Workout Wednesday: The Perfect Exercise Partner - Your Dog!

By now, you've probably heard the statistics: 65-percent of Americans are overweight or obese, and those numbers are growing. And if you're reading this blog, you are probably aware that obesity in American pets is also becoming epidemic - an estimated 25-percent of American dogs are considered obese. Like humans, overweight dogs are more at risk for diabetes, joint problems, heart disease, and some cancers. So, if you find that your favorite jeans and your pup's favorite collar just don't fit the way they used to, there may be a solution close at hand.

What's the answer to shedding those excess pounds? Exercise, exercise, exercise. And it turns out, walking the dog is a great way to enjoy the great outdoors and get back in shape. Here are some tips for shedding pooch-and-person pounds sensibly.

(1) Know your pup's limits. If your dog is a senior, has joint or other health related issues, or is seriously overweight, make sure to check in with your vet before starting any new exercise routine. Just like humans, dogs need to ease into a fitness regiment. Begin slowly - if you've only been walking once a day, up it to twice; once in the morning, once in the evening. Watch how your dog reacts after the fact... Does he have more trouble than usual getting up the stairs or onto the couch? Your dog should be tired after exercise, but not comatose.

(2) Keep your pup motivated. For couch-potato pooches, hitting the streets may not be a welcome notion. Even for overweight or obese dogs, it is okay to use food as a motivator - just beware of what type of food. Make the walk fun by giving lots of praise and pets. Reprimands and leash-jerking should be kept to a minimum; just as you would a child, you want to convey to your pup that exercise is FUN!

(3) Use the right equipment. If your dog turns every walk into the Iditarod, pulling you down Main Street with no regard for your pleas to slow down, it's time to invest in a nose collar (Gentle Leaders and Haltis are the most commonly used) or no-pull harness. Avoid extendible leashes, as they make it difficult for you to control your pup, and can be a disaster if he gets some momentum before reaching the end of the leash. You might consider a group class or a one-on-one session with a trainer to get some hands-on experience with a professional, as well.

Finally, remember to be consistent and to have fun! Getting in shape shouldn't be a burden - with a little resolve and a furry friend by your side, every step of the way can be a pleasure. And the reward? Better health, a longer life, and a happier pup. Really, what more could you ask for?

Pooping Pooches and Sacred Spaces

Unless you're living in a profoundly dog-friendly city, you've likely come across plenty of places where pups are not allowed. And even if dogs are not actually banned, there are certainly some rules of etiquette to follow in public places to ensure that the welcome banner continues to fly for our four-legged friends. Here, then, are five rules to keep your pup in favor wherever you tread.

(1) Are dogs allowed? Some public parks, landmarks, and cemeteries are not just unfriendly to pooches, they won't permit them. If that's the case, all of the information you're about to read is moot - go elsewhere. If you are in a town lacking in dog-friendly destinations, ask around to find out if there's any chance that a little lobbying (and education) may lift the ban. Until that happens, though, it's best to obey the signs and find a new spot for your pooch to roam.

(2) Where are the dog-free zones? Many public places will allow dogs in some areas but not others - be sure to stick to the areas where your pup is welcome. By ignoring signs or treading in no-pup quadrants, you are not only thumbing your nose at a place that is doing its best to accommodate your dog, but you're putting that dog-friendly status at risk and making all dog owners look bad. Be respectful of whatever limits have been set.

(3) Pick up after your pooch! Always come armed with a ready supply of "doggie bags" to dispose of your pup's waste. Don't rely on your destination - no matter how dog-friendly - to supply the bags, as you may well be disappointed. The bag dispenser may not have been restocked, or there simply may not be baggies available. I keep a box of Poop Bags in my car for emergencies, and usually have a pocket bulging with said baggies whenever I go out.

(4) Be respectful of other people. One of the go-to locations for my pups and me is the local cemetery, since there are no public parks in town. I love the spot - it's shady, quiet, and has lots of grassy knolls for Adie and Killian to roll around on. But, just as with other public spaces, there is a very specific code of ethics when using such a sacred spot. In the case of cemeteries in particular, it is just common courtesy to be sensitive to those around you: keep your dog leashed when there are others around, be aware of service schedules and choose an alternate route on those days, and keep your voice respectfully lowered when someone is visiting a grave site.

