Tips: Dogs Doing the Blue Ridge

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

(c) All Things Dog Blog
Linville Falls is a Short 3-Mile Hike

The All Things Dog Blog crew is fresh off a road trip along the Blue Ridge Parkway from end to end, just before the rush of visitors arrive for the Autumn colors. If you plan to head there for Fall fun, here are a few things we think you'll want to know:

• Yes, your dog is welcome on the Blue Ridge Parkway, while kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet long. Don't forget the poop bags :)
• Just because the pullover doesn't look exciting, don't skip it. There are some hidden gems on those pathways that lead to the overlooks that are often well worth your time.
• There's no cell signal along 95% of the parkway, so prepare for a welcome chance to get unplugged. Check your email and voicemail before heading into the mountains and charge up your devices as well as your camera. You'll want backups. I ran my phone battery down every day by taking pictures. 
• Very few visitor centers offer food so prepare a picnic for your day trip or a cooler of food if you're camping. Bring plenty of water and food for you and your dog.
• In my humble opinion, the Great Smokey Mountains are mis-named. The "smoke" is actually clouds that hover low and tend to be a driving hazard on some days. At times we were driving only 20 mph due to bad visibility, but this problem is patchy. It won't impede the entire trip. Plan extra time to assure you make it to your destination safely and in time. 
• Remember to carry water and first aid supplies for all participants. You'll find a travel first aid kit for dogs at Kurgo.com, that attaches to your belt. Very handy!
• Finally, save some time to relax and bond with your dog along the way. He'll enjoy the hikes as much as a picnic under a tree. I managed to find a few chances to pull out my yoga mat and relax. What an amazing experience this was; watch for more on this topic.

Happy travels,

Hiking with Dogs Safely

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

© AllThingsDogBlog.com
Mom! Can I explore?

Nothing inspires me more than nature. During our hiking trip to the Blue Ridge Parkway, we found lots of reasons to be inspired, but sometimes the result was more of a photo opp than an exploration. Both Oliver and I exhibited a need to check out these curious spaces, but safety ruled and we had to stick with a photo and move on. Sort of a bummer, but when you're out on a trail there's no one but you to offer first aid. Better to play it safe than meet a Rattlesnake inside that log.

Along the trails there were many places I wanted to veer off the beaten path to see something I heard, smelled or thought I saw. During that 2 week trip we saw Bear, Deer, Fox, Rabbit, Turkey and countless other birds that I can't identify.

© AllThingsDogBlog.com
Hiking? This was a Climbing Adventure!

Sometimes the adventurer wasn't Oliver. Sometimes it was me. Climbing this tree root maze was fun for me. But I'll admit that getting down was a bit tenuous. Maybe next time I'll simply take a photo in front of it? Well, probably not. But it's a good idea to consider. I just have these tree climbing urges that are hard to overcome. My childhood memories beckon. Go figure!

Here are a few things we learned about hiking safety that I'd like to add to my other recent posts:

• Watch your dog's nosework. You don't want it finding a red ant pile, snake hole or other critter that could do him harm. Carry Benedryl for a quick proactive treatment in case of a bite. Use a mosquito repellant if you're hiking in the warm weather months. There are lots of non-toxic versions available that work well.
• Curb your own urges to explore off the path. I'm guilty, but I'll put my name on the Adventurers Anonymous membership and ask you to join me if you're a little over the top also. Be careful!
• Take care with the photo opps. Slippery? Skip the pose and get a shot of the natural beauty in the background. We found lots of areas where rocks, tree roots and mud were treacherous. Pay close attention for your own safety as well as your dog's.
• No matter how much of a momma's boy your dog is, don't release the leash. It wouldn't take much to have him bolting through the underbrush after who knows what. And that critter he's chasing may bite, fight, or scratch. Have no mercy on the leash grip.
• Natural rock steps along some of the hiking paths were growing algae, fungi, and lichen. All these growths were slippery when wet, and some were not easily seen. Don't leave your glasses behind, and DO watch everything you step on for that telltale sheen that could mean you'll go flying if you don't take care.
• Be alert for other hikers and their dogs. Not all will be happy to greet your dog, so maintain the quiet of the forest and move along without much ado when an aloof attitude is approaching.
• I can't stress enough how important it is to pack water, a snack (power bars for you
  
  and Fido; more here.) and a first aid kit. Mosquito repellant is also important during the season for these blood suckers. We recommend trying one of the non-toxic versions made with various types of natural oils--much better for you and your dog. Do get your vet's approval before using any product made for humans on your dog's coat. Better safe than sorry.

Keeping safety in mind will assure your adventure will be a bonding one that you'll both remember for years to come. Now, go take a hike!

