This past weekend we headed to Colorado with both dogs. It is nice to take a break from all canine obligations so a lot of times we take vacations without our dogs - but this time was different.
I have to say that it was one of the most fun vacations I have had in a long time. Yes, there is lots of management when traveling with pups: constant door privileges to go pee, making sure dogs are not barking when in the hotel room, negotiating meals with temperatures in the car where the dogs remain while we dine, etc. But in spite of the extra work, it was well worth it.
We spent our first night in a hotel next to the Animas River and we took nice, easy strolls. We headed to this amazing dog park that was huge (a very important element in dog parks BTW). In addition the park was boarded by the river on one side, massive tall cliffs on the other, which prevents even the most audacious dog from taking a run out of the park. On our first visit to the park we got soaked- totally soaked but that was also fun.
Vacations are not only crucial for the two legged, but if planned carefully, with the well-being of the dogs in mind there are also excellent opportunities to broaden their horizons.
Case in point: I am meeting up with John and we take a flight of stairs that are metal and graded. Rio barely noticed that these stairs were not “typical” stairs as she rushed to get to the top. Deuce, on the other hand, looked “suspicious”… What??? We are going up on these stairs??? I gently coaxed him as he placed each paw down carefully. When he and I made it to the top of the stairs, we had a mini-celebration for a job well done.
Next, comes the bike-with-your-pooch adventure. I was not 100 % on board with this… Yes, I am the cautious one in the family, but John assured me that we would take it slow and make sure the dogs were having fun and not exuding themselves too much - especially because we want to make sure that Deuce’s knee is not giving him any troubles.
Off we went in a tandem bike! It took us a couple of minutes to teach the dogs to stay on our right side and to pace themselves.
We practiced left turns and right turns as well as walking and cantering.
Throughout our vacation Rio was unstoppable. Ready to go every single time after a moments rest. Then again they both learned that being in the hotel room meant that they needed to use "their inside voices” - as our friends Robin & Lisa have taught their own dog.
I guess traveling with dogs is in many ways similar to the joy parents of kids experience when their child engages with joy in something new. Seeing Deuce and Rio enjoying the views out the car window, rolling on the hotel bed in glee (mud or no mud on their paws - good thing I brought a blanket that we could spread on the bed in hopes of being invited again). To top it all, seeing Rio jumping in the river after a hot walk in the park just about made my day.
Deuce also surprised us by wading in the water after seeing oh how much fun Rio was having while trying to catch the small rocks I was throwing for her in the water.
The vacation is over now… but we have begun planning our next one. This one too, with dogs on board.
I have to say that it was one of the most fun vacations I have had in a long time. Yes, there is lots of management when traveling with pups: constant door privileges to go pee, making sure dogs are not barking when in the hotel room, negotiating meals with temperatures in the car where the dogs remain while we dine, etc. But in spite of the extra work, it was well worth it.
We spent our first night in a hotel next to the Animas River and we took nice, easy strolls. We headed to this amazing dog park that was huge (a very important element in dog parks BTW). In addition the park was boarded by the river on one side, massive tall cliffs on the other, which prevents even the most audacious dog from taking a run out of the park. On our first visit to the park we got soaked- totally soaked but that was also fun.
Vacations are not only crucial for the two legged, but if planned carefully, with the well-being of the dogs in mind there are also excellent opportunities to broaden their horizons.
Case in point: I am meeting up with John and we take a flight of stairs that are metal and graded. Rio barely noticed that these stairs were not “typical” stairs as she rushed to get to the top. Deuce, on the other hand, looked “suspicious”… What??? We are going up on these stairs??? I gently coaxed him as he placed each paw down carefully. When he and I made it to the top of the stairs, we had a mini-celebration for a job well done.
Next, comes the bike-with-your-pooch adventure. I was not 100 % on board with this… Yes, I am the cautious one in the family, but John assured me that we would take it slow and make sure the dogs were having fun and not exuding themselves too much - especially because we want to make sure that Deuce’s knee is not giving him any troubles.
Off we went in a tandem bike! It took us a couple of minutes to teach the dogs to stay on our right side and to pace themselves.
We practiced left turns and right turns as well as walking and cantering.
Throughout our vacation Rio was unstoppable. Ready to go every single time after a moments rest. Then again they both learned that being in the hotel room meant that they needed to use "their inside voices” - as our friends Robin & Lisa have taught their own dog.
I guess traveling with dogs is in many ways similar to the joy parents of kids experience when their child engages with joy in something new. Seeing Deuce and Rio enjoying the views out the car window, rolling on the hotel bed in glee (mud or no mud on their paws - good thing I brought a blanket that we could spread on the bed in hopes of being invited again). To top it all, seeing Rio jumping in the river after a hot walk in the park just about made my day.
Deuce also surprised us by wading in the water after seeing oh how much fun Rio was having while trying to catch the small rocks I was throwing for her in the water.
The vacation is over now… but we have begun planning our next one. This one too, with dogs on board.
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