Author: Your Pal Cal

Off Leash Dog Training: How we taught our dog to walk nicely in the city

Posted on by Your Pal Cal
labrador retriever is standing off leash in the middle of a pathway of trees
Training your dog not to pull at the leash is a basic requirement for a harmonious relationship with your dog.  Leash training is a great way to work on your dog’s manners and the results are so worth it.  Off leash dog training is the next steps to take your training to the next level. If your dog is walking nicely next to you, you will feel AMAZING.
Picture this: you’re walking down the city streets surrounded by chaos, honking horns, barking dogs, lots of people. You look down to your left, and your dog is right there – not one step in front or one step behind you. It’s as if there was an invisible string connecting you. You feel his presence and warmth. He’s stopping with you, starting with you – he is part of your every move. It feels like you are in a movie scene where all the focus is on you and the rest of the sounds just fade away. 

Succeeding at off leash K9 training

If this is one of your training goals, then read on for what worked for us and how we trained this with professionals. For our family, training was our top goal – we live a busy, sometimes hectic life in a big city so our dogs need to be disciplined to stay in sync with us. Additionally, our dogs have certain service dog tasks that require them to be off leash at times. Achieving “off leash freedom” has no impact on whether or not you are a worthy dog owner. We like to add this disclaimer because we do not want people to feel guilty for not teaching their dogs certain behaviors, that is not our intention.  Every dog fits into its family in a different way and we each have different priorities for the relationship we have with our dog. Some dogs are meant to pull forward with momentum to help their handler. Drug dogs are supposed to be constantly looking for a new sniff. Some breeds excel at agility and others love to work.  Hunting dogs need to be able to go after a bird to bring it back. The list of potential things our dogs may do goes on and on, so the most important thing is setting up your individual goals.
We did work with professionals and are NOT trainers so please consult with professionals first. Additionally, unless your dog has a specific job that requires it to be off leash please check with leash laws in your area.
dog standing off leash in front of red trees

Off leash dog training: What we mean by “off leash”

 Off leash in this post means something different than a dog running around in a grassy field without a leash on- It doesn’t mean allowing the dog to do its own thing on the sidewalk. A wandering off leash dog may be under control but it is not under the same level of control as a dog that is stuck to your heel.  In this post, “off leash” is more of a concept that means that the dog is so in tune with its handler that it’s not clear that there is nothing physically connecting the two. Calvin ALWAYS wears a 9-12 inch traffic handle on his collar that is at arm’s length in case it needs to be held. Even with a long leash he stays at the heel so we prefer the 9-12 inch handle so we don’t have extra leash dangling at our side. We hold it most of the time, but not to keep him controlled.

Setting yourself up for success with OFF leash training – first make sure your dog is trained to walk perfectly while ON leash

This post assumes that the dog is already well trained and walking perfectly while ON leash. See our posts about cracking the walk and training with the gentle leader before this. Hopefully you can find some useful resources on our site about training your puppy.
  • 100% consistency and commitment: This type of goal isn’t like going to the gym after New Years because the truth is that it cannot be achieved without 100% consistency. The dog can’t ‘sometimes’ ignore other dogs on the street or ‘sometimes’ not chase birds.
  • Boundaries: This type of training goal isn’t for dogs that do not have boundaries with their handlers. In other words, dogs who run their home won’t be able to do this since they have no real reason to listen to their handler if they run the house (totally cool if that is the nature of your relationship with your dog but it won’t work for achieving this particular goal).
  • There are no shortcuts: A dog who doesn’t already heel perfectly while connected to a leash on a flat collar, wait at doorways, stop at crosswalks won’t be any better when there is no leash connecting you….In fact, they’ll walk right into the street. There’s no going from 0 to 60 overnight.
  • Patience: We NEVER thought this day would come. It wasn’t even our goal until we realized how we had already been setting Calvin up for success for months. At the end of the summer 2018 we noticed that he spent his leash time with his eyes glued to us and that’s when we realized all the things that had led us to that point. Here’s how….

dog wearing a red striped polo in the fall time

How we taught our dog to walk nicely

Again, this is how we were able to succeed with the help of professionals, but every dog is different and has different needs.

  1. A rock solid “leave it” with your dog – Ultimate success comes down to a solid, no treat “leave it” where the dog immediately redirects with eye contact after one command. We realized that this had been proofed when Calvin  began immediately looking to us when he saw interesting items on the street.
  2. Getting the dog to listen without treats – We used treats for things like sidewalk boundaries but weaned off of them once taught. Treats won’t keep your dog from bolting if they see something more awesome – Treats won’t work as bribery when something better comes along.  The training school we worked with abided by the policy that “leave it” and “heel” were non-negotiable proper behaviors, and therefore no treats.  This is what worked for us even though we respect that many people do it differently.
  3. Removing prey drive from the dog – Labs are hunting dogs. They LOVE birds. Can your dog walk through a flock of pigeons and keep their eyes focused on you without treats? That’s what will need to happen for this goal. As a puppy, Calvin once chased a bird at the beach almost to the parking lot. That was when we realized we had to train him to ignore his potential prey. There are birds all over the city….mice, rats, and squirrels are also not uncommon. Calvin’s purpose is not as a hunting dog, so there was no need for him to care about chasing potential prey.
  4. No on leash dog greetings – EVER. Literally Never. I’d like to keep it at that but I’ll elaborate. There are many, many reasons why someone would want to avoid having their dog greet other dogs while on leash – Reactivity, working service dog, needing to get somewhere….ect. Calvin is great with on-leash greetings when they are unwillingly forced upon us so our decision has nothing to do with behavior.  If your dog gets enough socialization time when at the park or in a play environment, it doesn’t need to stop and sniff everyone on the street. Dogs are not great generalizers (Calvin definitely isn’t) – they won’t understand why they need to ignore some dogs but not others. We made it our rule very early on to never allow on leash greetings so that Calvin would learn to absolutely ignore other dogs outside of playtime. If you are someone who gets offended when dog owners walk right past you and ignore your cute pup, don’t be offended. There are many personal reasons that people do not allow on leash greetings and a great pet peeve of ours is when we see strangers going out of their way to force the dogs to meet. A plus side of having a dog that ignores others when outside is that you can have lots of great walks with other Service Dog and Guide Dog handlers since both dogs can walk side by side entirely ignoring each other! We’ve had a great time getting to know members of our neighborhood this way. Your dog can’t be off leash if it runs up and rushes to other dogs….there are more reasons than we can count for why this but the biggest is common sense and decency. Your dog can’t be successful off leash if it thinks that walk time is socialization time.
  5. Human Greetings need an “OK” – The other day we were walking on the street and someone called out to Calvin. He looked at me first and the woman said “thats so cute your dog is asking for permission.” I gave Calvin the “OK” and he got some head scratches. We love sharing Calvin with ALL humans and as part of his therapy dog training we worked on only allowing him to say hi if given permission. We always give him permission for this but first he must wait for the “OK”. There are a few reasons this rule is so important. First, some people don’t like dogs coming up to them and that must be respected. Second, if your dog is off leash, its focus is on you, not others.  Imagine walking down the street and having your dog run off to bother a passerby. Nope. Not ok for this training goal.
  6. Off leash training the dog means no stepping ahead – If your dog walks ahead of you or ever tugs at the leash you aren’t ready to work on “off-leash”. First, the dog needs to be able to walk as if off leash while attached to the leash. That’s all I’m going to say about this.
  7. Sidewalk Boundaries – This is a necessary part of all training for Guide Dogs for the Blind but something that can be taught to others dogs as well. The dog must know where the sidewalk ends so they do not ever overstep into the street.
  8. Immediate stay, stop, go – Abrupt stops are very common: Driveways, crosswalks, crowds. There isn’t time for delay with these commands. If the dog is in tune with how you are walking, you won’t even need to say anything.  If necessary, they need to be able to immediately stop on command without walking ahead of you.
  9. The dog becomes your shadow, literally – He’s glued to my heel to the point where I can almost feel his warmth and that’s right where I like him. We know that many people have different leash expectations but for our big city purposes, a perfect heel is necessary.
  10. Teach the dog to go to the bathroom on command – Potty training a puppy already seems hard enough but teaching potty on command is super useful. If your dog can stop for potty whenever they want, this will disrupt the harmony you have while walking off leash. We have designated sniff and potty time when we go on walks but the rest of the time is back to the heel.
Our commitment to our “off leash” goal has been one of the most rewarding parts of our relationship with our dogs. We move together, make constant eye contact, and feel the rest of the world fade away while we are out on our walks. We get stopped at crosswalks at least once a day by people who have been watching us walk down the street. They’ll ask “HOW?” Hopefully some of our “rules to live by” will help you achieve your goals.
I only listen to mom though. Cheers!
Your Pal Cal
dog holding a red leash while wearing an orange and red bandana
labrador sitting while off leash in a striped red and white polo at stanford university
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Frozen Homemade Dog Treats

Posted on by Your Pal Cal
dog biscuits made at home
Homemade dog treats are quick and easy! You can easily put together a limited ingredient dog treat in your kitchen! There’s a lot of talk about grain free dog treats and limited ingredient dog treats being potentially healthier. We make many of our dog treats at home by mixing up random ingredients for a quick snack. Enjoy these 10 quick and easy recipes. Hopefully you’ll find that homemade dog biscuits are just as enjoyable for Fido. Be sure to check out our page on homemade dehydrated dog treats for more!

