The Wanderer

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, going shopping has become a nightmare of stress and anxiety. The simple act of buying necessities now often involves waiting in lines for hours just to get in, then contending with nearly empty shelves, a lack of basic necessities, and crowds of people who could get you sick. It sure would be nice if you could bring your dog along to help you get through it all.

This Labor Day, we celebrate those who work, and the jobs they do. That doesn't just include humans, either. There are all sorts of dogs who perform important jobs, either full-time or part-time. Here are a few examples of jobs that dogs can do:

June 22nd is Dog Party Day! What better way to show your canine companion how much you appreciate them, than with a celebration? You can throw a party for your dog's birthday, to celebrate a milestone, like their graduation from obedience school, or have one just because. But regardless of the theme, any good party takes planning. How do you throw a party that will be fun for both dogs and humans alike? Start by following this checklist:

Friends at work make for a happy day. Having your best friend at work makes for a crazy happy day! Wouldn't it be awesome to have a reason to take your pup to work?

Summer’s here and you know what that means—road trip! And no four-wheel drive would be complete without your four-legged member of the family. Before you pack up the car and head out to parts known or unknown, use these simple tips to ensure everyone has a safe and fun time.

Natural disasters like hurricanes, severe thunderstorms, flash flooding, tornadoes, wildfires and earthquakes are an unfortunate reality of summer. Most of these disasters give little to no warning, and they can leave you needing to evacuate your home or without electricity and safe drinking water.

We can all agree that there’s nothing better than spending time with your pup exploring the great outdoors. Whether it’s finding new trails to hike, staying on a campsite looking up at the stars or just enjoying regular romps around your neighborhood, those memories are priceless.

At some point in time, you've probably heard someone say that dogs can predict the weather. You would be forgiven for laughing it off as another one of the many myths associated with these four-legged companions. But wait. Not so fast! There's more truth to it than you might think. So, can dogs really predict the weather? And if so, how do they do it? Let's find out.

If that perfect day calls you outside, hiking is a great way for you and your pup to exercise together and enjoy the outdoors. But before you go, be prepared with the necessary hiking gear for dogs. We talked to Dr. Kelly Grisham, DVM, to get her take on the equipment you need for a safe day hike with Fido. 

Whether you're a weekend warrior attacking new trails or training for a charity 5k, your four-legged partner can be a source of inspiration. Here's a checklist of the right gear for safe biking and jogging with your dog.

Vermont is a great getaway destination with beautiful mountain vistas, wilderness areas, and plenty of snow for some winter fun. Best of all, you can enjoy many of these activities side by side with your canine pal!

With all the hustle and bustle of getting ready for the holidays, a lot of pet parents find themselves with less time to spend playing and exercising their beloved canine companions. With busy schedules again, it can be challenging to wear your dog out in the same way you were previously.

Ready or not, the holidays are approaching. Now is the perfect time to schedule your trips, book your tickets and make plans for your pup. Here are some things to consider before heading out the door: 

You know your dog is the most handsome canine on planet earth, but how do you prove it to the world? With today’s smartphone technology, taking fantastic pet photos is a snap. Here are some pro tips on how to get the perfect holiday shot of your perfect pet.

Having a dog in your life is great, don't you agree? You have an adorable friend that loves you unconditionally and gets excited each time they see your face. They are always ready for an adventure or even just sharing a mid-afternoon nap on the couch. While it’s mostly fun and games, having a dog is also a lot of work. They require a great deal of responsibility to keep them safe, happy and healthy. To help you make pet ownership easier, we’ve compiled our top 10 favorite life hacks.

Dogs and camping go together like hot cocoa and marshmallows. We asked Ray Burr, a full-time RVer and dog owner, why so many RV campers enjoy traveling with their four-legged friends.

The United States has 60 protected areas known as national parks that are all incredible in their own unique way. From the geological features and breathtaking views, to the unusual ecosystems and wildlife, there’s nothing quite like planning a vacation to explore one (or many) of these historic parks.

The Keystone State, Pennsylvania is well known for its friendly residents, outstanding service and occasionally exuberant sports fans (cough, cough, fans of the current NFL Superbowl champs). A lesser known fact about Pennsylvania is that it’s in the top 5 most popular states for owners of the best smart dog collar on the market (somewhat biased view).

If your neighborhood has yet to jump on the trend, consider being a puppy playground pioneer. Read on for a “how to plan” and get the ball rolling!

We love to get away from it all, but we also love being with our dogs. Here are five timely suggestions for a picture-perfect dog vacation to enjoy with your furry friend.

