Dogs do not text while driving. Unlike most of the current population, dogs keep their eyes on the road.

Dogs are disgusted by other dogs that leave a poop right on the sidewalk. Why else would they leap over it as if it is radioactive.

Dogs find the best place in the house to take a nap, a sunspot, warm fire, or the bed. People don’t stop often enough to nap anymore.

Dogs don’t use hand sanitizer. Is it possible that the lack of bacteria could be causing human immune systems to stop doing their job?

Dogs aren’t afraid to bark out a feeling as a result they are happier for expressing themselves.

Dogs hate heated discussions about money or politics in a relationship. They just get up and leave letting us know how really important that is.

Dogs are helping us eat less. They always willing to share a meal especially pancakes.

Dogs won’t let us sit on our duff. Their job is to keep us moving and get enough exercise. Through all sorts of weather we walk briskly with our personal dog trainer.

Dogs like to hang out and do nothing. When was the last time” busy” wasn’t our path in life.

Dogs help us to be the person they think we are.

Dog is love.

by GUEST BLOGGER JOCELYN

I don’t know about you, but I love a product that you can use for multiple purposes.  I like versatility and I like only having to carry one thing around that can prove helpful for many different situations.  My new discovery is Musher’s Secret from Wild Mountain Online.  Musher’s Secret is a dense, breathable barrier wax.  It was originally designed to protect the paws of sled dogs during extreme winter conditions.  It helps not only create a wall between the dog’s paws and the snow, but it also prevents snowballing in between the dog’s toes.

Musher’s Secret was soon put to use in different situations.  It has proven to be a reliable barrier and paw protectant for not only extremely cold conditions, but extremely hot one’s as well.  From snow to sand to hot pavement to hikes in the rocky forest Musher’s Secret will take care of it all.  AND not only that, but you can use it on other things as well, such as burns, scratches, fly bitten ears or any other open sore that needs to be protected.

Musher’s Secret is not only for dogs, humans can use it as well.  I used it for protection against a blister I obtained while running and a bee sting that my shoe kept rubbing against.  It worked famously for both of these issues.

Musher’s Secret is made using 100% natural waxes, is non-toxic and will not stain carpet.  Yes, I tested it out and this statement is indeed true, there were no marks on my carpet after applying this to my dog and letting him run around a room full of carpet.

You can purchase Musher’s Secret off the Wild Mountain Online website starting at about $13.00

If you think your product can pass the Secret Shopper test, send an email to: SecretShopperBlog@gmail.com.

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Posted at 03:16 PM in Dogs, Pet Supplies, Pets, Reviews | Permalink

I heart the Chama River

Recently we were lucky enough to get a launch on a three day section of the Chama River in northern New Mexico. The Chama is one of the few rivers that still allows dogs. The rigging went pretty smoothly although both dogs had to jump in immediately to cool off after the 3 hour road trip from Santa Fe. The river rules concerning dogs are mainly that they must be on a leash at camp and all waste must be collected and taken out in the portable toilet or river groover as it is affectionately known. Never let dogs harass ducks, geese, or any other wildlife.

Along the river

The Chama River winds thirty miles through the beautiful 1500 foot deep multi colored sandstone canyon. The rapids are mellow class 2 and 3 making it a sought after permit by families with kids and dogs or others seeking a relaxing experience on river.

Dog life jackets are not required but suggested. Rio and Lily sport Ruffwear and NRS flotation devices. It was a good thing too as they decided to jump in the river simultaneously. Going to the shore and picking them up became more difficult as the river picked up speed. After the first day they eased into the ritual of bow riding. Hours spend retrieving sticks thrown in the river mixed with lunch and sleeping together in a pile in the tent, were among their favorite activities. All of us became recharged from 3 days of wilderness.

For more info go to the BLM Taos website or pick a rafting trip from one of the licensed river companies at RaftNewMexico.org.

Rafts on the river

Fire in the Sangres

Highway 50- The Lonliest Road

The Great Basin Desert stretches across Nevada in some of the loneliest landscape of sand and alkali flats that goes on for miles. We stopped at every shady park we found for lunch and a break from the heat.

Finally we arrived in Green River Utah where the dogs jumped into the Green River to cool off. Then giant mosquitoes descended upon us. We ran into Ray’s Tavern for the best burger of our road trip. Rio and Lily each tasted it. They gave it two paws up. We retreated to the campground where every youth group and boyscout pack from Salt Lake had arrived by the hundreds. Chances of taking a shower went from good to nil.

Green River State Park

Onward we went through the Utah desert into the New Mexico desert. Taking a wrong turn we wound up in Farmington. Finally on the road again we hit Bernallio at rush hour. As we crested the hill we saw the forest fire in the Sangre de Cristos. Then today another one erupted in the Jemez mountains. Great backdrop for the illegal fireworks that will be shot off all over town in another week.

Jemez Fire

But the dogs didn’t care. They were dreaming of the cool shores of Lake Tahoe.

Even Rio and Lily gasped in the splendor of this pristine lake surrounded by snow covered peaks. The water was cool and refreshing . The dogs played retrieve the stick until they were good and tired.

The next day we tried out the dog beach in South Lake Tahoe. As expected, it was a great place with a lot of friendly dogs all playing in the water and on the beach.

This was one of our highlights of our trip. It is the only dog friendly section of the Lake Tahoe area noted so far but it is the best.

I remember hearing that gas was scarce on Highway 50, but having over half a tank and only 111 miles ahead to Fallon, we drove on. About 30 miles outside Fallon, I looked down in horror to see that the gas gauge was on empty. The road under construction sign just ahead was more of an oasis in the Nevada desert than an inconvenience. I immediately told the flagman we were out of gas, he got on his radio and arranged for us to get 5 gallons from his highway department truck.

