From the Pack: Side-Quests and Micro-Adventures With Dogs

The world from a dog’s perspective is full of wonder. Everywhere they go, there are strange new sights, sounds, and smells to discover. A simple forest trail is nothing short of fascinating for a canine with keen senses, full of delightful things that must be investigated.

And as our most loyal sidekicks, our dogs are always eager to go exploring with us, even if it’s just a game of fetch at the park, a quick trail run, or a mission to get coffee and a pup cup. In other words, short but meaningful adventures that are close-to-home, or what we like to call micro-adventures. Over time, those short windows of exploration add up to a life well-lived — for both you and your pup.

We asked the Pack to share with us some of their own side-quests and mini-escapades with their dogs for inspiration:

Natalie DeRatt - Digital UX Lead

We love to take Lola stand-up paddle boarding before work. We're very fortunate that the river is extremely close to where our kids go to school/daycare, so we carry our SUPs in their backpacks when we drop them off, keep going to the river, paddle for 45 minutes, and head home all before 10:30 a.m.

Lola gets loads of sniffs, swims, and floating sticks to chase after, and we get a healthy dose of being outside before we turn our computers on. It’s a great way to start the day full of endorphins, and it makes you happy! Also, it helps knowing your dog has been out for a fun adventure, so there’s less dog mom guilt when we have to work for the next few hours.

Gearing Up: We really appreciate the Float™ Coat and the Confluence™ Collar for this adventure, since the Float Coat is nimble enough for her to wear on the walk there, and the Confluence Collar doesn’t hold water or any river smells.

Margaret Cohen, Territory Manager

I have a Black Lab named Fuego who loves to sniff. Taking more leisurely walks with her, and giving her the time to stop and smell is so enjoyable and relaxing for her. I'm usually so focused on getting her exercise on our excursions, it's good to remember the importance of letting dogs touch grass.

Sunset sniffaris are her favorite when it's cooler out. It’s a great rest day activity for both of us, and dogs love to slow down and appreciate nature the same way that people do.

Gearing Up: The Hitch Hiker™ Leash is great for this because it gives her room to explore and stop where the sniffing is good. I like that it can be quickly shortened when we’re passing other people and/or dogs.

Cristina Stavro - Product Line Manager

My dog Lennon and I are both early risers (we're both very excited about breakfast), so I make sure I've got our gear packed the night before and ready in the van. In the morning, we wake up with plenty of time to eat, fill a to-go mug with tea, and then we're off.

Sometimes the hikes are more mellow and closer to town, other times we get extra ambitious and spend a few hours out there before going to work. I've found it's not really about how big the adventure is, we both just love being out there in the sleepy, but absolutely beautiful part of the day. Lennon gets time to move and sniff and explore to her heart's content, and I feel refreshed and eager to jump into the rest of the day.

Gearing Up: When we're going to be out there before the sun rises, I make sure to have a Beacon™ Light for Lennon and a headlamp for me charged and packed, a Treat Trader™ re-filled, and a harness.

Jill Kinison - Head of People and Culture

Lately I’ve been out bike riding with my dogs Kit and Woody in my pet trailer. They are both large dogs (100 lbs), and as Berners they need to stay cool. So they really appreciate having shade and feeling the wind in their fur. I have a custom flag that goes on the trailer, one for each of them. Kit's says her name on one side, and "Smiles gets me treats" on the other. Woody's says his name and "No Pupparazzi" on one side (he's reactive and has a large, deep bark, so we need to give warning).

Keeping their world bigger as they get older and less active is a priority for me. It’s good to remember that sniffs and brain activity are still super important to our dogs, which is why I love to show them the world from the safety of my cargo trailer!

Gearing Up: When it’s hot out, I like to help my dogs stay cool with the Swamp Cooler™ Harness or the Swamp Cooler™ Neck Gaiter. Weather shouldn't stop you — it's all about having the right clothing and equipment.

Curiosity Without Limits

Exploring your environment through short, close-to-home micro-adventures is a great way to spice up your dog’s routine and experience your surroundings from a different perspective. For more tips and info to help you and your pup get out there, read more on how to be an adventure dog.