Homemade frozen dog treats: Tips and tricks for Doggie Cookies

  • You can turn any dog friendly ingredient into frozen dog treats with a blender or food processor. Always make sure that the ingredients are safe for dogs.
  • Silicone trays work best to remove the treats from the trays
  • Add water in small increments for a less thick consistency. This helps when filling the trays.
  • Be sure to remove seeds and rinds before blending as some can be bad for dogs. Also remember that added ingredients like onion, garlic, and xylitol should be avoided.
  • Despite their healing properties, Fruits contain a lot of natural sugar, so keep fruits for a fun treat. As always, treats a best enjoyed in moderation.
  • If your pup appears to have a sensitivity, discontinue treats and call your vet if needed.

Essentials

Without further ado here are 10 homemade dog treats….

1. Frozen Peanut Butter and Banana

Who doesn’t want a homemade peanut butter dog treat? Blend a few bananas with 1/2 cup of peanut butter and 1/2 cup plain yogurt.  Make sure the peanut butter does not have any additional ingredients like xylitol which is dangerous for dogs. To make the peanut butter easier to blend, place it in a bowl and microwave for about 25 seconds. Do not put the entire PB container in the microwave as it often has metallic foil (been there, done that…explosion). Blend, fill trays, then freeze.

2. Cantaloupe Froyo

Nonfat, plain, no sugar added yogurt makes a great dog treat….frozen or non frozen. Cantaloupe offers extra antioxidants & vitamins.  It is also known to help with inflammation. Make sure to remove the seeds and rinds before blending. Blend the inside of the cantaloupe with 1/2-1 cup of yogurt. Fill trays, and freeze.
homemade frozen dog treats

3. Pumpkin Froyo

Blend nonfat plain yogurt with pumpkin puree and freeze. Plain yogurt contains probiotics, and pumpkin is great for digestion. We use a pumpkin to yogurt ratio of 2:1. We feed a scoop of pumpkin with every meal and buy it in bulk here.
homemade peanut butter pumpkin dog treats
limited ingredient pumpkin dog treats

4. Watermelon Refresher

Watermelon is a great low calorie and delicious snack. Scoop out the inside of a small watermelon and add to food processor or blender. Add 1 can coconut milk, then blend.  If you do not have coconut milk, you can use plain nonfat yogurt, water or a small amount of coconut oil if desired. Fill tray, then freeze.
watermelon is safe for dogs

5. Berry Good Treats

Blend 1 cup frozen berries, 1/2 cup melted coconut oil, 1/2 cup of nonfat plain yogurt in a blender or food processor.  We use blueberries, strawberries, blackberries, or raspberries depending on what we have available. If the consistency is too thick, add water in small increments to adjust consistency. Fill trays and freeze.

6. Broccoli Greens Dog Breath Mints

Turns out that some greens are great for our pups AND can help their breath. Throw a few broccoli florets, a handful of fresh parsley, and a stalk of fresh mint leaves into the food processor with 1/2 cup of melted coconut oil (or 1 full can of coconut milk). The coconut oil helps the coat and the greens will help their breath. Add an extra 1/2 cup plain yogurt for a creamier consistency.  Fill trays, freeze and enjoy.  Your dog may not like eating their veggies, but once you add some yogurt or coconut oil, they’ll be begging for more.
dog breath mints - eliminate bad dog breath

7. Spinach Carrot Veggie Boost

Your dog can finally enjoy green smoothies with you (yum!). Spinach is a super food for humans AND dogs…the trick is getting fido to accept the greens. Pour a handful of spinach spinach, carrots, and bone broth into a food processor blender. Fill trays and freeze.

8. Frozen Baby Food Dog Treats

Baby food treats are the easiest to make…all you have to do is scoop and freeze! Limited ingredient baby food is great for dogs – babies have sensitive stomachs and eat simple foods which makes for great dog treats. Pick up some Gerber’s baby food from your local supermarket or order it online here. Any baby food will do, just make sure that it does not have added onions or garlic. Fill your silicone trays and freeze, that’s it! We love all dog friendly flavors; chicken, beef, apple, banana, sweet potato, ect

9. Homemade Pumpkin Banana Bread Dog Treat Blend

Scoop some pumpkin puree and a few bananas into a blender. For an added crunch, you can add 1/4 cup of rolled oats. Blend until smooth and add increments of 1/4 cup water if consistency is too thick.  Fill trays and freeze.

10. Frozen Broth with a Crunch

We mix Calvin’s kibble with dog friendly broth and then freeze it in a silicon tray for bite sized treats.  We fill half of the tray with kibble and then top it off with broth to help the kibble stick together. Dog friendly broth can be found online by brands such as Honest Kitchen. We’ve been loving the Honest Kitchen pour overs lately. If your pup has any food allergies, Honest Kitchen has broth available in all different types and flavors. If you are buying broth in the supermarket, make sure that there are no added ingredients like onion or garlic – This can be hard to find.
Happy Pupsicles!
-Your Pal Cal
 
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Come, Sit, Stay: Train Your Dog to “Stay”

Posted on by Your Pal Cal
dog doing the stay command while wearing a blue plaid dog bandana

Teach a Dog to Stay: Training Your Dog to Stay

Training your dog to stay reliably is a great way to enhance their training. You can start teaching a puppy to “stay” as soon as it comes home. Once your dog masters the “stay” command, it will be able to stay through distractions and for as long as you want. The “stay” command isn’t too glamorous but is one of our most frequently used commands. Today, we’re going to look into the “Stay” command and how we proofed it to teach our dogs to stay with distractions.  This post assumes that the dog already knows a basic sit, stay, come. We found that the hardest part about teaching stay is using it in the real world and extending it to long periods of time. We can practice “stay” at home but out in the real world it is important to proof the command around distractions and not have to be concerned that the dog may get up once we’ve told them to stay.

When To Use Stay

Stay is a versatile command – when mastered, it is useful everywhere and the dog knows not to move until released. Stay can be taught to mean different things, so we will only be sharing how we use it. We use stay to indicate to Calvin that we don’t want him to move until he has an “ok.”  Stay is generally taught with the handler walking away from the dog – but in reality, we only use that example when we fly at the airport. Our most common use for stay is for Calvin to plant himself wherever we ask, even if we are remaining next to him.
Here are some of the ways that we use “stay”: At pet friendly stores, Calvin will “stay” at my feet as I sift through racks of clothing without sniffing around or exploring. At the office, Calvin will “stay” under the desk until released.  At home or restaurants, Calvin will “stay” on his bed during human meals. At crosswalks, Calvin will “stay” in place until it’s time to move. Of course, we can’t forget that Calvin holds a “stay” for every photo we take. We weren’t as concerned with Calvin doing a “Down Stay” vs. a “Sit Stay” – we don’t really care if he’s sitting or lying down as long as he isn’t moving. The actual position is up to him, and we are ok with that. Everyone’s needs are different, so for some people this distinction is important.
photo of san francisco from the top of bernal heights off leash dog park
dog running with human down the hill

Teaching your dog to stay for a long time

Once you can walk away from your pup while they are holding a stay, it’s time to take the command to the next level.  The next level means your pup will only need to be told one time and you will be able to go about your activities (including leaving the room) without them moving.

What you need

  1. Understanding of the basic stay command with a release word
  2. A Mat or towel
  3. High value treats
  4. A leash

Get Started & Practice

You will start small but eventually build up endurance so that your pup can hold an indefinite stay.
Find a way to fit practice into your daily activities and use a mat or towel to indicate where your pup needs to stay. Some good times to practice are when you are getting ready in the morning, preparing food, or during human meals. Weave the practice into your daily life – If you have a consistent practice schedule, your pup will soon master the command.

Corrections

When your dog breaks a stay, bring them back to their mat and repeat the command “stay.” Do not reward them if they have broken the stay. If you find that you need too many corrections, go back to holding the stay for a short period of time (1 minute). Another option is to use a leash to restrict the dog to a certain area so they cannot break the stay.
dog using the command stay in front of a city landscape

Build up training your dog to stay for a longer

You won’t be able to go from a basic stay to 30 minutes overnight. Practice in increments until the command is mastered. Start with holding a stay for 1 minute….then 5……10…..15 ect.

Master the “Stay” Command

Check off all these scenarios to proof your prolonged stay:
  1. Hold a stay in a pet friendly store around distractions, loud noises, and passersby
  2. Hold a stay for 45 minutes at home while the humans go about with their daily life
  3. Hold a stay at a restaurant (pet friendly patio)
  4. Hold a stay during human meals at home
  5. Hold a stay outside a coffee shop (make sure you can always keep an eye on your pet)
  6. Hold a stay for 1 minute, 5 minutes, 10 minutes, 30 minutes, 1 hour
  7. Throw a toy or food around your dog while they are holding their stay
  8. Hold a stay on the street while other dogs walk by

Enjoy your stay
-Your Pal Cal

training a dog to stay with a city landscape behind him

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FAQ: Gentle Leader Dog Training

Posted on by Your Pal Cal
the gentler leader and dog leash connected under the chin

Training Your Dog to Use the Gentle Leader Head Collar

The gentle leader head collar (GL) can be best described as a training collar used to reinforce proper leash walking and distraction training. The dog is able to fully open their mouth and therefore the gentle leader does not stop biting or barking. Even though it can be used for dogs with mild behavioral issues that is not its main purpose and will not help for major behavior issues. The gentle leader can be purchased on Amazon or any Pet Store (our dogs wear a size Medium). We have tried the gentle leader vs. the easy walk harness and decided we prefer the gentle leader for our dogs. Here are the most frequently asked questions about the Gentle Leader for dogs…

Does the gentle leader work for barking? Does he bite?
Nope! and Nope! The GL will not control an aggressive dog or a dog with major behavior issues.

How do you put a gentle leader on a dog?
The GL strap attach behind the ears. The loop goes over the snout. The leash attaches at the loop under the snout. Pulling on the leash tightens the snout strap and deters unwanted behavior.