Yes, there are angels in the desert. Onward we went into the California Sierras.  Through a crazy I 80 rush hour Reno Nevada, then Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride over Donner Pass. By the time we got to Grass Valley, all of us were a bit crazed, even the dogs. A good night’s sleep in the pastoral fields of our daughter’s house in Penn Valley and the horrors of the day were only a faint memory.

Rio’s an aptly named yellow Labrador retriever. He loves the water — maybe just a little too much.

“He’s the worst of the lot,” said outdoor enthusiast and former river guide Jon Asher. “He wouldn’t stay in the raft.”

But that doesn’t stop Rio from being a spokesdog for Asher’s ecommerce retail store, Wild Mountain Online, which specializes in outdoor gear for dogs and people. And it doesn’t stop Rio from joining Asher on hikes or overnight camping trips during any season, along with the family’s other yellow Labrador retriever mix, Lilly.

Asher said he loves the companionship of his canines as he explores New Mexico’s outdoor spaces. But just like humans, dogs can’t just dash into the woods and expect to have a good time. They have to be prepared: “It’s nice to bring them along safely, especially if they aren’t used to the rigors of the outdoors,” Asher said. “You have to keep them comfortable.”

When planning a hike or camping trip, consider giving the dog a job, Asher said, which includes carrying his or her food and water — not all natural water is safe for dogs to drink, and in many places there are no water sources.

In Rio’s inexpensive but durable backpack, Asher packs water and food in separate bags, along with a portable water bowl. The waterproof bags help protect the food from damage, especially if the dog, like Rio, loves to roll in the mud.

Some dogs might need a few days to get used to wearing a pack, Asher said, although many dogs, like Rio, take to wearing the gear right away. The backpack sometimes acts a calming device for nervous canines.

Through the years, Asher has found many products that help make an outdoor trip easier for canine and human companions. Aside from water and food, essentials include basic first-aid supplies, collar, leash and identification tags. A collar identification tag that contains a cell-phone number or other information is essential in case a dog gets lost.

Asher has tested all of the products he offers online, and most are from small or local companies. Many of the same products he uses on himself — like natural inspect repellent and first-aid items — can be used on the dogs.

Asher also includes plastic bags for waste disposal in his supplies, along with dog booties and bandages in case a dog injures a paw. Dog waste along many of the area’s popular trails is a pet peeve of Asher’s. His website carries biodegradable bags called Scoopies.

“There are a few people in Santa Fe who pick up after their dogs,” he said. “People don’t realize how much animal fecal matter goes into our watershed. If you’re going to take your dog out hiking, pick up after them.”

In the wilderness, Asher believes animal companions should have the same protocol as humans: Leave no trace.

Rocks, stickers and cacti make hiking on area trails hazardous for many dogs. One product that fuels Asher’s website is Musher’s Secret, a natural wax product that helps protect canine pads. He discovered the Canadian-made product while cross-country skiing with his border collie, Bo, many years ago near the Santa Fe Ski Basin.

The product, which also helps protect paws from hot asphalt and sand, also is available at several local pet stores. The product forms a semipermeable membrane that helps maintain the health of canine pads.

A similar locally made product, Heal My Paws, provides a natural protective moisturizer and conditioner for the pads. The conditioning balm helps keep the pads soft and supple and isn’t harmful if licked and ingested.

Other products hikers might consider include a quick-draw leash, microfiber gloves and towels, toys and lightweight jackets for cold mountain evenings.

Asher calls Just a Cinch Leash from Ruffwear one of the best leashes he’s every owned. The slip-adjustment collar fits virtually every size dog and the friction tab prevents collar slip-offs and escapes.

Reflective strands are woven into it for good visibility. Asher said his Labradors, which by nature can be prey-driven, quit pulling on a walk. And that leaves neighbor cats safe.

Another handy leash, also made by Ruffwear, is called the Quick Draw. The Velcro collar becomes a leash when needed. That’s helpful on hiking trails if you encounter leashed dogs or wildlife, Asher said.

While many trails require keeping dogs on leashes, some don’t. Common hiking etiquette, however, is to leash a dog if the hiker encounters another leashed dog. It’s also important to keep a dog leashed around areas where there might be snakes, bears or mountain lions.

A few dog toys can help to keep the attention on the human companion and not on wildlife.

Solid obedience lessons can also help protect a dog. Asher’s found success with simple but effective commands such as “leave it.”

“Dogs don’t understand,” he said. “They see movement and they’ll go after it. But if you voice-train them, it can be very important. We haven’t had any full-on confrontations with bears or mountain lions, but it does happen. You’ve got to be able to control or grab your dog. You don’t need an aggressive dog attacking a bear or any wildlife on the trail.”

Microfiber gloves — made with six fingers for use on either hand — are great for quick cleaning. In the winter, the gloves absorb water, mud, snow and ice and on camping trips are a great for muddy paws or wet fur.

Asher, who works as a web designer for Sangre de Cristo Mountain Works, focused on his online store after closing Wild Mountain Outfitters in 2007. The store carried some pet supplies, as does Sangre de Cristo Mountain Works now, but Asher said he decided to revise the online store to specialize mainly in dog gear. It’s what he enjoys the most.

“I’m only in it for the love of the dogs,” he said. “We have a couple of seasons where we make enough to keep it online and that’s about it. It’s not making anybody rich, but the dogs get to wear cool stuff.”

For more information about outdoor dog products, visit the website at wildmountainonline.com or read Asher’s blog at singingdogblog.com.

HEADING OUT

Love to hike and camp with your dog? Share your favorite tips and places to go with fellow Scoop readers. Email Ben Swan at santafescoop@gmail.com for a future article.

- 6/8/1