Among all the investments I have made in my dogs, the Garmin GPS tracker is by far the most important. These trackers aren't just for hunting dogs; they're perfect for hiking, camping, or scooter runs when you prefer not to use a leash.
This tracker has reunited us with our dogs countless times after they've chased a wild animal or wandered off. With a tracking range of up to nine miles, the Garmin Alpha 100 has been our go-to for over seven years. We added a second collar when Kayuh joined our family. It's truly a lifesaver!
They are pricey, but ask yourself... if your dog was missing, how much would you be willing to pay to get them back?
Stay Connected
Xiaomi MI Electric Scooter 4 Pro
31 Miles Long Range & 18.6mph
Caroma Electric Skateboard
28 MPH Max Speed
16 Miles Max Range
Got a bike, scooter, or skateboard? Hop on and let your dogs run alongside you! In nice weather, I ride an electric scooter while my husband rides an electric skateboard, and we let our dogs run behind us. It wears them out quickly and is a lot of fun for us.
When we're in a remote area on a dirt road, we let them run behind our 4-wheeler or Jeep. In the winter, we use a snowmobile or take them cross-country skiing. Whatever you choose, make sure it's enjoyable for both you and your pup.
During your exercise sessions, stop periodically to give your dog commands like "come," "sit," and "down." Reward them with lots of praise and treats. This provides mental stimulation along with physical exercise.
If you're nervous about letting your dog off-leash, especially in remote areas, I highly recommend using the tracker below.
Get Moving
Whether your going for a short walk in the neighborhood, or on a long hike, consider outfitting your dog with a backpack. Not only does this offer a great workout, but it also provides them with a sense of purpose. Carrying a pack can be incredibly fulfilling, especially for dogs bred for work.
A dog can carry about 10% to 12% of their body weight. For example, if your dog weighs 50 pounds, they can safely carry around 5 to 6 pounds in their backpack.
If you're using a pack with saddlebags like the one we have for Kayuh, it's important to balance the weight evenly on both sides. We typically include a water bladder in each saddlebag, a collapsible bowl for giving our dogs a drink during the walk, and a few snacks.
Kayuh is rocking the Widlerdog Dog Backpack with a built in harness and d-ring leash attachment. We love the quality and they have a lifetime warranty on their products, that we have benefited from.
Add Weight
A Tired Dog is a Good Dog
No matter the season, our dogs need to burn off their energy. Without proper outlets, they can become destructive, chewing on things they shouldn't, digging up the yard, or bothering you and your other pets.
It's crucial to provide both mental and physical exercise for our fur babies. Ideally, incorporating 10-15 minutes of training along with a walk or run is perfect. Personally, I'm not a runner, but we have high-energy dogs that need to run to release their energy. That's why I've included some tips and tools to make training and exercising our dogs easier for us.