North American Working Pack Dog

05/21/2025

Looking into getting boots to protect your dog's feet? Ruffwear has a great video on proper measurements before ordering.

Learn how to properly measure your dog's paw width for a good fit with Ruffwear boots. A good fit is key to keeping your dog comfortable and to making sure b...

05/18/2025

Looking for something fun to do with your dog? Start checking off the scavenger hunt list items and post them to our group! No membership required, just a bunch of fun times!

05/18/2025

Yup...this is the way we do it!

05/15/2025

Desert hiking provides it's own set of challenges. Here are a few ways to still enjoy those desert landscapes with your best friend:

🐾Dogs are susceptible to heatstroke, so avoid hiking in the hottest parts of the day and monitor the heat index.

🐾Pack enough water for hiker and dog (bring more than you think you'll need!) and snacks as well.

🐾Protective footwear will protect your dog's paws from heat, cacti and other hazards.

🐾Know your dog's heartrate before leaving, and monitor it along the way. Be mindful of changes in behavior and take rest breaks when needed, especially in the shade whenever possible.

🐾Be aware of your surroundings and keep your dog under control at all times to avoid snakes and other possibly dangerous wildlife.

Have you got some tips you'd like to share?

05/14/2025

In nature, puppies play. The older they get, the harder they play. And when they're tired, they lay down to rest.

On a leash, a puppy hasn't got the opportunity to nap. They're trying to keep up with their family. With bones and joints still developing until 12-18 months, too much exercise and walking can severely damage bone and joint structure.

This is the reasoning behind limiting miles walked/hiked with the North American Working Pack Dog program, as well as the ages of dogs at different levels. Everyone should talk to their vet before hiking with young dogs to be sure they are ready for a more strenuous activity.

05/13/2025

Ready? Set... HUNT!

Here's a fun way to spend your summer making memories with your pups! Start checking off the items on the list and then post pics to the nawpdog group here on facebook!

Let's have some summer fun!

https://www.facebook.com/groups/810316707827638

05/01/2025

Congratulations to Thistle on her Puppy Beginner Novice Working Pack Dog Title!

04/23/2025

IS IT SAFE TO GO IN THE WATER?

Warm weather is creeping in, and if you've got a water loving pup you may want to pay close attention to the puddles and ponds they want to play in.

🐾Standing water in particular, such as small lakes, ponds or puddles, can host a variety of harmful parasits and bacteria such as Giardia and Cryptosporidium. Watch for diarrhea and vomiting if you've seen your dog drinking from a stagnant water source, and call your vet.

🐾Leptospirosis can spread through the urine of infected animals- some potential hosts are rats, farm animals, and wildlife such muskrats and skunks. Leptospirosis causes kidney and liver disease that requires quick and aggressive therapy for your dog to be able to make a complete recovery from this disease. There are vaccines available for lepto and could be wise if you're in a region where this is present.

🐾BLUE GREEN ALGEA

Blue-green algae are a unique type of bacteria, also known as cyanobacteria, that grow in water. Certain blue-green algae grown in freshwater lakes and aquaculture ponds are used in dietary supplements and as an ingredient or color additive in other foods.

But it can prove deadly for your dog if he happens to take a dip in a body of water where it grows. Ingesting as little as one or two mouthfuls of blue-green algae infested water it can be fatal! Blue Green Algea is most common in standing water and thrives in warm (75*) conditions. Not all algea bloom is toxic, but it is difficult to tell the difference, and better safe than sorry when it comes to your pet.

🐾Salt Water Toxicity

Frolicking on the beach is fun, but be sure your dog isn't ingesting mouthfuls of salt water. Ingestion of small amounts of salt water can cause transient diarrhea, and ingesting larger amounts can cause a serious electrolyte imbalance called hypernatremia, which can lead to vomiting, dehydration, incoordination, seizures, etc.

🐾Always remember to bring water along for your hiking companion so they have an alternative when you are out and about this summer!

Hike on! 🐾🥾

04/17/2025

Where will you hike today?

04/02/2025

Thistle begins her journey towards her Puppy Beginner Novice title, designed for puppies between 12-18 months.

03/16/2025

Fun in the Nevada desert with Ted, Tiggy and Cirrus!

Where have you hiked lately?