Is the gentle leader a good tool for my dog? 
Dogs will respond differently to training tools so there’s no right answer to this question. The GL worked for us but we know that some people prefer other tools for training.

Why did you choose the gentle leader?
A few Reasons….but we would first like to preface that not all training methods work for every dog and that we respect different training choices.

Skin Irritation: the skin under Calvin’s armpits is the most sensitive part of his body. He has very little hair there and it is constantly getting infected even without his harness on. We have tried countless harnesses….hundreds of dollars later, only the GL keeps his skin from getting irritated.
Best Results: for US the GL had the best results out of all training tools we have tried. We were introduced to it by a professional trainer and have found that in San Francisco it is often the tool of choice because it does not hurt the dog but can be extremely effective. Within 4 weeks Calvin was able to pass the CGC test WITHOUT the GL.
Reinforce Boundaries: The GL allows us as handlers to reinforce boundaries. It is a reminder that he needs to look to us for guidance and cannot focus on the distractions around him.
Pressure off the Neck: We wanted to minimize any pressure on the neck and potential trachea issues. When a lab gets stubborn…they don’t care how much pressure is applied.

Which gentle leader do you use?
We use the PetSafe quick release in size Medium and the Comfort Trainer in size 3 . You can also search for a “Halti” or “Head Collar” these use loops instead of a plastic clips and are more heavy duty.

What are the top use cases for the gentle leader?
When used correctly, the gentle leader is great for teaching proper leash etiquette and perfecting the leave it command. As a result, the dog is more focused while waiting for its handlers next directions.

How do you train with the gentle leader?
Like all training tools, the gentle leader does not automatically fix behavior. Rather, it is a tool that should be used to enforce proper behavior. The gentle leader is used with a leash correction – when the dog walks ahead or is fixated on a distraction, quickly pop the leash towards you with your correction word. The leash pop in your direction refocuses the dog’s attention towards you (the handler). This reinforces that the dog does not have the autonomy to pull at the leash or stay focused on a distraction – rather they should always be checking in with their handler. Focusing on thei handler is now a non-negotiable behavior!
Our walking etiquette command is “heel” + leash pop as soon as Calvin takes more than 2 steps ahead of us. Our distraction command is “leave it” + leash pop. Give the dog a chance to correct themselves before popping the leash. With time you will find that you no longer need the correction, just the command. Without using a correction and word, the dog will be confused as to why they are being corrected.

How long do you need to use it for good results?
We saw significant results after one month, and then continue to see better behavior everytime we use it. Now, we use the GL for 50% of outings, at the airport, and the office. During evaluations, like the Canine Good Citizen Test, dogs are not allowed to use any training tools.  After one month, Calvin was able to pass without using the GL.

How do you get your dog comfortable with the gentle  leader? Does he like it?
The answer is no….your dog won’t like the GL. He may become indifferent to it but if asked to choose, no dog would choose the GL! The truth is, dogs don’t like giving up control and that is precisely what the GL does. It took a few weeks for Calvin to stop pawing at his face but he eventually did. Sometimes, he will still rub his snout on things. People who use the GL will agree that it’s not always about what the dog wants, but what is best for structure, training and good behavior. A dog that is allowed to do whatever it wants and pull at the leash is still a great dog but it’s a dog who runs its household.

How do you size the gentle leader?
Like a harness, the GL is fully adjustable. Our dogs wear a Gentle Leader size Medium. Ideally, you should be able to fit two fingers behind the head strap and the snout loop should be lose enough to slide to the tip of the nose without being able to fully slide off.

Can he still open his mouth?
If your GL is sized correctly, the dog should be able to entirely open their mouth, hold balls, and pant.

Do you get weird looks outside?
Everyday…but the GL has been getting more popular. We like to joke that you can tell how dog friendly a town is by how many people are familiar with the gentle leader. Lucky for you, it’s no one’s business what training tool you use or how much you choose to train your dog. As our social media account has grown, we get a lot of comments about how we should do things. Dog raising, kid raising, and life in general is no one’s business so just do whatever works best for you. We choose the GL and dog training is important to our lifestyle but entirely understand that some people do not prioritize the same things. You do you!

Do people stop you less on the street?
Yep! Calvin socializes with humans and other dogs all day long. He meets up with friends at the park and beach – on the street, we actually prefer being able to go about with our life without constant stoping. We do not let Calvin have on leash greetings, and he has learned to ignore when strangers call out to him if we tell him to leave it. All of these learned behaviors are thanks to the GL! The added benefit is that that GL does make people less likely to approach your dog, so it becomes easier to teach the dog how to ignore crowds and other dogs!

How do you explain the gentle leader to strangers?
We tell strangers that GL is a training tool best used for leash etiquette and pulling. It does not have to do with barking or biting and he is as friendly as they come.

How do you educate people when they ask “Does he bite”?
“Nope, never….but he could if he wanted!” Is our go to joke and then we will show them how Calvin’s mouth can open all the way with the GL on. If the stranger is being particularly rude, we do not entertain them with our time and just say “no” and walk away. Don’t put up with rudeness about how you choose to train your dog!
the gentle leader is great for dog training. the gentle leader is different from the easy walk harness.
Good Luck with the GL
-Your Pal Cal
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Pet Friendly Activities with your dog in Mammoth Lakes, CA

Posted on by Your Pal Cal
dog friendly activities in mammoth

Pet Friendly Places in Mammoth Lakes, CA

There are so many dog friendly activities in Mammoth Lakes! We love visiting Mammoth Lakes with the dogs and are always blown away by how pet friendly the entire area of Mammoth is. Many hotels in Mammoth are dog friendly and so are the hikes and trails. Be sure to check out all the mammoth hiking trails with your dogs! Mammoth Lakes is a small town along California’s Eastern Sierra mountains. Mammoth is part of the Inyo National Forest, not the National Park system like Yosemite is. Being part of the National Forest makes the area a lot more dog friendly than its nearby neighbor Yosemite. Mammoth is a fun year round destination for the whole family. The area is home to over 100 crystal clear lakes and known for its story-book backdrops.
dog friendly mono lake

When to Visit Mammoth with your Dogs

Mammoth has done a great job staying relevant year round. We aren’t into winter sports so we visited in September. Nighttime temperatures were chilly but we were comfortable in shorts during the day. During the summer, winter sports are replaced by world class mountain biking, hiking, and swimming.

Mammoth Hotels are Dog Friendly! (mostly)

Camping is always pet friendly but sites need to be booked a few months in advance. We camped at Oh Ridge campground right on June Lake. Then, we stayed at Edelweiss Lodge in town. Overall, we found that most lodges in mammoth were pet friendly.

How Dog Friendly is Mammoth Lakes?

Mammoth Lakes gets our top pet friendly rating! Not only were most accodmations open to pets, but every dog we ran into was friendly and well socialized. There were few leash rules and dogs were able to swim freely in all the lakes. For pets who are reactive or not friendly with children, the pet friendly environment may be an issue. Expect many children and on leash greetings. This is something to keep in mind for more sensitive dogs.

The Town of Mammoth Lakes

Mammoth Lakes has a town center with a ski village, great food, and cute shops. The town is more touristy than the lake campsites. We have many favorite places to eat in the area. For a brewery/community style experience with outdoor seating and lawn games, The Eatery is a great choice – Pet and kid friendly, plus great food with fast service. For dessert, HUGS ice cream will satisfy your sweet tooth. Our favorite breakfast stop is The Warming Hut which also offers ample outdoor seating for dogs. Black Velvet Coffee is the best coffee you’ll find in Mammoth and great for a quick caffeine boost. For a more unique set of food choices, Toomey’s is a good option (but more pricey). For lunch items like artisanal sandwiches, check out Bleu Handcrafted Foods.
the warming hut in mammoth lakes, california hugs ice cream at the village in mammoth lakes bleu handcrafted foods sign in mammoth lakes

Map of Pet Friendly Mammoth Lakes & Trails

Mammoth Adventure Center. Is Devil’s Postpile Dog Friendly?

The center of Mammoth Lakes boasts one of North America’s best recreation centers. We visited in the summer, when Mammoth Mountain is converted into a mountain bike path – the path is clearly carved out and we saw many children biking down from 11,000 feet. The base of the recreation center has children’s activities, a gift shop, access to the Mammoth Mountain trailhead, the gondola, and shuttles to the Devil’s Postpile trailhead to Rainbow Falls. This area IS a tourist attraction so prepare for crowds – the rest of the Mammoth area is quieter.

Devils Postpile to Rainbow Falls – Devils Postpile National Monument is a unique basalt rock formation in the Red Meadows Valley. From the monument you can hike to Rainbow Falls on the San Joaquin River Valley. The mist from the falls turn rainbow in the afternoon sun. The hike is 4.5 miles, with slight elevation and will take a few hours to complete. To get to the Devils Postpile Monument during the summer months you must take a shuttle bus from the Mammoth Mountain Adventure Center (you can drive up yourself if you arrive before 7am). This creates a few complications:
The crowds
From Noom – 3 PM the wait for the shuttle bus was about 1 hour. By 3pm you could just walk up to the bus. The bus comes by every 15-20 minutes.
Pets on the Mammoth Shuttle Bus
The monument and the trail are pet friendly. HOWEVER the bus system has a rule that ALL dogs must be muzzled while on the bus no matter how friendly they are. They have muzzles for sale at the shop for 10 dollars and they enforce this rule very strictly. Once off the bus, the muzzle can be removed. Our bus tickets were $8 each.