If you’ve read any articles over the past few years covering top cities to visit in the United States, you’ve likely read about Asheville, North Carolina. Between the breathtaking mountain views, artistic locals, thriving restaurant and brewery scene...it’s a one-of-a-kind place. Even better, it’s also the perfect playground for your pup to tag along when you visit and here’s why:

Ten years ago the GPS in your car was a dash-mounted brick that might just steer you into a detention pond, but now directional navigation consists of a soothing voice providing real-time traffic updates and restaurant recommendations. The tech in human gadgets has improved dramatically, and GPS gear for man's best friend has followed suit. The pet technology in the LINK AKC Smart Collar makes life with your four-legged friend stress-free and easier than ever.

From exploring the historic Freedom Trail to kayaking in the Charles River, the city of Boston, Massachusetts is full of fantastic things to do and see with your dog. Along with Charleston, San Francisco, New York City and others, this could be one of the dog friendliest cities in the United States.

In some parts of the country we've all got our paws crossed for Spring weather to bloom sooner than later. Before we get going with showers and flowers here is a round-up of some of our favorite Winter adventures from the Link AKC Pack shared on Instagram.

Walking your dog is something that all dog owners do almost every single day. It's one of the most important and enjoyable things you do together. It's a fantastic time to bond with your dog and no matter where you go for your walk there are some things to do so we can all enjoy walks in peace with our pups. We don't want to slip into poor habits and these have a tendency to creep up on us in all walks of life. Here's our list of do's and don'ts to make your dog walking a great experience for all involved. 

Running with your dog is a great way for you both to stay happy and healthy. Did you know that your dog could be your best running buddy? Here's why. Dogs are always keen to spend more time with you, they have plenty of extra energy to burn after sleeping most of the day, and they don't complain. Dogs are the ultimate motivator - just one look at your pup waiting patiently at the door ready to go, will end any temptation to skip that run.

There's nothing like crisp Fall air to spark a little adventure with your pup and our Link Pack has taken full advantage of the season. With Winter quickly approaching we are featuring some of our favorite Fall Adventures shared with us on Instagram this year. 

With reduced foot traffic and cooler temps, autumn makes an ideal time for you and your pup to hit the beach, particularly those that welcome canines with open arms post Labor Day. As an added bonus, you an usually find discounted off-season rates at nearby accommodations. Check out these beautiful dog friendly beaches, and prepare for a tail-wagging good time.

The sweltering summer heat doesn't make for dog-friendly weather so we all rejoice when temperatures cool down. Use brisk fall days to maximize outdoor fun with your pup and capture it with the LINK AKC Smart Collar adventures feature, which provides date-stamped photo albums and unlimited photo storage. Here are some activities to keep your dog entertained this fall.

Labor Day signals the traditional start for all things autumn, from football tailgating to pumpkin patch visits. It's also a gentle reminder, there's still time to make the most of the last of summer with your four-legged family member. You might not have time for a California beach getaway or a trip to the Big Apple, but you can take some special walks with your pup no matter where you live. Here are our top five ways to walk and mark the transition from Summer to Fall.

We all want our dogs to be as healthy as possible. With all of the pet services offered these days, keeping your dog mentally and physically fit doesn't have to be as hard as teaching him new tricks. How do you ensure your dog's first walker is "the one"? How do you deal with handing the leash over to a stranger? After you've done your research and decided on a potential candidate, here are some tips to helping you feel at ease and making sure they're a good fit for Fido:

You've fallen head over paws for a spacious, beautiful new apartment for you and your furry best friend but how do you get your landlord to approve? If a no-pet policy stands in your way, these 5 courteous and effective tactics may change your landlord's mind.

Contrary to pup-ular belief, swimming is not a natural behavior for dogs. Although many dogs will instinctively paddle in water, they’re not always great at it! Most dogs require lessons from their older, wiser canine pals or, in this case, their #1 human. Some breeds like Retrievers, Setters, and even Newfoundlands were bred to be graceful swimmers. Others, bred for different purposes are more like barrels of rocks (we’re looking at you, pugs). If your dog is a short-legged, broad-chested Bulldog, Dachshund, Pug, or similar breed…he may never learn to swim. Their bodies just aren’t cut out for it. But hey, that’s what sprinklers and life vests are for! Give your vet a quick call to be sure your dog is up for the challenge before trying any of the following teaching techniques.

More dogs than kids live in San Francisco, and that makes for lucky pups. With ocean and bay on three sides, the city has a wealth of dog-friendly trails and Pacific beaches to explore. This is the perfect place to test out the LINK AKC Smart Collar's adventures feature. Snap selfies of your pup with cable cars, Alcatraz or the Golden Gate Bridge as a backdrop. 

