro + Kurgo Dog Mount
Win the Ultimate GoPro + Kurgo Dog Package!
Yep! We are giving one lucky person a GoPro Hero + LCD and a Kurgo Action Camera Dog Harness
ENTER HERE
Top #CampingWithDogs Instagram Accounts
- A dog in a tent? √
- A dog in a kayak? √
- A dog on a trail? √
- A dog looking at a mountain range? √
- A dog with a hiker? √
- A dog looking at s'mores by a campfire? √
- A dog in a car filled with camp gear? √
This is Camping With Dogs. We inspire the world to be active with their dogs by reposting the top content on Instagram. These have been our most popular posts over the past 30 days and we think you should give them a follow!
1. @JJPPADERO
2. @WEST_COAST_HEELER_PACK
@west_coast_heeler_pack was promoted to branch manager today... #campingwithdogs
3. @jmockli
4. @ALONSOMENDIOLA
Gotta start them off young. #campingwithdogs @alonsomendiola
5. @NICK_TERREL
Call of the wild. #campingwithdogs @nick_terrel
6. @ULYAGEO
Live like someone left the gate open. #campingwithdogs @ulyageo
7. @ADDICTED_TO_NATURE
All paths lead to adventure #campingwithdogs @addicted_to_nature
8. @MOUNTAIN__LYFE
9. @KAITLINJUDE
TGIF! #campingwithdogs @jtberculosis in an @enohammocks
10. @JASPERTHECOWDOG
It's been a long day of hiking! #campingwithdogs @jasperthecowdog
11. @CAPTAIN_SHARK
Caption this! #campingwithdogs @captain_shark @coalatree
12. @TIDELINETOALPINE
Just hanging out.... #campingwithdogs @tidelinetoalpine
HONORABLE MENTION: RIP @DEANPOTTER.
Read more about Dean Potter and his dog, Whisper, HERE.
Through the eyes of Whisper
The companionship between dog and human is remarkable. A dog will literally follow you to the ends of the Earth and be happy along the way. Dean Potter and his dog Whisper personify this relationship and it's something we can all aspire to have.
This past weekend, the American free climber, alpinist, BASE jumper, and all around outdoorsmen passed away during a wingsuit flight in Yosemite National Park. He left behind his girlfriend, Jenn Rapp and his Australian cattle dog mix, Whisper.
Whisper had a life that mirrored the life of Dean; adventure, excitement, exploration. She fully trusted Dean to protect her and keep her safe even while performing the most extreme activities on Earth. It goes without saying, the life that Whisper lived says a tremendous amount about Dean.
Dean hated leaving Whisper alone while he was adventuring so over the years, he trained Whisper to be quite the athlete. Whisper was no stranger to being suspended on a Yosemite wall.
Or doing a wingsuit jump.
or just taking in the Yosemite view.
Dean lived a risky life but nobody can fault him for that. Dean found his comfort zone at the end of his limits.
Life and death is right there for all of us. It’s the most common thing we all share.
Today we celebrate the life that Dean Potter lived but we also mourn the loss of Whisper's best friend. As any dog owner fully understands, a dog can be just as important to our lives as the air we breathe. Dean Potter was a man with a huge heart that loved sharing his life with Whisper.
If you knew that tomorrow was your last day, how would you spend it with your dog?
Minds of Mountainfilm 2014 - Dean Potter from Telluride Mountainfilm on Vimeo.