(5) Leave a place better than you found it (or at least as good). I am horrified to admit that Adia has been known, on occasion, to steal toys from a grave site, start digging up the petunias, or kill a mole and leave the carcass in some appallingly inappropriate locale. If your pup does the same, be sure to right his wrongs before heading for home: put the toy back from whence it came, replant the petunias, relocate the mole to a more seemly final resting place. And of course, your pup should never be out of your line of sight, so that you can be sure to undo any atrocities he may have committed.

If all dog guardians followed these simple rules, it seems likely that a lot more places out there would be dog-friendly. Do your part as an ambassador for dogs everywhere, and you'll be amazed at the number of doors that open wide, inviting you (and your pooch) inside.

Exercise and the Senior Dog

Imagine this:
You've reached your 60th birthday - a little achy around the joints, that spring in your step perhaps a little less... sprung, but generally healthy and still in love with life. And suddenly, your family says to you: Now that you're old, we've got a special new food that you'll be living on until your final days, and - because you've gotten old and we don't want to tire you out - from now on, you can just hang out. Don't worry about long walks or running around or anything, because we've noticed you're having a hard time with that stuff, anyway. Just chill out, relax. Sleep the days away.

I don't know about you, but that's hardly the way I want to spend my final few years on earth. And yet, that's just what we do to our beloved senior pups on a regular basis. We notice that getting up is a little tougher, or he may lag behind on a walk, and - because we love him so very much - we decide to either cut the walk short, or just stop it altogether.

What we actually need to do for our senior pups is quite the opposite. Regular exercise has been proven to improve heart and brain function in canines, slow joint degeneration and the aging process, aid digestion, and regulate bowel function. For senior dogs, exercise can quite literally mean adding years to your best friend's life. Here, then, are five tips to ensure that your dog stays fit and happy by your side just as long as possible.

(1) Start by checking in with your veterinarian. Regular visits are critical to maintaining health for aging dogs, in order to detect or prevent life-threatening issues like cancer, heart disease, or even periodental disease. Working with your vet, you can determine the best nutritional regiment and supplements for your pup, as well as ask any questions you may have about creating the best exercise routine for your dog.

(2) Take it slow. With the exception of the dog who has spent his life sprinting by his guardian's side, it is typically best to avoid strenuous aerobic activity with your senior. Dogs will push far beyond their physical limits to please us; it's our job now to tell them when to quit. A regular walk of from ten minutes to half-an-hour twice a day is a great way to keep your senior limber, active, and interested in the world around him. Senior dogs have the added challenge of requiring more frequent bathroom breaks, so a short walk in the morning and another in the evening helps your pup get into a more bladder-friendly routine. Try to stay consistent, be patient, and watch your pup for any changes in behavior, increased stiffness, or shortness of breath. If any of these occur, consult your veterinarian for recommendations.

(3) Watch the weather. Cold, wet days exacerbate joint problems, while hot days increase the possibility of heatstroke. Whenever temps dip or soar, indoor activities like hide and seek, fetch, or tug of war may be best. For cooler weather, invest in a doggie jacket or sweater to ease joint pain.

(4) Swim it out. If you have an aging water hound on your hands, now is the time to focus on the healing power of the sea. Because swimming is a low-impact exercise, it's perfect for painful joints and arthritis, and is also a great way for overweight dogs to take off some pounds. However, it's still important to watch temps - warm spring and summer days are great, but avoid icy dips. Even on warm days, have a towel handy to dry your pooch before he becomes chilled.

(5) Listen to your pup. If you have a senior dog, chances are good that you've spent considerable time getting to know him; you can tell when he's dragging. If he's having a tough time getting up when sitting or lying down, it means there is probably some arthritis or other joint-related issues at work. Limit physical activity to shorter walks on a more frequent basis, and look for a quality canine supplement containing glucosamine and chondroitin. You may also invest in quality essential fatty acids like those found in cod liver, flaxseed, or salmon oils, or a quality pet product like Dream Coat.