Ruff weather outside? No matter what harsh conditions you and your pup are up against, there are plenty of places where you can enjoy exercise and fun indoors together. An indoor dog park gives you year-round options when Mother Nature deals in extremes. Snow storms, brutal heat or Spring showers don't have to stop playtime. Here's a look at five top-notch, climate controlled play date options.

From chic Manhattan hotspots to leafy outer-borough parks, New York City is a surprisingly dog-friendly town. A trip there might have you wondering if you should take your dog along or leave him behind, but the Big Apple offers plenty of dog-friendly destinations to share with your pup.

From fast-growing Austin to bigger-is-better Dallas and global Houston, the Lone Star State offers plenty of dog friendly, Texas-sized fun. Visitors can take their best friend exploring urban hiking paths or let him run loose in an off-leash dog run. And with top-notch shopping, dining, and pet spa spots to complete your trip, there are plenty of options for taking it easy with your furry pal, too.

Craving a vacation to get away from your troubles, but don't want to leave your best friend behind? San Diego, California is home to many pawfect, dog-friendly hotspots that are sure to keep you and your pup busy! From hotels to restaurants, and from restaurants to beach spots, this guide will help you plan a trip that's fun for the whole family.

When your doggy sleeps with paws twitching, they may be dreaming of freely running and playing on beaches where they're allowed. California is home to many dog-friendly beaches, some allowing off-leash cavorting. Count on the LINK AKC Smart Collar with its advanced GPS tracking to keep watch on your best buddy while he explores the beach. 

Summer is a great time for travel, for fun and for explorations. Bringing fido along for the ride can be great, especially if you know there will be some fun for your dog along the way. We've compiled a list of top dog parks across the country to help you get started with summer plans. Know a dog park we missed? Let us know!

Summer is here and adventure is calling us! Grab your dog, their favorite leash, lots of water and let the good times roll. Nothing like taking an adventure with your dog and no matter where you roam, the LINK AKC Smart collar will keep you safe and connected. As you travel around this summer, share your adventures with us on Instagram with the hashtag #linkakcadventures for a chance to be featured! We can't wait to see where you let the summer take you. And, if you're looking for some recommendations, be sure to check out The Wanderer.

At first glance, it may seem big-city dogs get the short end of the stick when it comes to room to roam, but you'll hear no complaints from canines in Los Angeles. Dog-friendly, LA offers parks, beaches and scenic trails for your canine to explore while wearing a location tracking LINK AKC Smart Collar. The app's adventure feature gives paw-rents an easy way to capture memories by storing photos of their dog exploring in the app's scrapbook, along with a map showing their route. Here's our favorite SoCal locations for your pup to enjoy on your next visit to la-la land.

Dog mom Kate Upton and her BFF Harley are practically connected at the hip. With Kate's busy schedule though, sometimes it's hard for them to stay literally connected, which is why she (and Harley) love their LINK AKC smart collar. Hear Kate talk about her bond with Harley and how using the LINK AKC collar has helped them grow even closer.

Dogs make a house a home, but how well does your home house your dog? From built-in feeding stations to dog beds under stairs, custom features can make your home more organized, stylish and fun for Fido.

Taking a vacation without your favorite four-legged friend can be a source of anxiety for both of you. Should she come with you or stay at home with a dog sitter? If your dog stays behind, will you worry excessively instead of enjoying your journey? Will your usually well-behaved best friend chew up on the couch while you're out of town?

Do you love exploring new places with your pup? We do, and the LINK AKC Smart Collar's adventures feature makes it easy to capture your adventures. The app feature includes a map and time-stamped photos taken during your travels. And there's unlimited digital photo storage included. Ready for your next adventure? To get you started, we've compiled a tail-wag worthy list of five dog friendly cities across the U.S., with help from Erin Ballinger, editor for BringFido.com, the Internet's largest directory of dog friendly destinations. 

Whether your furry best friend is an avid adventure seeker, weekend dog park warrior, or your Netflix partner, they deserve to be part of our pack. Check out some of the pups who have joined us and are loving their LINK AKC Smart Collars...almost as much as their paw'rents!

Some of the most popular pups on Instagram have gotten their paws on a Link Smart Collar and will be seen sporting them on all of their adventures this Spring.

Thinking about flying with your dog to Toronto, Tuscany or Thailand? It's possible. We've got eight tips on how to make international flights as easy as possible for both you and your pup. Start well in advance:

For devoted pet parents, the idea of boarding their dog can be scary. By taking a bit of time and doing your research, it's possible to find a dog boarding facility that allows you to take your vacation with peace of mind, knowing your best furry friend is in capable hands.

