This post was originally written for Sidewalk Dog Media. I also published it on my dog training website, High Spirits Dog Training. Originally written March 17, 2017. Still my writing, still relevant, still useful! Is your pup a little unsure in new situations? Want to remind your dog of his inner strength and super powers? Just looking for a way to connect more with your four-legged pal? Here are some tips to build your dog’s confidence – and his trust in you! Let Them Explo

That there's a buffalo in the background. In case you missed it. This is hands down one of my favorite campgrounds, and an experience not to be missed. If you're looking for something out of the ordinary, this is absolutely the place for you. We had a less-than-idyllic weather day and other circumstances surrounding our arrival, but this was still very memorable and I definitely want to go back. First of all, this campground is free. Which is pretty great. If you're into fanc

Sunset Point Campground Arapaho National Forest Granby, CO Management: Arapaho National Forest Size: 25 sites (non-electric). There is at least one double site for tents only. Most sites are back-in though there were a few pull through sites. Unfortunately, there were several campers here vs tents. Cost: $24/night (first come first served, walk-up reservations only) Environment: Lakeside/lakeshore. Tall pines. Gravel tent pads. Cell Phone Reception: Poor Privacy: Minimal. Yo

After visiting Glacier National Park in Montana last September, I didn't know that another mountain beauty would fall onto my bucket list. But the mountains started calling, and I decided that I must go. At first, Rocky Mountain National Park was planned to be a pit stop on my way to the Grand Canyon. I'd take a peek as I drove by. But when the perfect time slot opened up on my calendar, too hot for Arizona but just right for mountain climes, I knew it was time to head to the

Aspenglen Campground Rocky Mountain National Park Estes Park, CO Management: Rocky Mountain National Park Size: 54 sites (13 are tent only, 5 are walk in, the rest are drive in, 0 electric) Cost: $26/night (reservable online, day-of sites are rarely available) Environment: On the mountainside, tucked in the trees. River next to the walk-in sites Cell Phone Reception: Poor Privacy: Fair. Walk-In sites had the most privacy Dog Rules: Dogs on Leash. Dogs cannot be left unattende

I just returned from my second ever epic mountain camping road trip. There were a few new apps on my phone this time around that made a huge difference in my travels. Download these before your next trip, and it could change everything! 1. Free campsites You wouldn't believe how many free campsites are out there! This was a great resource because of the detailed reviews from users. It actually helped me avoid a few. Really easy to use on the fly, this should definitely be on

I just put my new leashes from Stunt Puppy to the test by bringing them on my road trip to Colorado. Though they have only 1 week in use, I'm sad to say there are several flaws. Many positives, too! I'll spell it all out below. After much research and popular feedback (read the full discussion here), I decided on the Stunt Puppy Everyday Leash. I wanted a versatile leash that would work well for hiking, camping, and traveling. Something that would feel good in my hand and be

I'm gearing up for my second week-long roadtrip into the mountains, and I'll be going without a cooler! Yes, it's true. I'm a no muss, no fuss kind of traveler, and I don't like to waste time or get dragged down by hassle. So, I thought I'd share my tips and even my entire list of provisions for this trip with y'all. Read about my epic roadtrip to Glacier National Park and Going-to-the-Sun Road! It's what prompted me to start this blog in the first place. Alright, onto FOOD.

While visiting family up in Fergus Falls, I took a day and night to explore Maplewood State Park, the 6th largest state park in Minnesota. Since it was a weekday, I practically had the entire park to myself. I chatted with the very friendly and helpful park rangers in the information center, selected a campsite, then explored several trails in the park. There are so many options! Here are a few experiences I can share; I hope you enjoy! Location: Pelican Rapids, MN Management

Yay! Ok, here we go. I actually went on this trip about 3 weeks ago, but I'm only now getting around to writing this. Little thing called moving happened. If you're on Instagram and have a well-developed sense of wanderlust, you've likely run across hundreds of images of adventurous nomads in their tricked out vans, SUVs, or even buses facing scenic vistas with twinkly lights strung up overhead. Commonly referred to as #vanlife, I was captured hook, line, and sinker by these

All Campgrounds Maplewood State Park Location: Pelican Rapids, MN Management: Minnesota State Parks & Trails Size: 71 drive-in sites, 32 electric sites, 3 backpack sites Cost: $17 for non-electric sites Environment: Glacial morain. Hardwood forests, Birch trees. Numerous lakes. Cell Phone Reception: Good Privacy: Varies by campground. Details below. Dog Rules: Dogs on Leash, 6 foot maximum length of leash Amenities: Varies by campground. Details below. Trails Nearby: 27 mile

On a sunny but windy Saturday in late February, I put the dogs in the car and we hit the road for a mini-adventure. A day trip up highway 35 from Minneapolis to Duluth with three well-researched stops planned out: Banning State Park, Jay Cooke State Park, and Park Point Duluth. Most of my research came from these books: Hiking Minnesota and Camping the North Shore. In the back of my mind, I was prepared to do car camping -- and by that I mean actually camping in one's car --

Snake River Campground Chengwatana State Forest Pine City, MN Management: Chengwatana State Forest Size: 26 sites Cost: $14 (non-reservable, first come first served, self pay box, cash/check only) Environment: Tall pine tree forest, river nearby, grasslands surrounding Cell Phone Reception: Good Privacy: Very Good Dog Rules: Dogs on Leash Amenities: Primitive. Pit-style toilets, Hand-pump water access Trails Nearby: Canoe launch at the river access. This idyllic little campgr

For the most part, adventuring in nature is FREE! You can find open air, green grass, and hiking trails almost anywhere. Yet, there seem to be a lot of accessories and extras and bonuses that make adventuring, especially travel, cost more than a pretty penny. I'm a minimalist and also nearly debt-free; I have not used credit cards in two years and pay for everything with real money and savings. Suffice it to say, I'm pretty mindful about where I spend my money. I've put toget

I’m a wanderer, an adventurer, and a lone wolf. As an introvert, I find peace and solace in the silence of nature, in the aloneness of the wilderness. It fills up my internal well and brings me contentment. I do a lot of solo travel, and it’s thrilling, comfortable, and fulfilling for me, but for others it can be very scary to consider traveling without company. This article should inspire you to take to the road, to the trail, or to nature and experience adventure by yoursel

State/National FORESTS versus State/National PARKS Have dog will camp? If that’s you, then you’ll want to prick up your ears for this article. Getting outside and camping with my dogs is one of my favorite things to do. I’ve discovered some key differences between camping at state parks versus state forests, though, and I think you’ll be keen to hear about them. I have now camped at one of each of these categories: state park, state forest, national park, national forest. In