Beaches/Swimming holes

Wandering aimlessly down a peaceful sandscape with your dogs romping alongside—there is nothing quite like a day at the beach. Of course, legal off-leash beaches are best, so check out Miami’s Dog Beach, on Biscayne Bay just past the Rickenbacker Causeway toll booths. This is the sole location in Dade County where dogs can legally surf sans leashes, as well as the only beach in Miami that faces west, for spectacular sunsets. On the West Coast, make a pilgrimage to Dog Beach near San Diego, close to Ocean Beach Park. This 38-acre off-leash heaven encompasses a strip of sand between the end of the San Diego River and the Pacific Ocean. And, just two blocks away, at 4933 Voltaire Street, you’ll find the self-service Dog Beach Dog Wash, open seven days a week from 7 a.m. until 9 p.m.

If you think that your swim-loving dog would like to take the plunge and join the ranks of the canine life-saver corps, contact Wet Dog (www.wetdog.org) the first water education and training obedience group that is open to all breeds—not just those intrepid Newfies or PWDs. Find out how even the smallest of breeds can be trained, and even win badges, in water rescue work.

Parks/Camping

Wilderness hiking by day, warming noses and toes by a crackling campfire in the evening, and falling asleep under the stars, snuggled close to your pooch—that’s what people who plan camping trips with dogs have in mind. To make planning and reality meet, read Ruffing It: The Complete Guide to Camping with Dogs, by Mardi Richmond and Melanee L. Barash and available from www.dogwise.com. The book contains what-to-bring checklists, information on canine first aid, tips on getting your dog into shape for hiking and more.

Now, where to go? National forests and Bureau of Land Management areas are more dog-friendly than state or national parks; the latter allow dogs only in campgrounds, on leash and attended at all times (no leaving dogs in tents while you hike). Call ranger stations ahead of time to ask for local dog restrictions. For maps, guidebooks and destination ideas, www.gorp.com/gorp/eclectic/pets.htm is the way to go.

Inns

In 1848 a whaling captain built and lived in the Octagon House in historic New Bedford, Massachusetts, but today its doors are thrown open to you and your canine first mate by hosts Ruth and Chuck Smiler. Explore the still-working water-front, local museums and antique shops, and nearby Gooseberry Island, the “loveliest off-leash beach in New England.” www.theoctagonhouse.com or 508.999.3933. Nestled in stunning central Vermont near the Green Mountain National Forest, the Paw House Inn is a unique bed-and-breakfast designed for dog lovers. The historic farm house was built in 1786, and everything is provided to make your dog feel right at home—including the inn’s off-leash park. www.pawhouseinn.com, or 866.PAW.HOUSE. The Inn at Maplemont Farm is situated on a 43 acre farm in Barnet, Vermont and has become the first choice for dog lovers visiting Stephen Huneck’s Dog Chapel in St. Johnsbury. 800.230.1617 www.maplemont.com. Crystalwood Lodge in Klamath Falls, Oregon, not only provides comfortable rooms in a historic home in the Upper Klamath Wildlife Refuge (think fishing, elk-watching, birding galore), but also offers your hot dog three different trout-stocked ponds for his swimming pleasure. www.crystalwoodlodge.com or 866.381.2322.

Boarding

You really can’t call these sort of establishments boarding kennels; a doggy spa would be more accurate, constructed as they are on the concept that a dog’s stay should be a relaxing yet enjoyable vacation. On the West Coast, check out Tappen Hill in Sonoma County (CA), where dogs can enjoy two pools (one specially heated for physical therapy), all-day playgroups suited to their temperaments, acres and acres of fenced lawns, and playground equipment. 707.824.9100 or www.tappenhill.com. Life Is A Ball Boarding in Carnesville, Georgia, caters only to purebred dogs in the sporting group—the best candidates, the proprietors believe, for “cageless boarding” in an open/play atmosphere. At night, each dog sleeps in her own newly built private luxury cottage (above). 706.384.2029 or www.lifeisaball.net. Boston’s Common Dog is as uncommon as a doggy bed & breakfast gets. Cape Cod-style cottages—complete with sofas, chairs, and dog beds (if they really prefer)—offer your dog privacy and comfort at night; daytime is playtime in the ample play yard. 617.381.6363 or www.commondog.com.

