Dog-Friendly Carmel-by-the-Sea: Where Dogs Are Truly Celebrated
Few places in the U.S. love dogs as much as Carmel-by-the-Sea. Nestled along the Monterey Peninsula, this coastal village isn’t just dog-friendly — it’s dog-forward. From legendary hotels once owned by famous animal lovers to off-leash beaches and city-sponsored recognition of dog-centered art and writing, Carmel has built a reputation as one of the most […]
Dog Toilet Bowl Bolt Covers: The Unexpected Bathroom Upgrade Dog Lovers Love
If you live with dogs, you already know they don’t just share your home — they share every room in it, including the bathroom. That’s why one of the most unexpectedly charming dog-themed finds on Amazon right now is also one of the most practical: dog toilet bolt covers. They’re small, functional, easy to install […]
Dog Sayings, Demystified
What Popular Dog Phrases Really Mean — and Where They Came From Dogs have shaped human language for centuries. From folk wisdom and religious texts to literature and everyday conversation, dog sayings and idioms are woven deeply into how we communicate. Some expressions are affectionate, others outdated, and many reveal just how closely dogs have lived beside […]
Why Do Dogs Sniff Butts, Scratch after Potty, and Other Weird Habits
Here Are Answers and Insights to Many of Those Canine-related Questions If you’re a dog lover like me, you wish your pup could talk — even for just a few minutes — so you could find out what they’re really thinking. Since we can’t, I’ve gathered answers to some of the burning questions my fellow […]
Honoring Our Best Friends: A Beautiful Way to Remember Them
I want to share something that truly touched my heart. iHeartDogs.com – an incredible company I admire for their commitment to animal welfare – just launched a new online space called “The Rainbow Bridge” – a loving, free space where you can create a can create a FREE memorial for your dog who’s crossed the bridge – […]
The Best Dog Essentials on Wayfair: A Dog Mom’s Guide
Exciting Finds For a Happier, Calmer Home If you share your life with dogs, then you know the truth:our homes revolve around them — and we wouldn’t have it any other way. With my pack, Seven and Paige Turner, I’ve learned that the right dog items don’t just create a prettier home, they create a […]
The Best Dog-Friendly Wine Tasting in California’s San Luis Obispo County
Sipping With Furry Friends in Central California Wine Country Wine tasting with your dog in San Luis Obispo (SLO) County is one of the easiest ways to combine two of life’s great pleasures — exploring beautiful vineyards and adventuring with your best friend. Before Paige Turner joined our family, Seven was my one-and-only road-trip co-pilot, […]
Stress-Free Hotel Stays: Everything You Need to Know for Holiday Travel With Your Dog
With the holidays quickly approaching, many people are considering traveling with their furry family members. I say go for it! Whether you’re checking into a hotel or staying with relatives, traveling with dogs brings its own set of joys… and some amusing challenges. Over the years, I’ve stayed in countless hotels with my dogs, including […]
5 Best Indoor Dog Activities When the Weather Is Frightful
Rainy days, winter winds, and chilly evenings don’t mean the fun has to stop for you and your pup. When the weather outside is frightful, it’s the perfect time to get creative indoors — keeping your dog’s body active and mind engaged (and saving your sanity in the process!). Whether you’ve got a high-energy herder […]
Why Do Dogs Hoard Their Toys? Instinct, Comfort, and Control
My dogs, Paige Turner and Seven, are notorious hoarders. Paige Turner has a secret stash. Every few days, I find one of her favorite toys—sometimes the squeaky squirrel, sometimes the donut—neatly tucked away as if she’s saving it for later. Seven, on the other hand, prefers treats over toys, unless it’s his big boy ball. […]
Caring for Senior Dogs: Our Canine Kids Deserve the Best 🚗🐾
Don’t Leave Your Aging Dog Behind They may be getting older, but Seven (now 11) and Cousin Rosie (12) still love to go everywhere. Whether it’s a drive to the beach or a trip to the vet (yes, my dogs love their vet), they both hop into the car as if an adventure is just […]
Can Dogs Eat Nuts?