Happy hiking,

Wondering where the Doga modifications series went? We'll be back with more ways to increase your succes, starting next Saturday, October 18. The pose we'll focus on next week will be Child's Pose, one of my favorites for relaxing and calming the mind. You'll love the way Tanner and Oliver interact with me, so be sure to stop by. Meanwhile, you can find all the other Doga posts, videos, modifications and tips at this link.

The All Things Dog Blog dogs eat ORGANIX, which is why we're super excited to share their banner ad on our site. Tanner wants you to know that his favorite Jerky Chip Cookie flavor is Chicken, but Castor and Pollux has several flavors available for your discriminating pooch. All opinions you find here are completely our own. 

Power Treating: Long Dog Hikes

 Carrie Boyko, CEB

©AllThingsDogBlog.com
Ready to Head to Linville Falls
Can you see Oliver?

In this photo, we're just getting ready to start the hike to Linville Falls, where you'll find stunning views at several levels of both the falls and the river as it gorges through the turns in the rocks. Breathtaking, and not at all accommodating of photography. There's just no way to capture the whole experience when it is 360 degrees around you. Don't miss this spectacular hike along the Blue Ridge Parkway, and be sure to take your dog. You'll find more tips at the link.

Before you head out, be sure you're properly prepared: water, a power snack for both you and Fido, first aid kit, leash, and comfortable shoes or paw pads, depending on your species.

We visited in mid-September and clearly the rains had been good. There were areas where mud was unavoidable, but Oliver was a trooper and came home with the muddy paws to prove it. But I digress....

We chose ORGANIX Jerky Chip Cookies with 12% protein and organic ingredients to power Oliver's energy level for this demanding hike. Park rangers rate hiking difficulty to aid trail blazers in their choices. The hike to the Falls is rated "Difficult" and I can vouch for that. I had to stop a couple of times and catch my breath when we were heading up steps that were literally made of tree roots and rocks, covered with mud and puddles. Oliver, on the other hand, seemed to power along like the Eveready robot. I guess that ORGANIX cookie he scarfed down before we left did its job!

© AllThingsDogBlog.com
Looking Down on One Side of Linville

After a water break, another healthy snack, and a a photo session at the top levels, we all headed back down, finding that gravity made the descent a bit easier. We all felt better when we powered back up.

Watch for more helpful tips on your hiking adventures with fido, coming soon. Meanwhile, be sure to head on over to PetSmart to grab some Jerky Chip Cookies for your dog's power hikes.

Happy tails,

The All Things Dog Blog dogs eat ORGANIX, which is why we're super excited to share their banner ad on our site. Tanner wants you to know that his favorite Jerky Chip Cookie flavor is Chicken, but Castor and Pollux has several flavors available for your discriminating pooch. All opinions you find here are completely our own. 

Fido's Freebie Friday Giveaways for Pets

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

Buffer

The gang and I have had quite an adventure RVing the Great Smokey Mountains National Park, visiting Washington, DC, and trekking home via other stops. We're learning a lot about our new travel method and finding it to be greener and more budget-savvy than we ever thought possible. I've posted some tips for those of you hoping to hit the Blue Ridge Parkway with your dogs to enjoy the Fall colors.  Watch for more articles to come about our experiences.

Now let's get to today's Fido's Freebie Friday. Bloggers are invited to list below 

their currently open giveaways, freebies, and prizes for pets and pet lovers so that readers may visit and explore items to win. You can help to get more awareness by sharing the badge you see in the top of my post. Feel free to put it in your sidebar, if you wish, but don't feel obligated.

Fido's Freebie Friday opens each Thursday afternoon for linkups at 4:00 PM ET, and renews each week at the same time with a new listing.  Link up anytime during the week--24/7. We make it easy to be seen here by keeping our rules simple:

•You have up to 45 characters to describe your prize and include an expiration date.

•Fido's Freebie Friday Blog Hop is open to posts with prizes for pet products or services, including pet-related or pet-themed items for owners. Use your specific post url to link up.You'll find assistance at our HELP PAGE, where there is other useful information for bloggers doing giveaways and reviews. Your hosts are All Things Dog Blog, DogTipper and To Dog With Love. 

Happy shopping! 

Individual rules of entry and guidelines for winning may apply to each listing. All Things Dog Blog, DogTipper, and To Dog With Love take no responsibility for the legality of the rules governing the listings on other sites and giveaways that are posted here. We simply provide this forum as a gathering place for pet product giveaways to be offered. Please consult All Things Dog Blog's Giveaway and Contest Rules for more detail. Fulfillment of each giveaway is done by the blog conducting the giveaway, not by the hosts of this giveaway hop; please contact the giveaway host with any questions regarding a giveaway or giveaway prize.