Boating

Restless humans and canines who are not content to relax on a riverbank are invited to jump into a canoe and disappear for a weekend or a week, ably assisted by the river guides at Dog Paddling Adventures. Based in Ontario, Canada, this adventure outfitter specializes in water-based wilderness trips for people and their dogs, at whatever level of whitewater you wish. Trips range from tranquil lake explorations to “ruff water” trips on the Mad River. www.dogpaddlingadventures.com or 416.992.2216. For great boating resources for you and your dogs, go to www.boatus.com/pets.

Hiking

Could there be a more natural human/canine activity than hiking? Share the trails with your dog, and you’ll share the benefits with him, too: hiking increases fitness, sharpens your eye for wildlife and reduces your concerns to the elements at hand—inspiring trail, spirit-lifting sky, refreshing drinking water and loyal companionship. To prepare for new adventures, read Hiking with Dogs (Linda B. Mullally/Falcon) and A Guide to Backpacking with Your Dog (Charlene G. LaBelle/Alpine Publications). For a great place to stock up on hiking supplies for your dog, visit The Trail Hound’s store in Asheville, NC, or online at www.trailhound.com. For numerous links to dog-hiking clubs, go to www.wolfpacks.com/links.htm.

Bicycling

Small dogs have several advantages in life (this accounts for the swagger) and one of the most enjoyable is the opportunity to ride bikes. We’re carried away with joy at the prospect of toting our Totos in a genuine willow-twig basket, roomy enough for a 20-pound dog, and designed to accommodate dog cushions as well as a safety harness. Check out the baskets at: www.cynthiastwigs.com or 888.404.1444. Don’t fret if you have a larger dog. His bike-touring days need not end, if his cycling companion invests in a bicycle-towed trailer. We are impressed by the styling of the Swiss-made Leggero Husky II—alas, it’s not yet available in the U.S., but in Europe the go-to source for this model and other canine trailers is www.bikesandtrailers.com; shipping costs to the U.S. are not as high as you might think. Cycle Tote in the U.S. also makes other bicycle cart models. www.cycletote.com, 800.747.2407.

Say, we know that bikes are not just for tourists on tires. Some dogs would rather run than ride, and so for the possessors of hardy soles we suggest BikerDog, an attachment system that allows your dog to run alongside your bike, without being able to get loose or pull your bike over. www.bikerdog.com or 303.665.0607. For safe and scenic outings, explore the 1,174 bike-friendly trails extending over 11,658 miles at railtrails.org, site of Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, for a biking trail near you.

Audio Tapes

Going on a road trip with your dog?
What better way to help the miles roll by quickly than to listen to a doggy book on tape! John Steinbeck’s Travels with Charley, read by Gary Sinise, is available through www.bn.com. Or Jeffrey Masson’s Dogs Never Lie About Love will get you and your dog snuggling closer on the car seats. Available from www.booksontape.com, 800.521.7925.

Or how about catching up on training tips by listening to the tape, Dogs Will Be Dogs, produced by St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center’s nationally acclaimed training school. Learn to solve common behavior problems with the flick of a Walkman. 973.377.7094, www.sthuberts.org.

Summer Camps

As children, many of us dreamed about how much more bearable summer camp would be if we could only bring our dogs … and now we can! Most canine camps offer traditional activities such as swimming, hiking, crafts, skits and costume contests—all with your dog, mind you—but also agility, tricks, lure coursing, flyball, positive obedience, herding and much more. Check out Camp Winnaribbun in Lake Tahoe (775.348.8412, www.campw.com), Camp Gone to the Dogs in Vermont (802.387.5673, www.campgonetothedogs.com), Dog Days of Wisconsin (800.CAMP-4-DOGS, www.dogcamp.com); Camp Dogwood in the Chicago area (312.458.9549, www.campdogwood.com); or the Dog Scouts in the Michigan area (www.dogscouts.com). These camps offer just two or three sessions each summer/fall, so call early for dates and reservations.