Kelli Armstrong, an Evergreen GRC member, has had several golden retrievers, starting with her first in the 90’s. She has experience with participating in obedience and rally, but some of her biggest hobbies include enjoying all the perks of living in the Pacific Northwest with her dogs. Her first Golden Retriever was Teddy, Teddy was Valiview’s From Star to Finish, a wonderful companion who enjoyed camping, boating, and going out on the trails with her and her horse. Her second golden was Tug, Tug was Valiview's Grand Slam, who lived to be 13 years old, had more energy, and enjoyed camping and swimming in the Puget Sound. Currently she has a 4-year-old girl, Isla is Tillage's There You Go Again NB RI CGC, and together they are working towards obedience and rally competitions and spend time walking together on the beach.
I wanted to interview Kelli about her experiences of raising dogs in the Pacific Northwest and how she makes them apart of her camping, hiking, and boating hobbies. Her years of experience is valuable to those that are interested in also including their canines in similar activities. Kelli shares some wonderful stories and advise in the following interview.
While camping on a trip with girlfriends, Kelli shared a story about her energetic and goofy boy, Tug. He was about a year old and staying in a large tent with 5 women and could not help but run all over the place and be with each of them in excitement. They all still look back fondly on this memory and remanence on the fun experiences a dog, especially Goldens, can bring to such adventures.
For those that are interested in camping and doing adventures with their Goldens I asked Kelli what is some advice that she could give. First thing is to make sure you keep your dog up to date on any flea, tick, and heart worm control and have a first aid kit for yourself and your dog. She goes on to describe how important it is to have all the necessary equipment. “I have a small sling pack that has a spare leash, folding silicon water bowl, poo-bags, and a chuck-it ball aways packed.” She is adamant about bringing plenty of water and treats as well because there are always great opportunities for training she likes to capture. For walks on the beach or large paths with Isla she likes to give her opportunities to explore and sniff safely by bring a harness and long lead. Isla and Kelli also enjoy going out when it is snowing. Near her house there is a golf course, and she preps by wearing snowshoes and using Mushers Secret on Isla’s paws since Isla is not fond of wearing booties. And luckily here in the Puget Sound area is generally doesn’t too cold.
When camping with a trailer or at a campground, Kelli has some great advice too. She brings two exercise pens so that Isla gets time off leash at campsites. Many campsites require that your dogs are always leashed up. If you’re camping with dogs, Kelli wants to remind that following the rules is important because, “I never want to be the one that could change ‘dogs welcome’ to ‘not welcome.’” Paddling boarding is another outdoor activity Kelli enjoys doing with Isla. She says that there is excellent information on online on how to prepare your dog for paddle boarding and training that can be done in your own backyard prior. For herself, she uses a board where the fins come off so that it stays flat on the grass and taught Isla how to “Board Up” to get on the board. From there she practiced sitting and laying on the board safely. “Let me tell you that she (Isla) is not one to sit still on the board, so I sit and kayak paddle instead of standing for now. Isla is intrigued at looking at the rocks on the bottom of the lake and just taking it in.” Kelli also makes sure that both her and Isla wear floatation devices for safety. Isla’s life vest has a handle on the back that makes it much easier to maneuver and lift her back onto the board in deep water when she chooses to go swim. She says that this can exhaust your dogs easily, especially if they have not been conditioned for a long swim and to be very aware of that. She finds that Isla is quick to get on the board but is slower to get off when back on the beach for instance. “I think one thing to be aware of is that as our companions age their activity level at some point tapers off. This is hard to see and accept and does not mean it has to end, just adjust, and love and enjoy them in their favorite ways for as long as they are able.” Another important thing to be aware of is prior to going to any lake is to check to make sure that the lake you’re going to is safe from algae blooms that can be found towards the end of summer in smaller warmer lakes. These blooms can be harmful to your dogs.
Downsides to taking your Golden Retriever camping, hiking, or boating includes some obvious ones. The mud and salt water. Kelli always gives Isla a quick bath after swimming or a good walk in the woods. Another downside is caution when choosing to be off leash. In the woods it is important to stay leashed up because you may encounter people, other dogs, or wildlife. On some select beaches Kelli will choose to off leash where she can see far distances and know that at the most a distraction may be some birds. She also trains Isla with a whistle recall that allows for more safe opportunities for off leashing.
I asked Kelli, compared to other breeds, what makes doing these hobbies with a Golden Retriever unique. She finds that goldens love the outdoors and people naturally. “. They just want to be with their people and will typically join in with you. What I love about Goldens is their ability to make you laugh and put a smile on anyone's face.”
Thank you, Kelli, for this amazing interview and sharing your adventures with your goldens with us.
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