The Mammoth Mountain Gondola is Dog Friendly – Dogs can go on the Gondola to the top of Mammoth Mountain. Gondola tickets cost  $35 each but are free on the way down if you hike to the top (11,053 ft). This is a tourist trap for sure, although the view is great and we fell for it.

Minaret Vista – Before heading out of the recreation center, you can check out the Minaret Vista for a scenic lookout over the Sierra Nevada valley.

Other Dog Friendly Activities in Mammoth

Wild Willy’s Hot Springs – The Mammoth Area has an abundance of natural hot springs and most of them are pet friendly. The dogs are not allowed IN the hot springs but this is unlikely to be an issue. Calvin wouldn’t even get close to the steaming water. Wild Willy’s offers exceptional views while sitting in a natural hot tub. We arrived at 7am after watching sunrise at Convict Lake – by the time we left at 8am, the crowds were arriving. From the parking lot, follow the wooden path to the springs about 1/4 miles away. If you are interested in camping, you can have an entirely no frills (no bathroom or shower) camping experience around the parking lot. If you are camping, make sure to check regulations as the parking lot land and hot spring land are each owned by different entities – you cannot camp on the hot spring land. We met many friendly off leash dogs and Calvin enjoyed running freely through the fields while we enjoyed the water. There are roaming cattle so make sure your dog is ok with farm animals before unleashing him. The cattle keep to themselves so it shouldn’t be an issue.

Inyo Craters – The Inyo Craters (AKA 200 foot holes in the ground) were created as a result of underground steam blasts. At the bottom each crater, turquoise lakes have formed. The hike to the craters from the parking lot is about 1 mile with moderate incline.

dog at wild willy's hot springs in mammoth lakes

Dog Friendly Lakes & Hiking Trails in Mammoth

We spent most of our days hiking and checking out the lakes that Mammoth has to offer. We highly recommend the early wake up call to see the lakes at sunrise – The silence and serenity is magical. For sunrise lakes, we recommend looking into lakes with parking lots right at the lake. Mammoth county has an unlimited number of lakes to explore – some require hiking and others are adjacent to parking lots.
Try to avoid hiking in the dark as Mammoth is bear country. On the subject of bears – the most aggressive subspecies of Brown Bear, the Grizzly has been extinct in California since the 1920s. This is not well known since there’s a Grizzly on the California Flag! You’ll only find Black Bears in California which tend to be small (3 feet on all fours, females weighing only 200 pounds) and non aggressive. We did not carry bear spray. Regardless, even the nicest bear will attack if threatened so read up here on what to do if you run into a bear with your dog.

Drive right up to these lakes:

In this section you will find a variety of lakes that don’t require hiking. These lakes are located right off of parking lots and easy to access.

Mono Lake is Dog Friendly! – The BEST time to visit Mono Lake is at sunrise but we have visited at others times as well. For sunrise, we arrived at 5:50am and watched the sunrise until 7am. Mono Lake has no natural outlet and so water only escapes through evaporation leaving behind a high salt content. The salt content makes for picturesque mirror reflections on the water. The 760,000 year old lake is surrounded by beautiful Tufa (limestone) towers. Dogs must remain on leash at this one – if your dog likes to swim this is especially important since such high salt content is poisonous to dogs. During the day, the clouds in the sky reflect perfectly off the water.dog friendly mono lake in mammoth lakes

dog at dog friendly mono lake at mammoth lakes

dog and cat standing at mono lake in mammoth lakes

June Lake – We camped right on June Lake at the Oh Ridge campground. June Lake is located right in between the famous Mono Lake and the town of Mammoth. The lake is great for kayaking, fishing, swimming, or just basking in the sun. The main beach requires dogs to be on leash but if you walk a little further around the lake they are allowed to be off leash.

Convict Lake – Convict Lake was another one of our dog friendly sunrise lakes. It is surrounded by mountains and desert foliage. We arrived at 6am as the fishermen were getting their boats onto the water. We found a quiet outlet for Calvin to splash and he happily ran around the lake – we only ran into one fisherman during our entire walk. The walk around Convict Lake is an easy 2.5 miles.

dog at convict lake in mammoth lakes

Gull Lake – The town of June Lake can be found right in between June & Gull Lake. The main reason to visit town is in conjunction with the 2 mile walk around Gull Lake. The lake is quieter than June Lake, and has a campground with direct lake access.  After our stroll around the lake, we headed into town for a walk down main street and enjoyed sandwiches on the patio of the Alpine Deli & Pizza Co.

Hike up to these alpine lakes:

In this section you will find a variety of dog friendly lakes In Mammoth that can be accessed by a hike. The hikes range from easy to moderate. We found that the lakes in Mammoth which are accessed by hiking are less crowded and so the dogs were able to have more freedom to swim.

Start at Lake George and hike to Crystal Lake –The Crystal Lake trailhead starts at the Lake George Campground. The hike to Crystal Lake is about 1-1.5 hours with moderate incline. As you ascend towards Crystal Lake you can enjoy an aerial view of Lake George. The timing for this hike is important if you are trying to see it for sunset. We made the mistake of setting out too late and by the time we reached the lake, the sun had set and we hiked back in the dark. Hiking in the dark in bear country (granted it’s just black bears) was definitely not ideal.

dog standing on a rock in front of lake george in mammoth lakes
Start at Horseshoe Lake and hike to McCleod Lake –The 1.8 mile trail to McCleod Lake starts at the Horseshoe Lake parking lot. We started by letting Samson splash in Horseshoe lake – the lake is surrounded by beach so there is plenty of room for the dogs to run around. We saw many friendly off leash dogs cooling off in the water. The trail to McCleod lake was one of the more crowded ones – the small incline makes it ideal for children or people looking for more of a stroll rather than a hike. Once at the lake, the trail continues all the way around allowing for multiple lookout points and opportunities to let the dogs splash around.
dog in the lake at horseshoe lake mammoth lakes
dog swimming in mccleod lake in mammoth lakes
Hike to Parker Lake – The hike to Parker lake is a 3.8 mile out and back moderate incline. Navigate to the Parker Lake Trailhead to start your 2.5 hour trek. The trail starts off challenging with most of the elevation gain in the first half mile. Don’t get discouraged as the trail eventually levels out once the initial climb is out of the way. The trail eventually follows a stream which makes its way to Parker Lake.
the dog friendly trail to parker lake in mammoth lakes
parker lake in mammoth lakes
Hike to Sherwin Lakes – The Sherwin Lakes trail is a pleasant 3 mile out and back with very gradual elevation gain. The trail is sandy and rocky most of the way and relatively easy compared to other Mammoth Hikes. The Sherwin Lakes trail is great for dogs and the lake is a refreshing destination at the top of the climb.
Hike to Emerald Lake – The hike to Emerald Lake is one of the shorter lake hikes – only about 1.7 miles out and back to the small but picturesque lake.  This was a nice quick walk but nothing special compared to all the other lakes that Mammoth has to offer.
For Next Time….
Next time, we’d love to mountain bike down Mammoth mountain and take a boat out onto one of the lakes.
Mammoth is up there in most picturesque places we have visited. The area is more pet friendly than Yosemite and less crowded than Tahoe. We’ll be back!

 

Catch me by the Lake(s)
-Your Pal Cal
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Guide to Camping With Your Dog

Posted on by Your Pal Cal

what to bring camping with your dog

Camping with dogs is lots of fun but make sure to keep your dog safe.  The dogs always love sleeping in the tent and being outdoors. We love roadtrips, hiking and camping – traveling with Fido is lots of fun!  For those outdoor adventure trips, we have some favorites that we use for an awesome experience.

Dog Car Hammock

We always travel with the car hammock, both for our car and rental cars. If you are renting a car, it’s a good idea to bring a lint roller too!

Portable Bowl & Water Bottle

Keeping your pup hydrated is important during those long hikes!  You have two options for portable water bowls: silicone or fabric.  We prefer the fabric bowls because these can be folded into any shape. We use the P.L.A.Y collapsible bowl.

Dog Saddle Pack

The more you can have your pup carry, the less strain you’ll put on your back by carrying their things. Most full grown dogs can carry up to 25% of their body weight, so for Calvin that is 15 pounds. We like the Ruffwear Webmaster Pro Harness (Size Medium) and the OneTigris Saddle Bag for Calvin to carry his things and our water. For a cheaper version of the Ruffwear Harness, check out the Outward Hound Alternative (<$25).

Waterproof Mat

If you are going camping, getting a waterproof mat, lightweight mat is a great way to provide Fido with a place to rest at the campsite. We use the P.L.A.Y Outdoor Chill Pad (get a size L for a Lab). Check out their outdoor collection for more camping accessories (Code CALVIN will get you 20% off). The outdoor pad that we have folds up and attaches to our backpacks.

Dog Booties

Boots are a must for protection against the elements – snow/salt, sharp rocks, heat. We have heard great things about the Ruffwear Booties, but started out with the cheaper alternative. The cheaper boots lasted about 4 hikes before ripping so we upgraded to Ruffwear.  The cheaper booties probably would have held up nicely if we had only used them for walking in the city. Be sure to get exact paw measurements so the boots don’t slip off.  We sized down for our second pair and they fit perfectly.

Food Travel Container

An airtight travel container is great for keeping kibble fresh on trips (and away from bears). This travel container can clip onto a backpack hook for easy transport.

Waterless Shampoo & Wipes

Waterless/dry shampoo is great for a quick touchup and wipes can be used to wipe off paws. We use this Burt’s Bees combo pack which includes the dry shampoo and wipes.

Towel

If your pup is going to be dipping paws into a creek or swimming, your car will thank you if you bring an extra towel. Any towel will do!