The senior years can be some of the most cherished you'll ever spend with your dog. Now is the time when you know each other well, discipline isn't as much of an issue, and you can relax and just enjoy life together. Be sure to include him in as much of your life as possible, and your aging pooch will truly learn to love retirement.

For additional information and some excellent articles and tips on senior dogs, you can check out The Senior Dog Project.

EnvironMental Monday: Separation Anxiety

Dogs suffering from separation anxiety - a condition in which a dog separated from its guardian exhibits extreme behavior as a result of intense anxiety - may dig, chew, bark, break windows, or exhibit self-harming behaviors, all in a desperate attempt to reunite with the person or people they love.

In this post, I won't talk a lot about training techniques to modify or change this behavior - there are many great articles out there on just that topic, including this one by the Humane Society of the United States. What I will talk about here are ways that you can modify your environment to create a setting that eases your dog's anxiety. These ways include aromatherapy, white noise and sound therapy, and the creation of visual stimuli to help relax your panicked pooch. These tools should be used in conjunction with the many excellent techniques espoused by the aforementioned Humane Society article.

Dogs have a much more keen sense of smell than do humans; it follows, then, that dogs are much more sensitive to scents of any kind - good or bad. This makes your pooch a great candidate for aromatherapy. And, aromatherapy has the added benefit of soothing you and helping to establish that tranquil setting to which we aspire. To begin using aromatherapy as a viable way to modify your dog's separation anxiety, it's best to start by trying a few different essential oils while you are at home to observe the effect (if any) they have on your pup. Dr. Edward Bach, creator of Rescue Remedy, has an entire line of natural essences geared toward pets. These formulas are typically administered either internally or externally, directly on the canine. Results are impressive, and happen quickly - the drawback is most certainly the price. If you're interested in blending your own essential oils, this article from Dog First Aid 101 will give you all the information you'll need to do so inexpensively and with minimal effort.

Another avenue you may try with your pooch is having music on in the background while you're away. While this alone will not get rid of the separation anxiety entirely, studies have shown that dogs are more relaxed and are less prone to frequent pacing or listless behavior when classical music is playing. There are now a whole host of specialized CDs created just for pets - you can find them on Amazon, or simply pick up a few classical CDs in the discount bin (percussion has been shown to be less popular with the pups, and Bach was the hands-down favorite), or tune your radio to a local classical station. You can read more about the findings from this very interesting study here.

And finally, we have stimuli for the more visually oriented pups out there. If you have a dog who likes to watch TV with you, this may be just the thing: videos for your dog. You can try tuning to Animal Planet and just leaving it on the station for the day, but I have found that actually creating your own videos are more fun and get better results. If your pooch is prone to severe separation anxiety, keep the content of your video low-key... collect footage of your pup playing, of you and your family, or simply of you talking quietly to your favorite pooch. Rigorous play sessions or you speaking in a high-pitched, excited voice should be avoided - the last thing you want is to stir your already anxious canine to a frenzy. If you can fill a six-hour tape with a combination of some soothing Animal Planet or National Geographic specials interspersed with snippets featuring you and your pup, the day will go that much faster for your four-legged friend.

Don't forget to include lots of hard chew toys - treat-filled Kongs or Nylabones are great, and try to keep absences short as you begin the process of acclimating your pup to the day on his own.

Super-Charged Exercise for the High Energy Hound

We've all seen them - the Jack Russell who springs five feet in the air every ten seconds or so, or the border collie yipping wildly while she tries to round up the neighborhood kids, or the pit bull pulling his owner down the street in a desperate attempt to get to the next great smell. You may even be the proud owner of just such a dog yourself. If you are, you have probably wondered at least once, "Is there nothing that will tire this dog out?" Take heart, because the answer is yes - and I'll give you a few ideas of how in this post.

