Dog-Friendly Travel Guide
Travel with a dog changes how you plan everything: the routes, the lodging, the pace, and the gear you carry.
This section brings together the posts that have helped me most, from long drives and trail prep to paddling, training, and destination ideas.
Start Here
Browse all posts
Essential Dog Road Trip Tips for Long Distances
Dog road trip tips for long-distance drives, including route planning, work-on-the-road logistics, safety precautions, and gear I actually use.
Is a Shikoku the Ultimate Hiking Dog? An Honest Assessment
An honest look at whether a Shikoku Ken makes a good hiking dog, based on years of trail experience, gear testing, and real temperament tradeoffs.
Living and Adventuring with a Reactive Dog: Tips and Strategies
How I manage life and adventures with my reactive Shikoku, Sora: choosing quiet trails, muzzle and leash tools, off-leash dog encounters, and self-compassion.
Visiting Zion National Park with your Dog
Dog-friendly Zion planning tips, including where to stay, when to go, what trails dogs can actually do, and how to make the trip smoother.
Learning how to Paddleboard with Dogs
Step-by-step tips for kayaking with your dog, from introducing water and gear to building confidence on short paddles before bigger adventures.
Tips for Photography with your Dog
My tips for photographing your dog: continuous autofocus, tripods and remotes, long leashes, high-value treats, and simple Photoshop leash removal.
More to Read
Everything you Need to Know for Raising your first Shikoku Puppy
What 6 years of raising Sora, my Shikoku Ken, taught me about socialization, prey drive, reactivity, and why this rare Japanese breed isn't for everyone.
Favorite Dog Brands
The dog brands I trust for my Shikoku, Sora: Ruffwear harnesses and life vests, Banded Pines collars, Stella & Chewy's raw food, and the Impact crate.
Preparing for a Puppy
How I prepared to bring home my Shikoku puppy after 1.5 years on a breeder waitlist: crate and playpen setup, pet insurance, toys, and training prep.