Adventure Dogs: Activities to Share with Your Dog―from Comfy Couches to Mountain Tops

by Fern Watt, Lauren Fern Watt

Let your dog lead the way to adventure!


Grab your four-legged best friend and start making the most of every day, and every dog year. In Adventure Dogs: Activities to Share with Your Dog—from Comfy Couches to Mountain Tops, author Fern Watt teams up with canine experts to offer more than 50 surprising new ways to strengthen the connection you share with your dog. Captured in vibrant, full-color photography, activities range from simple to epic. What would make your dog's "bucket list" of must-see and -do adventures? Find out together as you uncover your pup's special interests and skills using this adventure book.


Follow your pup into a world of herding, sniffing, playing, howling, and walking! From hiking a mountain or taking a smell walk in your own neighborhood to training like a Navy SEAL or practicing "doga" poses, Adventure Dogs has an activity or experience for every breed, personality, energy level, age, and dog parent. Our Dogs remind us that great adventures don't always require a passport-there are tons of wonders right outside our front doors.


Perfect for dog lovers, armchair travelers, and active pet parents alike, Adventure Dogs reveals inspirational and practical ways for us humans to understand, appreciate, and live in the moment with our furry companions.


• PRACTICAL ADVENTURES: Features more than 50 real, everyday activities to engage with your dog in scientifically-backed ways. With a range of prices, activity levels, and time investments, there's something in this animal activity book for everyone and every pup.


• BACKED BY RESEARCH: Author Fern Watt traveled and did her own research with her rescue dog, Bette. She's also consulted renowned scientists and behaviorists (Alexandra Horowitz), bestselling dog-book authors (Seth Casteel), Instagram-famous dog owners (@tunameltsmyheart), and people who have expanded the limits of what we thought dogs could do, whether it's surf, skateboard, paint, do yoga, run for mayor, or graduate from an Ivy League school.


• INSPIRATIONAL LOCATIONS: Features pet-friendly destinations (hotels, beaches, dog parks, hikes, and more!) around the United States and abroad.


• OVERFLOWING WITH IDEAS: Watt consults a range of experts to add stories, tips, and photography to the book. The result is a vibrant collection of voices and perspectives.

Genres: Nonfiction, Dogs, Animals

208 pages, Hardcover

Published November 23, 2021

Reviews

[Kristine]

This was the absolutely best dog book I ever have read. It also has beautiful pictures. The author talks about her beloved dog, Bette and all the fun things they have done together.

Next, the Ritz Carlton in Puerto Rico has changed since I visited. Fur babies are now part of the fun. You can bring your dog and he can go on a kayak trip, ride a bicycle specially set up for dogs, or s/he can relax under a custom tee-pee. I want to book plane reservations tonight.

If I decide I’d rather take a road trip, I can go to St. Johnsbury, Vermont. I know the way as I have been many times. I did not know they had Dog Mountain. Dogs can take lovely nature walks and enjoy the outdoors. The absolute best part though is a couple made a Dog Chapel. This is for people who have lost a beloved pet and can leave cards, messages, or a special note on the wall about their pet. The idea is to give some peace to the owners who are mourning their beloved family member. The Chapel is stunning. The benches are hand made of wood and held up with metal dog structures. The pictures are gorgeous. It looks so beautiful, but also so tranquil.

Next, I want to go to Cottonwood, Idaho. There is a giant beagle structure, but it is not just to look at, this is also a functioning bed and breakfast. You can bring your pets and stay at the top head of the beagle. Again, the pictures tell the fun story.

These are just a few of the great things you can do with your dog. I want my dog to get his Canine Good Citizen Award that the American Kennel Club gives out. He will need to practice a bit. Another option is to stop by Yale University. My Jasper can earn a PAWHD for participating in games designed by scientists at the Canine Cognition Center.

These book was so much fun, but also reminds us that dogs are not hairy humans and different things interest them. They do not need as many material toys and outfits as we think. Even though I know my dog understands my conversations and the author’s dog understands her, we do know they are not human. By suggesting so many activities for your beloved dog it makes their lives better. Everyday they need to take good walks and be properly looked after. She ends by saying Make Fetch Happen more often. That is the only part I disagree with. My dog just does not get fetch. He is hilarious watching and running with the other dogs, but does not get that you pick something up and bring it back. Still, he likes to run with his dog cousins and watch and that is a fantastic way to spend time on the beach.

Thank you NetGalley, Fern Watt, and Chronicle Books for an ARC of this book.

[Valerity (Val)]

This is a book filled with the cutest dog photos ever. It has lots of ideas of things to try with your fur baby that are really different. It focuses on what might be fun for your dog and you, and help you give your dog their best life. It can help improve your life at the same time while you are out checking out these unique adventures. A really fun book, and you’ll love all the great pictures. Advance electronic review copy was provided by NetGalley, author Fern Watt, and the publisher.