Dogs like terriers, border collies, some hounds, and many of the dogs known as "working" dogs, were bred to keep going and going and going and... Well, you get the picture. Terriers were designed to be hunters - to track and kill rodents all the livelong day, and to be happy doing just that. Herding dogs have the instinct to move - to keep things tidy, make sure everything is running smoothly and everyone is where they ought to be. When you put these types of dogs in a setting where they are not physically and mentally challenged, something's bound to give. You're likely to see excessive chewing, barking, digging, even obsessive-compulsive behaviors... When all else fails, that energy may be turned inward and manifest as depression and self-destructive behaviors like tail chasing or chewing, or even obsessive nail biting.

So, to prevent all of that and not actually spend hours exercising to keep your high-energy pooch sane, what do you do? A long walk is a great start, but dogs like these also need to run. To complicate things further, working dogs are highly intelligent - they were bred to perform a job, not just sit around and look pretty. What you want to do is engage not just the body, but the mind as well. Here are a few ways you can do both, and enhance the bond between you and your dog to boot.

(1) Fetch. It's not a new game, but there's a reason it's one of the most enduring sports for pups and their people. It keeps you and your dog connected, provides a structured outlet for your dog's energy, and reinforces recall.

(2) Search and rescue. This is a particularly good game for hounds, as they truly do "see" the world through their noses. With their muzzles to the ground ninety percent of the time, these pups are all about the hunt. Whether or not your high-energy pup is a hound, however, this is a great game to pass a rainy afternoon inside or, even better, to spice things up in the yard. Simply get five to ten of your pup's favorite treats and plant them in different places around the house. Lead him to the first couple of hiding places, bringing him within a foot or two of the treat - his nose will do the rest. Soon, he'll be busy foraging through the house for the rest of his treats, tail wagging. A word of caution: When you're "planting" your items, never bury them so well that you're dog will be tempted to dig or chew through your things to find them. This is especially true outside - hounds have powerful noses, and if you bury the treat a couple of inches down, he will dig up the entire yard to find his treasure. Put treats inside boxes to increase the challenge, or inside one of his favorite stuffed animals. Be creative, and - just like with fetch - remember to have fun!

(3) Doggie play groups. My first dog, Moonshadow, was a solo dog - she was a big, alpha female who loved other male dogs, but was very intimidating around females. For that reason, and because I was not yet well-versed in canine behavior myself, Moon ended up living a fairly solitary existence. When I began interning at an animal rescue in Oregon, I had an opportunity to see firsthand just what a tragedy that was for Moon. Dogs are very social creatures. At the rescue, I ran "play groups" with anywhere from five to fifteen dogs. The play was often rough and there were certainly some encounters that were not the ideal, but for the most part I was able to watch these animals interact the way that they would in the wild. They sorted out the group dynamic, played, wrestled, and left the group at the end of their hour utterly exhausted.

It's unlikely that you have access to a fifteen-dog play group, and that's probably for the best. However, if you have friends or neighbors who have dogs, it's worth the time and effort to organize doggy play dates every week or so.

(4) In addition to the ideas listed above, you may want to consider getting your
high energy pooch involved in an organized sporting event. Tracking, rally, agility,
water sports... These days, there's truly an activity for every dog. It builds confidence, provides great socialization opportunities, enhances the bond between you and your dog, and there's nothing better than an hourlong class of running, jumping, wagging, and spinning to poop out your pup.

There's no question that keeping your high-energy pooch entertained is hard work. But, with a little time and creativity on your part, it is definitely an attainable goal - and will not only work wonders for your dog, but has the added bonus of keeping you fit, active, and involved, as well.

EnvironMental Monday: Putting an End to Unwanted Chewing

I got my first dog as an adult when I was twenty-three. Moonshadow was six months old at the time - already lean, lanky, and full of life. Over time, she became one of those perfect companions to whom all other dogs are forever compared: sweet, mellow, and fun-loving. For the first six months of our life together, however, our relationship was hardly ideal. In fact, there were many days when I genuinely debated sending my sweet Moon right back to the shelter where she'd come from.