Long Line Dog Leash

Calvin loves the outdoors, but sometimes he wanders. He gets especially interested in nearby campers but they do not always reciprocate those feelings  When we set up camp, we like to have him on a 20-30ft long line so that he can explore but not get away from camp.

Outdoor Dog Toys

Last, but not least, we always make sure to bring Calvin’s outdoor toys with us.  He has a great bumper and disc that we carry with us every time we travel.  We keep these toys hidden away until we travel so that he is even more excited to see them.  The key to outdoor toys is for them to be easy to clean, we have put these through the washing machine without any damage.

First Aid

Our most frequently used first aid items for Calvin are pet antibiotic ointment, vet wrap, and non-stick gauze.  Amazon also has pet first aid kits available that includes are potential needs

Happy Adventuring!
-Your Pal Cal

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Dog Friendly NYC: Bring your dog to New York City

Posted on by Your Pal Cal

dog in front of a new york yellow taxi

We love visiting NYC with our dog – its not hard to find Pet Friendly Hotels in New York City and there are plenty of dog parks to play in. We’ve traveled to New York City with Calvin during every season – I (humom) grew up in Manhattan and so we head back to the Upper West Side many times a year to see grandma and grandpaw.  To be perfectly honest, NYC is tough with a dog, especially a big dog. Be ready to do a lot of walking, and bundle up if you’re visiting during winter.  All in all, NYC is magical at any time of year but can be inconvenient if your pet doesn’t fit in a bag. Before visiting NYC with your pet, make sure that they are comfortable with the crazy sounds and crowds they will experience.  It can be extremely overwhelming if they are not used to being in such an environment.

Are dogs allowed on the NYC Subway?

NYC arguably has the best public transportation system in the country…..but pets are not allowed in the Subway unless they fit in a bag (strictly enforced). Your best option is to put on your walking shoes and explore the city by foot. Yellow cabs will sometimes allow you to ride but this is at the driver’s discretion – yellow cab seats are actually covered in plastic so shedding and seat damage is not a risk and easy to clean.  We take cabs when we go to the airport and lay a towel on the floor so that Calvin’s fur does not get onto the car.  Uber/Lyft is another great way to get around NYC but be sure to call the driver before hand to make sure they are ok with a dog getting into their car. We spend most of our time in NYC walking – sometimes 15 miles a day even in the dead of winter.

Pet Friendly Hotels in New York City

We wish we had recommendations, but we stay with family so we’ve never had an issue with accommodations. Our usual favorites are pet friendly AirBnBs and one of the many NYC Kimpton Hotels. NYC has a lot of cool boutique hotels – in general, we’d recommend staying in lower Manhattan (Chelsea, West Village, Greenwich Village) if you are looking to hit the town in the evening.

dog wearing a sweater on a bench in central park

Best Times to Visit NYC with a Dog

We are lucky enough to have visited NYC in all seasons – Our favorite visits have been in the spring and early fall.  In September, the heat has started to die down but you’ll still feel comfortable in shorts. In November, the weather starts to get chilly but the parks are painted in the most beautiful fall colors. We spent the Christmas Season in NYC last year and our California was showing terribly – We were NOT prepared for the blistering cold but once we got all the gear we needed, were able to enjoy ourselves.  Visiting in the winter can be especially beautiful if you are blessed with a magical snow storm. Central Park is breathtaking the morning after a snowstorm. The air is fresh, the snow is soft, and the dogs are allowed off-leash until 9am! The biggest issue with visiting in the winter is that outdoor seating is not available and so fido has to stay home during meal times. During the summer, NYC is brutally hot.  We visited in July and temperatures hit 100 during the day. We kept our walks to the early morning and evening and came prepared with all of Calvin’s cooling gear and water bottles.

dog on the steps of the met in NYC

New York City Dog Parks

Central Park is off leash before 9AM
Our favorite spots are Cedar Hill (79th St. East) and Great Hill (106th St. West).  Dogs will congregate off leash at these hills in the early morning.

Tompkins Square Dog Park

Madison Square Dog Park

Washington Square Dog Park

105th Dog Run (Riverside Park)

72nd Dog Run (Riverside Park)

Prospect Park in Brooklyn is off leash before 9AM

dog with bagels and mug in new york city. dog is wearing a red checkered bandana

Pet Friendly Restaurants in NYC

During the spring, fall, and summer you can certainly enjoy your time in NYC with fido by taking advantage of the outdoor patios.  You may melt outside during the midday summer heat, but at least the seating is available.  You’ll find that many parks have great outdoor food options available.

landscape view of NYC skyline from the great lawn of central park

Where to walk your dog in NYC

When we visit NYC, we walk all day. Please note that most of the indoor places are not pet friendly, so you will just have to enjoy them from the outside.  To be honest, the top of the Empire State Building is overrated anyway (coming from a native New Yorker). Here are some walks to check out:

Lower Manhattan – East Village, West Village, Greenwich Village, Soho, Chelsea, Union Square, Madison Square Park.
The lower part of Manhattan is home to some of the trendiest spots.  You can start down at the East or West village and make your way up to Madison Square Park. Most of the cute restaurants and cafés have outdoor seating available. Madison Square Park has a great dog park (and an outdoor Shake Shack!).  If you want to get some food from the famous Eataly across the street, you can enjoy the food with your pup at the picnic tables in Madison Square Park.

Tribeca & Brooklyn Bridge – Ground Zero, City Hall Park, Rockefeller Park, Brooklyn Bridge Promenade. 
Pets ARE allowed at Ground Zero but not inside the museum or inside the Freedom Tower. From Tribeca, you can walk to the Brooklyn Bridge.  Start on the Manhattan Side and make your way over to Brooklyn.  When you get there, you can walk along the East River, get some food, and check out the Hillside Dog Park.

dog sitting in front of New York hot dog stand

Midtown – Bryant Park, Empire State Building, Radio City Music Hall, Rockefeller Center Times Square, Grand Central Terminal.
Although hectic, the famous Grand Central Terminal is pet friendly. Check out the huge clock and look up to see the decorated ceiling. Times Square and Rockefeller Center are crazy but part of the NYC experience.  Overall, Midtown has a more hectic vibe to it so if you want to get a feel of what it’s like to be a New Yorker, spend some time there but don’t drive yourself crazy.

Central Park South – Columbus Circle, The Plaza Hotel, The Apple Store.
Columbus Circle Shops AND the Apple Store are Pet Friendly! You will find Columbus Circle at the West side, and then can walk along the park to get to the Apple Store and the Plaza Hotel. Bouchon Bakery in Columbus Circle even has Foie Gras Dog Biscuits. You can even find dog accessories at all the high end shops (for a price).

dog sitting on a bench in pet friendly central park. dog is wearing a pin bandana and the sun is starting to set

Central Park – Loeb Boathouse, Bethesda Fountain, Bow Bridge, Balto Statue, Strawberry Fields, Gapstow Bridge, Central Park Carousel, Belvedere Castle, Alice and Wonderland Statues, Model Boat Sailing Lake.
A Central Park tour can easily take up an entire day.  Luckily there are lots of outdoor eateries, classic NYC hot dog carts, and water sources to stay comfortable. Central park is located right in the center of Manhattan so you can access it from almost anywhere between 59th-110th st. Check out all the spots from your favorite movie scenes and wander around until you get lost.  Dogs are allowed off leash before 9am, but watch for cyclists.

dog sitting on the street on riverside driver in new york city. dog is a labrador retriever wearing a pink bandana

Upper West Side – Family Friendly Neighborhood, Lincoln Center, Riverside Park, Columbia University.
This is the neighborhood where I (humom) grew up but also went to College. It is a very family friendly neighborhood but also has a college town feel as you get uptown towards Columbia University.  Start at 66th st and Broadway to check out Lincoln Center – home to the Opera, Ballet, and Philharmonic.  Walk uptown along Broadway to fully experience the UWS. Towards the West, you’ll find Riverside Park and the Hudson river.  The UWS is very diverse so you will find a wide range of ethnic cuisine – the UWS local favorite is Zabar’s (79th St. and Broadway), home to the best pastrami and more cheese than you could ever imagine. At the tip of the Upper West Side (technically called Morningside Heights), you’ll find NYC’s oldest University & Ivy League Columbia University.  Snap a pic in front of the famous Alma Mater Status and enjoy the massive library from Low Library Steps.

dog sitting on the steps of the metropolitan museum of art

Upper East Side – The Met Steps, Madison Avenue, Park Avenue.
Channel your inner Gossip Girl on the Met Steps and stroll down Madison Avenue to plan what you’ll be spending your cash on when you win the lottery.  Park Avenue is residential, but worth a stroll since most of the buildings are beautiful and well maintained.

Need more ideas? The New York Times has a great article about visiting New York with your pet.

City so nice, they named it twice!
-Your Pal Cal

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Therapy Dog Training (Animal Assisted Therapy)

Posted on by Your Pal Cal
calvin is a certified therapy dog

How to Train Your Dog to Become a Therapy Animal

Therapy dog training is lots of fun. Once your dog becomes a certified therapy animal they’ll make so many people smile. There are lot of great therapy dog programs such as PetPartners, Therapy Dogs International (TDI), Love on a Leash, ect. These programs fall under the category of “Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT)”.  One of the most heart warming things is hearing that your dog has made someone’s day…or month. Some dogs are able to get patients to speak after they haven’t uttered a word in months – they are natural healers and spread love to all. Spreading joy is the goal of every therapy dog and indicative of a job well done.  Therapy dogs help those who need them most and have a lasting impact on the people they visit.  Both our dogs are Therapy Dogs through the SF SPCA so we want to share everything you need to know to turn your pup into a certified healer. The world needs more therapy dogs!