[sammstormborn]

Thank you to Fern Watt, NetGalley, and Chronicle Books for my ARC of “Adventure Dogs” in exchange for my honest review.

I was drawn to this book because my dogs are like my kids - I spoil them rotten and they come first in my life. I love taking them with me whenever and wherever I can and I, too, just like Fern, want them to have the best life. I rescue senior and/or special needs dogs so I want to give them all the love and adventures they can possibly soak up.

“Adventure Dogs” is such a sweet book that has multiple great suggestions and tips on how to help your dog live their best and most fulfilling life. There are activities that can be done at home, at the park, or in other more accessible areas where you just rethink some of the things you do with them. Then, there are the adventures you can take them on if you think your dog would enjoy hiking and more arduous exercises. There are suggestions for all different types of breeds, personalities, special needs, and take into consideration the owner’s abilities, too.

I loved how Watt collaborated with other well-known dogs, like Tuna Melts My Heart and others. I think it helps bring a wider perspective from all different dogs and their lives and how they and their owners have the adventure of a lifetime! It’s a great little book for new dog owners as well as more experienced dog owners. I’m still learning as I go since dogs are as unique as people with their preferences - this definitely gave me some ideas I’m going to try with my two doggos! It’s definitely a lovely book that would be great for yourself or as a present for others because it’s funny, sweet, sincere, and well-thought-out with some fantastic pictures!

[Lindsey]

To put it simply, I loved this book. It's filled with great imagery and is a joy to read. It left me excited to explore the world with my two dogs.

Just yesterday I was thinking about all of the experiences my oldest dog and I have shared over the last seven years, and how boring our lives have been in comparison since the beginning of the pandemic. This book gave me some ideas that I can implement in our daily life, sometimes without even leaving our own backyard. It even reminded me that I am overdue for a stop at the Dog Chapel in St. Johnsbury, VT. A place that we drive by regularly but have never made the time to stop at.

I like to live by the motto "never leave the dogs behind" and this book has inspired me with so many new ways to experience life with them.

Thank you to NetGalley and Chronicle Books for the advance copy!

[Aislin]

This book was so fun, especially the pictures! It's a collection of activities to do with your dog and includes many photographs. While many of the activities are intimidating, such as surfing with a dog or climbing a mountain together, some are more approachable, such as different types of walks to go on or ways to pamper your dog. I loved the theme of this book, which was that giving your dog a great life can lead you to explore new things and have a great life yourself. I may not try very many of these specific activities, but I feel inspired to get more creative with stuff I do with my dog!
Thanks to NetGalley for the ebook in exchange for an honest review.

[C.]

As a new dog owner, I was super excited to receive a copy of this ARC from NetGalley. This book is an easily read selection of fun activities to do with your dog. They range from the very simple - take a smell walk - to the more complicated - SEAL dog training!

While some of these things are way beyond what I’m interested in doing with my dog, I did get a few new ideas and good tips for taking on some slightly more complicated pieces. One of the things I liked was inclusion of various dog friendly locations - a lot of these felt very West/East coast based, so not super useful in other areas but still a nice beginning list of locations. The photography includes lots of lovely pictures of various types of dogs and some links to Instagram pups. Lots of fun for new dog owners and maybe some think outside the box ideas for more seasoned owners as well.

[mikaela (spinebreaker)]

i love dogs. period. i love doing simple things with my dog, and big things, and i loved that this book celebrated both options. everyone pet your doggies for me!

[Shelly Loggins]

This book was so fun! I loved all the creative ideas and the photos in this book were incredible. It’s a great balance of information, stories, and data so I am so excited to try out A FEW of these ideas. I’m so glad this book exists!

[Jessica White]

I read Gizelle's Bucket List right after I got my very own rescue pup. I dove headfirst into the world of dog books....fiction, nonfiction, short stories. It didn't matter, because I was obsessed.

When I saw Adventure Dogs by Fern Watt, I pre-ordered it immediately.

Adventure Dogs was written a little different but it was still filled with Watt's witty humor and devout love for her dog, Bette. She ditched the memoir outline and opted for bite sized essays with full page dog photos to reference. While Gizelle had a bucket list, Bette has an adventure checklist.

Each essay is written with the help of a dog professional, whether that be a dog trainer, photographer, or masseuse. Everyone brought their own dogs into the story. Andrew and his dog Kicker often find themselves paragliding together. Jessica and her dachshunds hiked over 14,000 miles to the peak of Mount Elbert. Ryan even takes his pup surfing!

There are checklists throughout the book to use with your own dogs. I highly doubt I'll be taking my senior dog surfing anytime soon. But tomorrow we'll have a sandwich date, maybe hit the bookstore, and even take a smell walk. But that doesn't mean my pup, Sophie, hasn't lived a crazy life. My husband and I have joked that we need to get her a passport to document everywhere she's been with us. She's been on several international flights and rode on the train. She's felt the snow beneath her paws, and the sand between her toes. It's mentioned in this book how easily we accept dogs as our own and it's true. The moment I held Sophie, I knew we were going to be together for a long time.