The major issue? Chewing, hands down.

Before you can set up your personal paradise, in which you and your dog and your family and friends all peacefully cohabitate, there may be some obstacles. One of those obstacles is most definitely chewing. It's hard to make your place the ideal when you have no books lower than the fourth shelf on your bookcase, and all of your plants have to be suspended from the ceiling. Is it possible to have a great house and still have dogs? Absolutely. But it does take some work.

There are three common reasons dogs chew your stuff: Lack of exercise, separation anxiety, or - particularly in the case of teething puppies - simply because it feels good. The first thing you should do is determine which of these three issues is most likely to blame for your dog's chewing issues. If it's a lack of exercise, you need to prepare yourself for a harsh reality - dogs need to move. High energy dogs like terriers, especially young ones, may need a couple of long walks a day and a rigorous play session besides, while larger dogs or less active breeds may do just fine with a single long walk each day. Check out this Wednesday's blog for some ideas on how to make sure your pup is getting the exercise he or she needs, without either of you overdoing it. In the meantime, though, simply make a mental note as to whether your dog's chewing problems are related to exercise or some other problem.

Now that you've determined the root of your dog's problems, it's time to go about solving the issue. The first thing you need to know: You won't stop a dog who loves to chew, from chewing. So rather than trying to stop them from a natural behavior that is instantly gratifying, you need to find something that they love to chew more than your favorite shoes. There are a lot of alternatives out there. Those I have had the most success with are Kong toys stuffed with cheese or frozen peanut butter, marrow bones, and assorted stuffed toys. Provide a few alternatives, and give plenty of praise every time your pooch shows the slightest bit of interest in them.

The second thing you need to do is set your dog up for success. This means that, at least initially, you'll have to do a little puppy-proofing - they should have zero access to whatever you don't want eaten. If your dog is used to being crated, that's an easy solution. If he's not, you'll need to set up a space that's distinctly dog-friendly whenever you're out of sight. Provide plenty of chewy toys, lots of encouragement, and keep a close eye out whenever your pup is back in the great wide open.

Remember in all of this that accidents will invariably happen. If you find a shoe that's been chewed and your dog is nowhere in sight, don't bother any kind of reprimand. Dogs live in the moment - if you come up to them with shoe in hand and tell them they're a bad, bad dog, they will associate whatever they are doing in that instant with the reprimand. They will not, however, have the slightest idea why you're yelling at them and waving your shoe around. If you actually come upon your dog while chewing your shoe, go to them, gently remove the shoe, and then provide a firm "No. Bad dog." Screaming and, particularly, physically reprimanding your dog are counter-productive to training of any kind. Immediately after reprimanding your pooch, provide him with an acceptable chewing alternative and give lots of praise as soon as they show any interest.

Try this approach, along with a longer, more rigorous walk in the morning before work, and you'll be amazed at how many shoes you're able to save. If you do find no change in the behavior, then you just may be looking at a pup with some severe separation anxiety. If that's the case, read next EnvironMental Monday's post, when I address the issue of canine separation anxiety and provide a few tips for dealing with the issue.

Dogward Bound! Travel Tips for You and Your Pooch

In March of '07, my former foster partner and I packed up all of our belongings and traveled nearly 2500 miles - from Estacada, Oregon, to Columbia, Kentucky - in an old transit bus we found on Craigslist. While this in and of itself wasn't all that extraordinary, the cargo we had with us most definitely was; in Oregon, I interned with an animal rescue that was host to cats, dogs, goats, chickens, and other assorted furred and feathered creatures both large and small. For our trek, we took a whopping SIXTY-FIVE of those creatures with us. We spent weeks preparing, doing our best to minimize the trauma of the move. When we finally hit the road, we were pleased to find that all of our planning had served us well: we arrived in Kentucky without incident, and our furry friends were soon comfortable in their new home.