What is a Therapy Dog? Is a Therapy Dog a Service Dog? 

As per Wikipedia, the definition of a therapy dog is as follows: “A therapy dog is a dog that might be trained to provide affection, comfort and love to people in hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, hospices, disaster areas, and to people with anxiety disorders or autism. [Unlike service dogs], they are NOT covered or protected under the Federal Housing Act or Americans with Disabilities act. They also do NOT have public access rights with exception to the specific places they are visiting and working.” In short, therapy dogs have very important jobs, but they are not considered service animals and only have access rights in the facilities where they are doing their job.

What are the requirements for a therapy dog? What is the therapy dog certification process?

I want to say that therapy dogs are born, not made but the truth is that a certified therapy dog will be a mix of both. There are legal requirements and testing for dogs to start volunteering as Therapy Dogs. First of all, dogs are required to be at least 1 year old before their first visit.  Dogs will be dealing with a variety of people – the elderly, mentally ill, incarcerated, young children, terminally ill, immune compromised, so the therapy dog organization has very high liability for the dogs they accept into their programs. Dogs need to be able to handle any new sights and sounds. Organizations conduct a series of evaluations to ensure that your dog will be a good fit.

Temperament: Your dog’s natural temperament will be most important – therapy dogs can have absolutely no history of snapping at a human. None. Ever. End of story. Do they snap over resources like food? Do they growl at people in costumes? If a dog has ever snapped, there is no way to be sure they won’t do it again. The dogs need to be comfortable approaching new humans of every ethnicity, size, height, ect. They need to be ok with erratic movements and unpredictable human tendencies.  Additionally, they need to be comfortable being touched, hugged, and prodded without losing their cool. Your dog should LOVE human interaction no matter who reaches out to them.

Training: Temperament will be the most important evaluation factor but training is an additional component.  Most programs require passing the 10 part Canine Good Citizen Test especially if the dog is planning to visit hospitals or schools.  If your dog is able to successfully pass the CGC test, they’ll have mastered all the commands they need for therapy dog evaluations. This includes things like sit/stay, down/stay, loose leash walking, ignoring distractions, leave it ect.

therapy dog training includes testing such as the canine good citizen test

What was your Therapy Dog Evaluation Process?

Every organization will have a different process so below you will find how our organization handles evaluations.  Our dogs were certified through the SF SPCA but some organizations such as Therapy Dogs International do the entire process in one day.  Both our dogs passed the CGC test series before starting the program but our program only required the CGC test for specialized facilities and the children’s reading program. We knew we wanted to be able to volunteer at any facility so we passed the tests before starting the program.

Orientation
We started by attending an orientation to learn more about the program, evaluation process, and testing.

Preliminary Evaluation for Therapy Dogs
Next, we went through a preliminary canine evaluation.  This included a few parts:

1. Reaction to holding of paws, ears, tail, restraining hugs, looming stares. Does your dog have any “sensitive spots”? (they should not).
2. Sit/stay, down/stay (in a later evaluation this will be testing as a 20ft stay)
3. Touch command
4. Leave it – dog is off leash and a high value treat is thrown at the dog. Dog must leave the treat via voice command without any contact from the handler.
5. Ensure the dog will voluntarily go up to the evaluators for petting without jumping up (evaluators try to rile up the dog so make sure your dog can handle that without losing his cool).

Training Series/Additional Evaluations for therapy dogs
After passing the preliminary evaluation, we started the training series, which included two more evaluations in a class setting with other dogs.  The evaluators wanted to see the dogs a few times to make sure that their good behavior was consistent. They retested the preliminary evaluation, made sure the dogs could work around other dogs, tested reactions to loud sounds (blow horn), and reaction to mobility equipment. The mobility equipment section included waving around canes, tapping crutches, and acting erratic. Additionally, they dropped the equipment to see the pup’s reactions and whether the dog would be able to recover quickly and still greet the patient after being caught off guard.

Mentored Visits
Before being officially certified, we practiced out into the field with our dog and a mentor. Our mentor watched us at a 2 different visits to ensure that the dog was ok with all types of environments.

Shadowed Visits
We shadowed others dogs in the program to see how other volunteers handle visits.

Therapy Dog Graduation!
Our graduation/final evaluation was a group visit at the nursing home with all the other dogs in the program.
therapy dog graduation

How do I Start Therapy Dog Training? Where Can I Find a Program Near Me?

Legally, Therapy Dogs are tested and evaluated through an organization. The organizations handle testing, evaluations, and insurances costs. Click here to find a list of the recognized Therapy Dog Organizations near you.

How can I prepare my dog to become a therapy dog?

Loud noises, unfamiliar sights, a variety of surfaces
A therapy dog should be desensitized to any unfamiliar things they may see or hear.  Luckily, you can prepare for this by making sure your pup is desensitized from an early age.  You can prepare them by exposing them to costumes, hats, glasses, grates, tile, gravel, carpet ect so they will be familiar with things they may encounter on their visits.  Desensitization will take time if your pup is wary, but can be successfully completed with patience. Repetition and positive reinforcement will help to desensitize.

Mobility Equipment
Therapy dogs MUST be comfortable around mobility equipment and will be tested on this. This includes walkers, canes, wheelchairs, crutches as well as the movement that these will have.  If an elderly man waves his cane in your dog’s face, how will the pup react? During testing, evaluators want to make sure the dog will happily come up to the evaluator even if they are using the equipment in a weird or crazy way. Borrow equipment from family and friends to practice familiarity with mobility equipment.

Leave It
Your pup will need a strong leave it command to pass these evaluations.  This is because food, pills, medical solutions will be all over the facilities you visit.  Sometimes patients may try to feed things to your dog that could make them sick. Your pup needs to be able to reliably respond to your command to stay safe.  Our organization tested leave it by walking towards Calvin (while he was off leash) and throwing a very high value treat towards him.  He was required to ignore the treat via voice command and stay in control (i.e still focused on the human). Practice makes perfect – practice in a variety of contexts until your dog gets it.  Can you recall your dog back to you without him snatching that treat?

No Jumping
A pup who cannot keep all 4 on the floor during exciting times will not pass the evaluation. If your pup is still young, help him out by tiring him before socializing with strangers. Jumping up can be a tough behavior to crack, especially since most of the times the dogs are just jumping because they are super friendly and would otherwise be the perfect therapy dogs!  We have some info here about how we taught Calvin to stop jumping up on strangers.

No Teeth
Pups love to mouth – chances are that if you play rough with your dog they’ll bring out their teeth even when they are older.  Even though this is generally harmless, if can be frightening to people who are not used to your dog.  It’s important to make sure your dog learns that it is not socially acceptable to mouth while they are being pet or riled up.  You can practice by riling your dog up and correcting them if they mouth at you to teach that teeth never belong on human skin even in a loving way.

Ignore/work around other dogs
Your dog should be able to coexist with other dogs – you’ll be with other dogs during training and potentially on some visits.  If your dog isn’t able to ignore the other dogs, they will not be able to help the humans!

Touch/go say hi command
We don’t let Calvin randomly go up to people on the street and say hi since some people don’t want dogs all up in their business. This will also be the care on visits – not all patients in the room want the dog to get too close to them. Because of this, we have taught him the “touch” and “go say hi / go get em” command.  This is essentially his release command letting him know that he can go and say hi to the person who is comfortable with dogs.

How can I make the therapy dog process better for my dog?

You know your dog better than anyone and will be your dog’s biggest advocate. You are entirely in control of the situation and can let people know if your dog has had enough.  You should be familiar with your dog’s signs – excessive yawning, lip licking, hair raising, ect.  If you are familiar with how your dog behaves when they have had enough, you need to end your visit before anything gets out of hand.  This is totally ok! Everyone has an off day from time to time but it is up to you to make sure that your dog’s off day does not escalate into a career ending situation. End your visit if you sense your dog is getting uncomfortable.

What was the hardest part of becoming a therapy dog?

Calvin: Every dog is different and has different challenges.  For Calvin, we weren’t worried about any of the obedience parts of the evaluations as he had already aced the CGC test months earlier – this will be different for EVERYONE so try not to compare your pup to others (this is hard, I know!).  Calvin’s biggest challenge is harnessing his extra energy – he was 1.5 yrs old…so we were most concerned that he wouldn’t be able to settle quickly enough.  We think that his really strong obedience plus making sure to exercise him was the best way to set him up for success. He was able to immediately relax for all his evaluations and blew us away!

Samson: With Samson, the biggest question mark during evaluations was that we weren’t sure if he would be interested in getting attention from other humans. We knew that his mellowness & obedience would be great for any type of facility, but we weren’t sure if he would actually enjoy the job of giving other people attention. Samson is generally focused only on me, so we worked on teaching a “go say hi” command as a release word to go and greet people around him. Turns out, Samson is a natural healer and was more than happy to lend a paw. Samson was fully trained and evaluated as a Therapy Dog just 2 weeks after his 1st birthday and his first official visit went perfectly. Again, you know your dog best so you will be able to set them up for success in whatever way works best for them.

 

Free hugs for all!
-Your Pal Cal
calvin the therapy dog after his training
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Summer Activities in Pet Friendly Lake Tahoe

Posted on by Your Pal Cal

 

dog on a dog friendly part of Lake Tahoe dock. The dog is wearing a blue bandana

Dog Friendly Places in Lake Tahoe (Summer Edition)

Lake Tahoe is so Pet Friendly that it is definitely one of the most heavily visited places from San Francisco in both summer and winter. Tahoe boasts unlimited pet friendly off leash hiking trails and dog friendly beaches for a cold swim. Lake Tahoe is a crystal clear alpine lake nestled in the Sierra Nevada Mountains – the largest lake by volume in all of North America.  Bring your dog and enjoy the panoramic mountain views of the Tahoe basin.

