Shortly before Christmas, my dog Baxter and I took part in one of our favourite holiday traditions: our trainer’s annual holiday hike.
Every December, our trainer invites all her past clients to a local conservation area for a hike. It’s a pretty special experience to be part of—dozens of dogs and people tromping together through the woods.
For Baxter, it’s a gift—new dogs (including a Shar Pei in her sharp coat and a young German Shepherd who knew how to box), new people, being outside, running off leash.
As we celebrate the holidays, I hope that you and your dog can enjoy a special outing of your own. Maybe it’s a hike with some doggie friends, or maybe it’s something different. Or maybe you already have a tradition that you enjoy together.
However you celebrate, I wish you and your dogs happy holidays.
Thanks to Lindsay for letting me guest post and share some of our experiences. And thanks to all of you for reading along. Baxter and I will be back in 2017.
– Julia & Baxter
Julia is a regular writer for That Mutt and maintains the blog Home on 129 Acres.
Julia at Home on 129 Acres
Tuesday 3rd of January 2017
It's a pretty neat experience to see all of these dogs together. Off leash hiking is one of the most rewarding experiences I do with Baxter.
Lindsay Stordahl
Sunday 1st of January 2017
What a well-behaved group of dogs! I'm thankful there are some areas near me where I can hike with my dogs off leash.