Jane (my 5 year old black lab), my boyfriend, and I recently took a 3,000 mile road trip to Northern California for some adventure. Everywhere we went, the same dog issues kept popping up.

First was the dilemma of where Jane would ride in a truck that was loaded to capacity with human toys, gear, and food. She has been kennel trained since she was a puppy, so that seemed to make the most sense. Just after we had secured her kennel in the back of the truck we realized that the California coast was known for its foggy, wet, cold and rainy conditions. How could we keep Jane warm, dry and comfortable in her kennel? A fleece slip cover for her kennel provided warmth and mild protection from moisture. Since I have returned from the trip I found more commerically available kennel covers from places like Cabela’s. The kennel was working magic for Jane doubling as a safe spot for her once we had gotten to our destination. However, the kennel did present a rather large dilemma for Jane as she is a very active dog accustomed to being in a large yard or at work on Aspen Mountain during the day. How could she get the necessary exercise and stimulation to keep her happy throughout the road trip?

Finding places along our drive that would be suitable, safe, and fun for Jane became a bit of a mission. When we would see a big beach, a body of water, a patch of grass, a park, a mountain or a trail we would pull over and give Jane a break from her kennel. As you can imagine there were times when none of the above mentioned places were available, so a long, high-speed walk on a sidewalk or through a cement parking lot had to make due. It became evident that creativity would play a big role in keeping Jane happy and exercised. Some activities we found to really work for her were: running in the sand on the beach, playing in the waves, sprinting toward the giant flocks of seagulls, finding the perfect stick to chew on, roll on, chase after. If there was a body of water available we would throw the stick there for her as swimming can be a great way to tire out your dog (low impact too!) Towels were a key ingredient so Jane could be towel dried before going back into her kennel as it was rather cold along the Northern California Coast in the back of a truck.

Also, when it was available, we would have our meals in an area where Jane could also get out of her kennel to stretch, drink water and see the world. I think that external and environmental stimulation can also help to tire out your dog. A walk through a busy street, or something as simple as a brand new place with new a different smells works wonders! (especially if you have a smaller dog that requires less physical activity)

Keeping Jane warm, dry and comfortable was the last issue that we had. We had to be mindful of this because Jane slept in the tent with us and nights did get quite cold and very wet. Jane slept at our feet on her Ruff Wear Highlands bed and wore her Ruffwear K-9 Overcoat if the temperatures required. We also had an extra sleeping bag between us two humans as I am known to get very cold, so Jane and I shared this bag as well on the coldest, wettest nights. Jane would wear her Ruffwear K-9 Overcoat in her kennel on cold travel days as well, which in turn gave me piece of mind knowing that she was comfortable.

Having Jane with us on this trip definitely changed the itinerary and the overall mission of the vacation, but I wouldn’t have had it any other way. I can honestly say that she also had a blast exploring Northern California with us. There were a couple of ingredients that MADE this trip….

First, all of the Ruffwear gear that we had was a major blessing and made everything from eating to playing to traveling to sleeping  easier. Additional key pieces were:

the Beacon (a safety light for night time adventure… a way to keep an eye on your dog in the dark… especially if she is jet black)

the Quencher Cinch top and the Quencher collapsable food & water bowls

the Quick-Draw leash (so Jane always had a leash with her for fast and easy access)

This was the first, but will definitely NOT be the last road trip for Jane and I so I am certain we will find easier and better methods of play and travel as we get more trips under our belt/collar.

—Ali Wade