How to Get To Lake Tahoe

There are two ways to get to Tahoe – Drive or Fly.  If you live in Northern California, we recommend driving but don’t get trapped in the winter snow! You will need all-wheel-drive, snow chains, and snow tires to get up the mountain during winter.  We’ve had friends try to make it up without enough gear, and the story did not end well. Our Mini Cooper would certainly not survive the trip in the depth of winter.  During high ski season it can take over 6 hours to get to Tahoe from San Francisco.  The icy winding roads are also prone to accidents which makes the travel time longer (we’ve heard of 12 hour trips).  In the summer, we left on a Friday afternoon and with San Francisco and Sacramento traffic, made it in 5 hours.  Without traffic, you’re looking at a 3 hour trip from San Francisco.

There are some small regional airports in the area, but unless you have a private jet you’ll want to go to the Reno-Tahoe International Airport.  This is about a 45 minute drive to North Lake Tahoe.  See more about flying to Lake Tahoe here.

view of the blue lake tahoe from the dock. mountains are visible in the distance. The sky is blue over the lake

When to Visit Lake Tahoe with your Dog

Tahoe is a great destination year round but unless you want to hike in the cold, it is best to bring your dog to Tahoe in the warmer months. If you visit Lake Tahoe with your dog after the snow has melted, you will get to enjoy all the Tahoe off leash dog trails and hikes.  We visited in early summer just as the weather was getting warm.  July/August are warmest months to visit Tahoe, with highs of around 80 degrees. In the winter, expect temperatures in the 40s and snow.  We visited before peak tourist season and the trails were just finishing to thaw.  We hit some snow on our hike up Squaw Valley and the lake still felt glacial. Expect a lot of tourists from June to August as trails finally thaw and summer activities are in full swing. For the least busy time to visit, check out Tahoe from March to May or in September at the end of summer vacation. Winters in Tahoe, although snowy, are not actually as blistering cold as other winter destinations. Check out the region from December – February for great winter sports.

pet friendly hotels and accomodations are very common in tahoe. in this photo, the dog is sitting in front of the pet friendly airbnb

the dog is running through the backyard of the pet friendly airbnb in carnelian bay (lake tahoe)

Pet Friendly Hotels in Lake Tahoe

We found it easy to find pet friendly accommodations in Lake Tahoe. The lake is HUGE, so your biggest decision will be where to stay.   All parts of Lake Tahoe are pet friendly, so regardless of your decision, you will not have trouble finding pet friendly accommodations.  You’ll have to choose between North (Nevada Side) or South Lake Tahoe (California Side). We stayed in North Lake Tahoe’s Carnelian Bay. So…North vs. South? You can’t go wrong.

All parts of Lake Tahoe have great beach access for your dogs. North Lake Tahoe is known for being sleepier than its southern counterpart – and more “family friendly”.  For winter sports, North Lake Tahoe is home to 8 ski resorts and a variety of challenging hikes.  We also found that North Lake Tahoe has more dog beaches. South Lake Tahoe is where you’ll find all the “action” if you are looking to hit the town. It is home to a variety of bars and clubs that are open late and definitely the place to be if you’re looking to party.

yellow lab is panting during the hike up to squaw valley in tahoe

Lake Tahoe Pet Friendly Summer Activities

Kayaking, SUP board, rafting, hikes, and swimming are all available for a pet friendly Tahoe experience.  You’ll have to be cognizant of dog rules on certain beaches, but lakeside trails are all open for Fido.

Tahoe Dog Beaches

Dog beaches do exist in Tahoe, but make sure to look into where fido is officially allowed off leash before letting him loose. There are fewer pet friendly beaches than we would have liked but we still found areas for Calvin to take a dip into the water. Pups are allowed IN the lake, but just often not on the public sandy areas – this means they can be with you on paddle boards, kayaking ect but can’t frolic along the beach.  To find the best dog beach near where you are staying, check out the list here.

dog looking out at the pet friendly beach in north lake tahoe

Water Sports with Your Dog in Tahoe

Raft down the Truckee River with your furry friend, or take a Tahoe City Kayak onto the lake.

Tahoe City Kayak has a variety of rentals available, including kayaks with larger cockpits to accommodate a dog.  We rented a Kayak at Commons Beach.  Pets are not allowed onto the beach so please ask the associates where the dog pickup point is.  One person will wait with fido at the pickup point and kayak over from Commons Beach (about 1 minute away).

Truckee River Rafting is another very pet friendly activity – raft 5 miles down the Truckee River and bring fido along. You are even allowed to bring coolers along to enjoy some food along the way.

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Pet Friendly Trails in Squaw Valley: Hike to High Camp

Tahoe has an unlimited amount of pet friendly hikes. We recommend checking out the trails in Squaw Valley and choosing your best fit from this list. The main decision you will have to make is deciding whether you want to start at High Camp or if you want to start at the Base Camp and make your way up to High Camp. We did the Shirley Canyon Trail hike from the Base of Squaw Valley up to High Camp.  We stopped at Shirley Lake on the way up (about 2/3 of the way up) and finally took the pet friendly Aerial Tram down free of charge for views of the entire valley. The Shirley Canyon trail is a great half-day hike that runs about 3.6 miles and considered one of the area’s best hikes. For a better understanding of the elevation: we visited in June and had to hike through snow by the end of the trail.  Wear layers for the changing temperatures, and sneakers or boots with good traction.  The trail was not always clearly marked, but there are enough hikers passing by to keep from getting lost.  As another rule of thumb, online guides suggest making sure to always keep the flowing creek to your right to eventually find your way to Shirley Lake.  When you reach areas of steep slabs of rocks, you know that Shirley Lake is right over the top of the hill.

the view near the top of the hike to high camp at squaw valley

snow at the top of squaw valley in the summer

Swim in Shirley Lake

About 2/3 up the Shirley Canyon Trail, you will come upon Shirley Lake.  You can also get to this lake by taking the Aerial Tram up to High Camp and then hiking down the last part of the trail to the lake. We came upon families having picnics on the rocks overlooking the lake, and lots of dogs taking a refreshing swim.  Locals told us that by the end of the summer the lake heats up enough for a more enjoyable swim.  In early June, the water was glacial. Calvin didn’t mind one bit.

yellow lab swimming in shirley lake during a hike up squaw valley

The Squaw Valley Aerial Tram is Pet Friendly!

The pet friendly Aerial tram leaves from the base of Squaw Valley and drops off at High Camp.  The tram allows for a breathtaking view over the valley and you can catch trails from the top. Here’s the catch – the tram costs $40 a person to ride up, but is free on the way down.  If you complete the long hike up to High Camp, you can save a lot of money and still get to experience the Aerial Tram on your way back down to the base of Squaw Valley. You’ll be so tired that you may even enjoy it even more! view from the squaw valley pet friendly gondala

 

Walk Through the Village at Squaw Valley

During summer months, you’ll find various pet friendly outdoor activities at the Base Camp of Squaw Valley. Walk through and pop into the cute shops, enjoy live music, lawn games, and refreshing summer energy from fellow visitors. You’ll run into many friendly pups – grab your pup his own Pupacino from the Starbucks and enjoy strolling through.

dog sitting on a wood chair at the squaw valley village

Check out Tahoe City

Tahoe City has a walkable main street lined with shops, food, and activity.  It’s worth strolling down main street for the summer energy. Poppy’s Frozen Yogurt offers many refreshing flavors. If you visit during the Tahoe City Wine Walk you’ll be able to walk around town sipping wine and checking out fun booths.

Pet Friendly Restaurants in Lake Tahoe

We ate lunch at Mo’s Original BBQ in Tahoe City.  The restaurant is pet friendly, lakefront, and out of the hot sun. Portions are generous, affordable, and lip smacking delicious. After lunch, we walked off lunch on the lakeside trail.

We also ate a meal at Moody’s in Truckee, but would NOT recommend it – overpriced and mediocre food. Thank you, NEXT.

Tahoe was a great weekend trip for early summer – the air is fresh, the views are amazing, and Tahoe accommodations are very pet friendly. We’ll be sure to come back next year!

Enjoy!
-Your Pal Cal

 

 

 

 

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Pet Friendly Boston Massachusetts: Dog Friendly Activities in New England

Posted on by Your Pal Cal

 Dog sitting in front of a blue and red door in marblehead massachusetts

Dog Friendly Places Massachusetts

There are many fun things to do with your dog In Boston and New England.  We visited multiple Pet Friendly towns throughout Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Even though there are many dog friendly activities in Boston, we focused on the small towns along the coast. Rent a car and check out all the dog friendly spots in the Boston area.

We recently visited Massachusetts and New Hampshire – the variety one can find in New England is awe inspiring.  From rural farmland, coastal towns, to big cities – New England seems to have it all. Although having a pet excludes you from visiting the museums in New England, all of the towns we visited were overall pet friendly – outdoor patios, water bowls for Fido, and lots of fun pet shops. If visiting with your pet, try to avoid the rainy seasons since pet friendly activities and patios are exclusively outdoors.

sunrise photo of a pet friendly beach in Massachusetts

When to visit Massachusetts with your Dog

Our favorite times to visit New England with the dogs are during the fall, and early summer.  During the fall, the whole family can enjoy all of fall’s best activities; apple picking, hot cider, leaves changing color. The winter is great for those who find peace and serenity in cuddling up in front of the fire place while snow falls outside.  As Californians, we are intimidated by the winter frost but love admiring its beauty from afar.  The early summer is great for visiting before the area fills up with tourists.  By early summer the rain has hopefully stopped and New England is left green and luscious.

dog standing on a rock at a pet friendly farm in massachusetts

Pet Friendly Hotels in Massachusetts

There are many pet friendly hotels in Massachusetts. For a more standard hotel experience, the Hampton Inn hotels allow pets for an extra fee ($50). We stayed at the Hampton Inn in Exeter, NH and had a great time.  We felt comfortable leaving Calvin alone while we attended a wedding and the front desk was very welcoming.