Here are a few of the things we learned along the way:

(1) Don't overfeed. You'll have less mess to clean up along the way, and your pooch will thank you for making the travel time that much more comfortable without a full belly. A good rule of thumb is to give about one-third the usual amount of food, sticking with kibble rather than wet food, to avoid messy spills or the need for refrigeration. If your dog is used to chewing on marrow bones, it's great to bring one along with you while traveling - they provide much-needed calcium, and will keep your favorite pup occupied for hours!

(2) Remember cleaning supplies. Even the most travel-savvy pups may feel queasy during a long journey; you can check out my post here to learn what you'll need to make your very own doggy travel kit. It's inexpensive, and will do wonders in reducing your stress on the road.

(3) Make sure all vaccinations are up-to-date. With hundreds of strange animals passing through, rest stops are a haven for diseases like parvovirus, distemper, and the flu. If your pups are too young for vaccinations, it's best not to risk it by letting them set foot on foreign soil. You're better off cleaning up a messy crate than seeing your little ones suffer the effects of a deadly virus picked up on the road.

(4) Provide proper containment. Even if your pup loves the feel of the highway, bring along a crate for emergencies. If the car breaks down or there's an accident, your guy will be safely confined while you sort out the mess.

(5) Microchip, microchip, microchip. Particularly when traveling through a strange place, your pooch may become panicked and bolt at a rest area or gas station. Microchipping significantly increases the chances that your pup pal will be returned to you no matter how far you are from home.

Follow these tips and you'll have a great start to a happy life on the road with your favorite canine compadre!


The interior of the magic bus, lined with crates containing 35 cats, 18 dogs, 3 goats, and 7 chickens. Also on the ride with us were four degus, a Muloccan cockatiel named Snuggles, and Pancho the cockatoo.

Cinema Saturday: Dog Years, Chapter 1

Exercise: The Great Equalizer

If you've ever had any behavioral issues with your dog and consulted a professional trainer about them, you were probably asked one question first: How much exercise is he getting? Whether you're facing excessive chewing, barking, digging, jumping up, even aggression... the first, second, and last answer is often more exercise.
Not so long ago, dogs were wild animals. They traveled for miles on end, hour after hour, searching for food. They hunted, they fought, they played, they mated - all of which requires a remarkable amount of energy. Needless to say, times have changed. Dogs, however - at least physically speaking - have not, to any great degree. Specially "designed" breeds may be less inclined to roam, but for the most part, dogs are still animals who require a significant amount of physical exercise to not only stay healthy, but to stay emotionally and mentally balanced. How much exercise does your dog get? Does she have an opportunity to play with other dogs? How often do you get in the mix and actually exercise - whether walking or running - with your dog?

Exercise is not only great for the pup, but we all know how essential it is for people. If you've been looking for a way to shed a few excess pounds but haven't found a fitness partner, look no further than that fuzzy lump by your bed. She'll be more than happy to roust you every morning and get you pumped for the rest of the day.

Wednesdays at The Dog-Ma will be devoted to exercise: How much is needed, how much is too much, what type is best, and how do you achieve the optimum level of fitness for your canine companion? To prepare for your new, active lifestyle - or to simply enhance what you've already mastered - take the next week to take stock of how much exercise your pooch is actually getting. How often do you go for walks, and how long do they last? Is your dog panting by the time you head for home, or ready for more? When you get the leash out, does your pup beat you to the door or do you have to pry him off the couch?

Exercising with your dog is an excellent way to strengthen the bond between you and enhance both of your levels of fitness. It is the most likely answer to any number of behavioral issues, and - best of all - it doesn't cost a thing! So saddle up in the coming weeks to learn how best to get you and your canine companion in the best shape of your lives, one four-footed step at a time.

EnvironMental Monday: Is Your House Making You (and Your Dog) Crazy?

When you think about caring for your canine companion, the first things that likely come to mind are the basics: Food, water, the daily walk... But what about where you hang your hat? We all know that, as humans, we are sensitive to things like limited sunlight, cramped spaces, and clutter. But do the same things have an effect on our pets?