Dogs and car rides go together like peanut butter and jelly. How many times have you simply picked up your keys and seen your furry friend's ears perk up? Most dogs love a good road trip, and Nissan has noticed. The Japanese car company has taken its X-Trail, a stylish mid-sized SUV sold as the Rogue in the U.S., and designed a concept version perfect for dog lovers and their canine buds who love to travel. The Nissan X-Trail 4Dogs has a wealth of amazing dog-friendly features that'll have you drooling and crossing your paws this car moves from concept phase into production. 

Whether a full-time resident or one-time traveler, dog lovers everywhere will appreciate the selection of dog friendly restaurants to choose from in Charleston, South Carolina. The city was voted the top city for pet travelers in 2016 by GoPetFriendly.com's readers. As long as you bring the essential gear, it's easy to find the perfect meal on a pup-happy patio with dozens of restaurants that welcome dogs. 

Although the terms "therapy dog" and "service dog" are often used interchangeably, these canines perform very different functions. Any friendly, well-trained canine has therapy dog potential, but service dog training is intense and specialized. Melissa Yetter, founder of The Service Dog Institute, explains the skills necessary for both types of work.

Do those sad puppy eyes slay you every time you leave your dog home alone? Can you imagine how much fun it would be to take two dogs to the dog park on a sunny Saturday? Is someone in your family begging plaintively for a new dog to love? If so, it could be time to add a second dog to your family, assuming you've got three things already squared away.

K-9 units throughout the country are using innovative technology in the vehicles carrying their four-legged partners. While you may never see these features at your local car dealership, they offer insights into the future of mobile pet protection. 

As the "Theme Park Capital of the World", Orlando has long been at the top of the list for family-friendly destinations. This now includes your beloved four-legged family member. Here are seven dog-friendly hotels in Orlando for Florida fun with pup-approved perks. 

Look out, Kim Kardashian. You have canine competition on Instagram. Just like Kim, a top dog with a blog earns some serious money. With followers nearing or topping 1 million, these pooches command thousands of dollars per post. Add endorsements, clothing deals and product lines, and the sky's the limit.

Eight dogs captured the hearts of millions as they surfed their way through Pasadena. The 128th Rose Parade Presented by Honda featured “The Lucy Pet Foundation Gnarly Crankin’ K-9 Wavemaker” float and its eight canine surfing stars. Surfin’ Jack, Sully, Coppertone, Fred, Haole, Macho, Turbo and Rooster grabbed the country’s attention on the world-record-setting parade float. At the same time, they helped raise awareness about the important work being done by The Lucy Pet Foundation.

What's it really like at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show?

What turns a good dog park into an awesome one? Since dogs can’t talk, we took it upon ourselves to research some of the most amazing dog parks in America to find out what they’re doing right. The following results were collected from an unofficial poll based on licks, wags, and extra bouncy jumps.

Watch our video and see how LINK AKC fits into your daily life, and helps you keep track of your best friend's well-being.

Keep your little elf happy and healthy all season long with these easy-to-follow holiday Do's and Dont's.

Do puppy-proof your tree

It’s an undisputed fact that dogs, like humans, need daily exercise and mental stimulation to be happy, healthy, and well adjusted. As any good vet will tell you, inactive, overweight dogs are at a higher risk for diabetes, arthritis, hip dysplasia, respiratory problems, and heart disease. Additionally, under-exercised dogs can develop destructive and annoying behavioral problems. But before you fret that your pom-pom should take up long-distance running, it’s a good idea to take a step back and consider the needs of your dog in particular.

We wish we could bring our dogs along with us everywhere, but when we’re traveling far away for the holidays, or just on a trip it’s not always an option. Additionally, when all of your pup’s human pals are out of town, it can be really difficult to find a pet sitter that you trust. We’re lucky to live in an age of problem-solving apps and websites, but always schedule an in-person meet and greet beforehand. This will help your dog get to know with his future canine nanny while also giving you the chance to discuss the details of your dog’s care.   Here are five ways that technology can help you find a safe and happy, home-away-from-home for your dog when you can’t bring him with you.

The Link smart collar is now available for reservation at linkmypet.com.

Why should human wrists have all the fun? The all-new Link Smart Collar was designed to help you take a more informed and active role in managing your dogs’ well being. With a modern technology that helps you track puppy stats all day long, the Link Smart Collar and app keep you connected to your best friend, even when you can’t be together.

Hearing “No dogs allowed!” is a real day-ruiner, isn’t it? Don’t give up though!