Start early: Introduce your dog to new places and activities when they’re young. Kicker and I did a six-month trip around Alaska when he was just a puppy and all those experiences have helped get him used to whatever new adventures come our way.

Stay in your skillset and comfort zone: You wouldn’t want to take your dog white water rafting the first time if you’ve never been rafting and aren’t a strong swimmer. Kicker is only allowed where I am certain we can safely navigate the activity together.

Be overprepared: I make sure to pack water and Nature’s Recipe® Dog Food for Kicker wherever we go and, if our adventure involves rope or flying, it must be a climbing-grade harness. It’s important to do your research ahead of time and make sure you know what’s needed well in advance.

Teach them the essential commands: Come, sit and stay are the most important commands your dog should know. Kicker will stay for over 15 minutes, which helps when trying to photograph a dog.

Take a LOT of photos: Kicker and I have been working together for so long he now poses anytime the camera comes out! Now I always have plenty of great photos to remember each of our adventures.