Hello! I'm Jen. I'm a writer, photographer, dog mom, and outdoor enthusiast. When I'm not writing about awesome ways to get outside with your dog, I'm probably out for a long trail run. I also fancy myself a pretty decent vegan cook, and am always happy to whip up a batch of cookies for friends. I am based in the Pacific Northwest and I never leave home without my dogs.
Lake Tahoe is the most-visited national forest in California and one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Sierra Nevada. This dog-friendly guide to Lake Tahoe will reveal the best hikes, places to stay, and outdoor activities to enjoy with your pup. Between the 180s and the[...]
This post contains affiliate links. If you’re looking for a great gift idea for the adventure dog parent in your life, this list includes 10 useful suggestions that they might not realize they need, but will soon wonder how they ever lived without them. Whether the dog parent in[...]
This post contains affiliate links. These days, a warm winter coat is just part of several items I include for my dog when we head outdoors for a winter adventure. I used to think dog coats and sweaters were only for small dogs, purse puppies, or meant to act as a fashion statement. [...]
Over the years, I have learned much of what I know about dogs from my favorite social media platform, Instagram. When I was struggling with Laila’s training, I was introduced to the world of balanced training for dogs, and began to look for dog trainers to follow on Instagram in order to[...]
You got a new dog! Woo hoo! How very exciting. Dog socialization is probably pretty high on your to do list for this new pup. In fact, it’s on my list of things to do after you get a new dog. Maybe you’re thinking that you need to take your dog to the dog park daily, invite[...]
One of the draws of Jackson Hole, WY is its proximity to National Parks like Yellowstone and Grand Tetons. Of course, if you travel with a dog, like I do, then visiting the parks becomes a bit challenging. Fortunately, the area offers plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy with your pup[...]
Disclaimer: Voyagers K9 Apparel sent me this Tummy Warmer to test and review. I have purchased other jackets from the brand previously because I love the quality and design. I test my products thoroughly and in various conditions and always give my honest thoughts. I never thought[...]
I hadn’t visited the Olympic Peninsula much until recently. Since I had dogs and much of the region is a national park, I just assumed that it didn’t make sense to plant a trip. However, after traveling there twice with my pal Jessica for both a road trip and a backpacking trip, I[...]
This post contains affiliate links. You can SUP with a Dog? Yeah, you can! And it’s super fun. Paddle boarding is one of my favorite warm weather activities to do with my dog. It is a very special sport to me because it was the last adventure we did with Sora before she died. And, because[...]
This post contains affiliate links. Like many, I once believed that e-collar training was cruel. I thought positive reinforcement was the only right way to train a dog, until I had Laila. As much as I learned and worked with her, she just wasn’t as responsive to the training as I needed[...]
This post contains affiliate links. A coffee review? Don’t worry, you’re in the right place. Grounds & Hounds isn’t just any coffee, it’s coffee for dogs. Um. Coffee is poisonous for dogs, Jen. I know, I know. Stick with me. Grounds & Hounds is an online coffee retailer that[...]
The first day you bring home a new dog is exciting, especially if this is your first dog. I’ve learned so much about dogs since Sora and have completely changed how I behave around my dogs, especially during those first few weeks. As exciting as the new family addition is, remember that[...]
I don’t know how I ever lived with a dog before I knew the Place Command. Today, it is among my most important commands for my dogs and was the first thing I taught Sitka after I adopted him. The Place Command is a magical cue that can be used in a number of situations. It is the command[...]
This post contains affiliate links. Figuring out what food to pack for yourself for a backpacking or camping trip can be a struggle. At least I know it is for me! But it doesn’t need to be for your dog. Fortunately, there are a ton of great, high quality, freeze-dried and dehydrated dog[...]
Laila, the dog I never wanted, the dog that I struggled to love, the dog I wanted nothing to do with, led me to learn more about dogs and dog training than I ever imagined I would. Her outbursts, disappearing acts in the woods, propensity to chase after large animals, and inability[...]
This post contains affiliate links. While I prefer to run with my dog off leash when possible, there are times when you need a leash. I use and prefer to wear a hands-free dog leash when I hit the trails with my pup. I have been running with my dogs for many, many years. It is one of my[...]