The answer is a resounding yes, for a couple of reasons - the first of which has to do with the physiological make-up of animals themselves, while the second reason has more to do with something scientists are still trying to understand: The human-animal bond. To make things simple, we'll start with the most concrete answer first -the physical.

The canine sense of smell is thousands of times stronger than that of human beings. This is no surprise - dogs are now regularly employed in the task of sniffing out drugs, bodies, tumors, stress... The list goes on. Likewise, dogs can hear significantly higher frequencies than we can, and may actually feel physical pain at certain decibel levels. While their taste buds are less sophisticated than ours and their eyesight is typically not as keen, their extraordinary olfactory and auditory capabilities make it clear: Dogs are sensitive animals. If you use strong perfumes or detergents, or live in a neighborhood where sirens are sounding on a regular basis or there is ongoing construction, your pooch may be paying the price.

The second reason your environment may be adversely affecting your pup is not quite so widely understood, but may also have something to do with that extraordinary sense of smell I spoke of earlier. Dogs can actually smell changes in your mood, as a result of the pheromones naturally released when a body is under stress. Even a subtle shift can make your sensitive pal lift his muzzle in your direction. So, if you're coming home to a place that you don't like - the color doesn't appeal, the place is a mess, or you just plain don't feel right there... Well, chances are good that your canine companion is tuning into your discontent.

So, what's the answer? Do you sound-proof his crate, stop using deodorant, move to a low-crime area and hope no one has to re-pave the streets below in the near future? Or, go deep into debt making it the place of your dreams, just to make sure you aren't stressing poochie? Not at all. In the coming weeks, I'll devote each Monday to exploring simple, affordable ways that you can make your house a place both you and your dog love to come home to. In the meantime... Start looking at the place you call home. How do you feel about it? How does your dog react to it? Are you coming home to chewed furniture, accidents on the carpet, a pup that bowls you over in a frantic, out-of-control reception? If so, it may be time to take on a little subtle interior dog-design!

The Dogged Travel Kit

Just like with human children, traveling with your canine kids is best done with a little preparation. Whether you're planning a daylong excursion or months on the road, here are a few things that will make Travel With Dog run a bit more smoothly.

(1) The bag itself. I use a mini-backpack because it's easy to toss over my shoulder and forget about when I'm just taking the pups for a walk around the block. Similarly, I can pull over to the shoulder if I'm on a long trip, grab the backpack, and go. Just remember to keep the pack in a handy place wherever you are, and you'll no longer be scrambling for baggies, leashes, or supplies when critical moments present themselves.

(2) Baggies. For easy clean-up, bring along a good supply of baggies, preferably the biodegradable sort. For bargain prices and a huge selection, check out PoopBags, for all your pooping pooch needs.

(3) Pre-moistened towelettes. Towelettes are a wonder for messy moments - pick up a package at your local dollar store and have them handy whenever the need arises.

(4) Collapsible water dish. If your walk unexpectedly turns into a hike, you'll be prepared. I prefer the Collaps-a-Bowl, $3.99 at Petco.

(5) Fresh water. Particularly in warmer months, it's critical to keep your pooch (and yourself) hydrated. Whether for short or long walks, always have a bottle of water handy.

(6) Dog treats. A necessity for every household - treats make the world go 'round. Make your own with all-natural recipes from one of my very favorite sites, or buy a bag or two to have handy.

(7) Toys. When conditions are right, daily walks around the block may unexpectedly turn into all-morning play sessions for my guys. The weather's too nice, deadlines aren't quite so tight, or I just plain want to be outside. When these moments arrive, it's always nice to be prepared. Our favorite run-around-town toys are Orbee-Tuff balls from Planet Dog. A little pricier than the typical tennis ball, but they last longer, bounce farther, and are a lot tougher, too.

With a minimal time and money investment, you can assemble everything you need for a hike down the street or a day-long trek with your favorite walking compadres. And if you're the crafty type, there are no end to the accoutrements you can add to show off your dogged flair. Hang the assembled bag by the door so tyou can just grab it and go when the opportunity arises, and it will make dog-walking a simpler, more efficient, and more enjoyable experience every time out.