My House Rule: No. 🚫 Nuts That Are Bad for Dogs (and Why) Even though some nuts are technically “non-toxic,” most come with risks that outweigh any reward. Here’s a quick rundown of the most common ones and why they’re best left out of your dog’s bowl: ❌ Macadamia NutsAmong the most dangerous nuts for […]
10 Amazon Must-Haves Every Dog Owner Swears By
(From a lifelong dog mom and therapy-dog trainer on California’s Central Coast) I’ve been a dog lover all my life, but my serious journey into the dog world began in 2000, when I started training and competing in agility and volunteering with my first certified therapy dog. Since then, I’ve shared my home, heart, and […]
How To Get Your Dog To Wear a Halloween Costume
Including Hats, Sunglasses, and Goggles Halloween is a lot more “pawsome” when your dog is comfortable, safe, and happy to wear a Halloween dog costume. My pups—Seven and Paige Turner—weren’t born with an “I’ll wear a hat” gene; they learned it with reward-based dog training. Start now with short, positive sessions so your dog thinks […]
Is Your Dog Afraid Of Thunderstorms & Fireworks?
What to Do When the World Gets Loud The first boom is never the loudest, but it’s the one that takes my breath away. In my beach town, the sound can roll in from blocks away and still hit like a hammer. My Australian Shepherds, Seven and Paige Turner, go from relaxed to trembling in […]
Let’s Talk Dog Leashes
Connection, Clarity, and Control The right leash supports clear communication, keeping you and your dog confident and safe. A good leash is more than a tether. It’s a training tool, a safety device, and a language line between two nervous systems—yours and your dog’s. Fit, length, and material all shape how your walks feel and […]
Road-Tripping with Seven & Paige Turner
A Real-World Guide for Happy, Safe Miles Taking your dogs on a road trip takes planning. Even I must prepare, although my 2020 Subaru Crosstrek is outfitted like a dog wagon all the time, with one rear seat folded flat, a big cargo bed, and a spill-proof water bowl for Seven and Paige Turner. When […]
The Hidden Danger of Tennis Balls for Dogs
Tennis balls and fabric-covered dog balls can grind down teeth faster than you think. I learned this the hard way with my Australian Shepherd, Seven. What Happened to Seven During the COVID-19 pandemic, Seven carried a smallish, fabric-covered soccer ball everywhere. I called it his “emotional support ball” and encouraged the habit because it was […]
Celebrate Canine Companions in St. Johnsbury, Vermont
A Dog-Friendly Journey Through History and Natural Beauty When it comes to dog-friendly travel destinations in New England, few places compare to the charm and warmth of St. Johnsbury, Vermont. Nestled in the state’s picturesque Northeast Kingdom, this historic town has become a beacon for dog lovers thanks to its crown jewel: Dog Mountain. Although […]
Doggy Summer Vacation in Mammoth Lakes
by Seven 🐾 For my family, summer is the season for one of our favorite traditions: our annual road trip to Mammoth Lakes, California. Each year, Mom loads up the car, and I, along with my little sister Paige Turner, get cozy in the backseat, dreaming of the mountain air and wide-open trails that lie […]
Dog-Friendly Morro Bay: A Pawsome Adventure Awaits!
A Coastal Sanctuary for Me and My Dogs Every summer, while fireworks boom across Santa Barbara and send my dogs into hiding, I pack up the car and head north with Seven and Paige Turner for our annual tradition—a getaway to dog-friendly Morro Bay. It’s the one place we can count on for peace, ocean […]
Dog-Friendly Redding, CA: Outdoor Adventures for You and Your Furry Friend
If you’re seeking the perfect getaway with your pup, dog-friendly Redding, California, is the place to be. Known as a haven for outdoor lovers, Redding has more sunny days annually than anywhere else in the state. With year-round sunshine, picturesque landscapes, and countless adventure opportunities, this dog-friendly Northern California city is ideal for travelers who […]
The Ones Who Were Silenced: A Birthday Tribute To My Dog, Seven
The Ones Who Were Silenced: A Birthday Tribute to My Dog, Seven Tomorrow, my dog Seven turns 11. He doesn’t bark. He can’t. He was de-barked by a breeder when he was just a show dog—silenced, not for misbehavior, but because his voice was inconvenient. That kind of forced quiet hits close to home. Because […]
Crate Your Dog
The Importance of Crate Training Your Dog: Creating a Safe Haven Crate training often gets a bad rap, with many people viewing it as a form of imprisonment for their furry companions. However, when done correctly, crate training can provide numerous benefits for both dogs and their owners. From creating a safe space for your […]
Bliss in Redding, CA
Redding, California stands as a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, boasting more sunny days per year than any other place in the state. It’s a perfect destination for those looking to combine thrilling adventures with laid-back, sun-soaked outings—all with your furry family member in tow. At Dog Travel Gear, we’re excited to guide you through the […]