For a more pet friendly hotel experience, Kimpton Hotels are our favorite choice.  Check out their locations to see if they have one near your destination.  We will be staying at the Kimpton Hotel Marlowe in Cambridge, MA when we visit again next year. They provide water bowls and even a bed for your pup with no extra charge!

This trip, we stayed in a hotel during out time in New Hampshire and an Airbnb during out quick stop through Boston, MA. We only book Airbnbs when we know Calvin will not be left alone since we feel uncomfortable leaving him alone in a house that is not his.  We know that in a hotel room he would not be able to escape even if he wanted to, but in a house he may be able to get creative (he’s never tried this but you never know).  It’s hard to predict what the security situation will be like in a house that you are unfamiliar with. Plus, hotels have constant staff to alert you of any types of issues that may come up with the dog if you step out. Ultimately, this decision is up to whatever feels most comfortable to you and Airbnbs tend to be more affordable.

dog laying on a king sized bed in a pet friendly hotel in Massachusetts

Are Massachusetts beaches dog friendly?

Many of the Massachusetts beaches are not pet friendly in the summer months. The Massachusetts beaches are refreshing and relaxing, especially in the early morning before the crowds come in.  Depending on when you visit, pets may not be allowed on some beaches especially during summer months.  Look for signs or designated pet friendly beaches – some cutoffs are April, May, or others are open to pets year round.  Even if the beach itself is not pet friendly, most beaches have a concrete walkway along the sand that you are welcome to walk on with Fido. In Nahant, MA we stayed off the main beach but were able to walk along the concrete path.  We then found a designated dog beach nearby that we could enjoy.

dog wearing a red and white striped polo in massachusetts beach

Map of places to visit in Massachusetts with your dog 

New England towns are known for their picturesque cobblestone paths, colorful houses, and water views. We checked out the following towns and farms along the way:

Pet Friendly Marblehead, MA – A quiet coastal town

Fresh off the cross country flight, we stopped by Nahant, MA to check out the Doggie Beach before heading to Marblehead, MA located about 45 minutes out of Boston.  We wandered through the cobble stone paths of Marblehead and found this town to be the quietest of all that we visited.  We enjoyed the peacefulness and small town vibes without feeling like we had fallen into a tourist trap.  We were able to take a moment to stock up on coffee after our red-eye and take in a breath of fresh air after our trip.

We parked on Atlantic Ave in front of Seaside Park and walked through the town.  This appeared to be the main street with all the cutest shops – check out the boutique pet shop “Pawsitively Marblehead.” We ate at Java Sun Coffee Roasters.  After walking through the small town, we realized this was one of the only places to get an early breakfast.

We took our coffees with us as we meandered through the quiet streets.  We found a lot of quaint, colorful houses and followed the Marblehead Rail Trail for a few miles before looping back into town.

Our last stop in Marblehead was to the Fort Sewall – a landmark built back in the 1600s.  We saw dogs wading in the water before the fort, but the fort itself is an on leash area.  Have a seat along the water and enjoy the sailboats coming in and out of the bay. Take a moment to relax and reflect.

labrador retriever sitting next to a stuffed dog in marblehead Massachusetts

pet store in marblehead Massachusetts
Salem, MA – Rich history and cobblestone paths

Salem Massachusetts its great for walking around with your dog. Salem, MA is most famous for the 1692 Witch Trials and gives you the opportunity to enjoy the town with your dogs. The town is appropriately adorned in spooky decor and most shops and bars reference witchcraft.  The creepy but playful vibe is perfect for a fun stroll through the town.

A great first stop is the Visitor’s center to use the restroom and get a map of the town.  The visitor’s center offers many souvenirs but you will find prices are better in town.

We walked to Salem Common, the town park on our way to the House of the Seven Gables.  Even though most activities in Salem are indoors and thus not pet friendly, the area around the landmarks are fair game and are fun to walk around.  We did not enter the House of the Seven Gables but our path there took us through the spooky Salem streets and shops and we admired the house from the outdoors.

Loop over to the Salem Maritime Park where you can wade in the water and walk out to the lighthouse. From there, make your way to the Salem Witch Village where you can enjoy more witchcraft imagery.  We finished our Salem visit by walking through the main street (Essex Street) up to the Bewitched Sculpture.

a view of the pet friendly maritime park in salem

Exeter, NH – Picturesque shops and trails

We traveled to New England to attend a wedding in Exeter, NH and we are so glad we got to stop by.  Exeter is a small town and home to Philips Exeter Academy, an elite boarding school.  The school was founded in the late 1700s and resembles a stereotypical ivy covered university.  The town is clean, quiet, and quintessentially New England with a river flowing through.  It takes less than an hour to walk through so have activities lined up nearby. For an additional activity, you can walk the Exeter trail along the river.


Hampton Falls, NH – Walk through Applecrest Farm Orchards and dine on the patio

After checking out Exeter, we drove to a nearby pet friendly farm. Applecrest Farm allows you to walk through the grounds and offers apple picking in the fall.  You can grab brunch on their patio overlooking the farm. We picked up some apple cider before heading to our next destination. Sometimes, their farm animals are out for petting.

Salisbury, MA – Check out the dog friendly beach!

The only stop we made in Salisbury was to the dog friendly beach at Salisbury Beach State Reservation.  There is a caveat though – the “ocean” side beach is NOT dog friendly, only the “river” side beach.  The beaches are connected but dogs are only allowed off leash on the part that is in front of the campgrounds, not the main parking lot.  Both beaches are great but the “river” beach is the one that feeds into the ocean so you see land in front of you rather than never ending water. It costs $14 to get into the beach and we waited about 10 minutes in line.  The beach was crowded likely because of the long weekend and good weather.


Newburyport, MA – A smaller version of Rockport.  Grab some clam chowder.

After the beach, we drove up the road to Newburyport. Newburyport was very busy on the Saturday afternoon we visited.  We put our names down at the Sea Level Oyster Bar (great outdoor seating and clam seafood) and walked through the Waterfront Park while we waited.  The wait was about 30 minutes so we also explored the town.  In typical New England style – the cobblestone streets are lined with cute nautical themed shops.  Stop by Dolce Freddo Gelato across the street from the Oyster Bar to satisfy your sweet tooth. We wanted to explore the entire town so we meandered through the streets and made our way to Frog Pond before turning back. We didn’t see any frogs, but Calvin was mesmerized by the turtles.

Peabody, MA – Stop by Brooksby farm if you are driving through

We love visiting local farms so we made a pit stop in Brooksby farm.  The farm shop had all sorts of delicious freshly baked farm goodies (and homemade dog treats!). Pets cannot enter the farm shop but they are welcome anywhere else on the grounds. We spent a long time watching the animals and made some new friends. Check their website to see what types of crops are available for picking when you visit.

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Concord, MA – Check out the historic revolutionary trail

Concord, MA is home to the Minute Man National Historical Park where you can follow the Battle Road Trail for as long as you want to walk.  The battles of Lexington and Concord were the first of the American Revolutionary War – the trail acts as an outdoor museum with information scattered along the walk.

labrador retriever sitting on the minute man trail
Rockport, MA – Iconic New England Town

Another iconic New England town, but a little out of the way if you are headed to Boston. Check out Rockport Harbor and stroll down Mt. Pleasant St. for the New England feel and great views of Rockport Harbor.  There are many cute shops and a lot of food options to choose from.


Cambridge, MA – Historical ivy covered college town

We headed over to Alma Mater in Cambridge for a night to catch up with friends and walk around campus.  Cambridge is a cute college town that is home to Harvard and MIT.  For off leash dog park options, we recommend Fresh Pond Reservation Dog Park.  In terms of food options, we stopped at the college favorites that offered outdoor seating – Felipe’s Taqueria in Harvard Square may be the best bang for your buck burritos you’ll ever find.  L.A Burdick’s is a great stop for grabbing drinking chocolate for the rest of your walk (pets not allowed inside so lead fido outside and get an order to go). Take a walk around the Harvard Square for more cute shops and Harvard Yard for some classic campus shots.  Calvin was very popular in his polo and got a lot of belly rubs. Cambridge is connected to Boston via bridges along the Charles River.  If you are staying in Cambridge, it’s a nice walk over to Boston….

dog wearing a harvard polo sitting in front of the harvard library

dog wearing a harvard polo sitting in front of a brick building

Boston, MA – Is Boston a Dog Friendly City?

Founded in 1630, Boston is one of the oldest cities in the United States.  We like to think of Boston as a mini version of NYC or SF (but cleaner).  Boston is pet friendly, walkable, in general pristinely clean, and has a lot of cool neighborhoods to check out.  We walked down Commonwealth Avenue to get a feel for the old cobblestoned Boston homes.  Parallel to Commonwealth Avenue you will find Newbury Street – lined with cute shops that get progressively more upscale, ending at the Public Gardens (also known as Boston Common).  Boston Common is essentially the Boston version of NYC’s Central Park.  From Boston Common, you can walk the Freedom Trail through all the remaining monuments (about 2.5 miles).  We stopped by Quincy Market and finally made our way to the North End for some Italian food.  On a nice day, walking along the Charles River Esplanade is a relaxing dog friendly stroll.

dog wearing a harvard polo

 Happy traveling, 
Your Pal Cal

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