More dog book reviews at A Reader's Diary!

[Kim Ferrara]

I highly recommend Fern Watt's book, "Adventure Dogs". This is such a fun book and by reading this book, I learned so much about dogs. There are many adventures you could have never imagined you could do with your dog including truffle hunting, surfing, skiing and painting and wonderful pictures to go along with the stories. I laughed a lot, shed a tear for beautiful insights and cherished each of the stories. But my favorite part of the book was the observations of people that have worked with dogs and trained them to do unusual things. The trainer's love and respect for their dogs was amazing. There were also many things that I knew dogs did that had intrigued me but that I didn't know much about. For example I knew a dog could be used in finding lost humans, but I didn't know how specifically they were trained to do that. I knew dogs herded sheep, but I didn't know how or from a dog's perspective, why. Also I knew dogs were used by Navy Seals, but I didn't know all the things they could do or about the trust between trainer and dog. This book gives you the details plus the trainer's insight into what makes a dog tick. Also the idea introduced of dogs being domesticated so long ago and evolving with an interdependent relationship with humans made me think of them in a new way.

I am not a dog owner, but am a dog appreciator. Learning about dogs and their bonds with humans was fascinating for me.

Fern Watt is a wonderful writer. She is funny, delightful and very inspirational too. I also enjoyed her book "Giselle's Bucket List". She is an author totally worth reading. And as for "Adventure Dogs", you will be amazed at the dog stories, you will fall in love with the dog trainers and you will be blown away by the dog's abilities and the creativity people use when working with dogs. The pictures are wonderful too!

Highly Recommended!!!

[Virginia]

This is fun book about lots of things people do with their dogs. It includes great photos, places to go, resources, and social media accounts. There is a nice mix of purebred and mixed breed dogs. (There is room for rescue dogs and well-bred dogs, don't @ me.) The author uses her own experiences with her previous and current dogs throughout the book, making it more personal and funny. This looks like the physical book would be a thoughtful gift.

My only real complaint is the way she avoids saying that anyone owns their dogs and the tiny mention of PETA's Assisi line. St. Assisi would have been appalled at being associated with that pet-killing association. And I definitely own my pets. That language was started by anti-pet-ownership organizations to reduce your legal rights. It's cute to suggest that my dog owns me, but I still make decisions for him.

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a digital review copy. Publish date November 23, 2021.

[Hayley]

Pet lovers! DOG lovers! Adventuresome pet owners! This is the new coffee table book for you! My kids love it and so do I. Fantastic - BEAUTIFUL photos of dogs of all breeds in all areas of weather and outdoor scenery - from beaches to snow to mountains to city parks and forest trails dog are everywhere! The photography is great and so are the ideas for ways to bring your dog WHEREVER you are planning to go next! Land, sea, sky - take them with you! : ) I love the whimsy and fun of this book tied together with ways to connect with your pet. The author did a fantastic job of researching areas to meet up with specific breeds or to find groups for your specific pet. Amazing research compiled into one great book! The ideas this author compiled are creative and outside of the box - surfing, painting, road trips to a dog shaped hotel. You name it - she found it! What a great compilation of it all! :D

[Ginath13]

I loved this book so much! It is a must for anyone who cherishes the time they spend with their best furry unconditional loving friends! Fern Watt investigates different ways of bonding with our dogs through activities to make them happy. For example, go on a sniffing stroll, stopping wherever your pup wants to stop and sniff and for as long as they want until they move on to the next scent. We can teach our fur babies all kinds of tricks but the lessons they teach us are invaluable as well...live in the moment, enjoy the ride.
The author is very thorough in listing national parks, beaches, and other places that are dog friendly and activities that I had never heard of and am now anxious to try like canicross racing, for example. The absolute best part of this book, however, is the photography! Get this book for the pictures, if for nothing else. You won't be disappointed!

[Melissa’s Bookshelf]

We just bought our first puppy this summer and so when I saw this book for review on NetGalley, I had to download it! I wasn’t disappointed. The photographs in the book are beautiful and appealing. The chapters run the gamut of possibilities where dog abilities and finances are concerned. From skiing and skydiving with your dog, hiking the tallest dog friendly mountain in the U.S., and hunting for truffles, to going for a smell walk, cuddling on the couch, and doggie massage, there’s something here for everyone.

Honestly, while a lot of these suggestions weren’t practical for our family, there were some great suggestions for becoming closer to our dog. It also sparked some great ideas and new avenues to explore with our pup. I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own and I was not required to provide a positive review.

[Rowan Jacobsen]

A brilliant idea. At first glance, this is a straightforward collection of great activities that anyone can do with their dog. As such, it should be required gifting for all dogs (and their humans) in your life. It's great fun to flip through, enjoy the fantastic photos, and brainstorm. But as you move through the book, it has a powerful cumulative effect: It starts to change the way you think about your relationship with your dog! You start to see it much more in the sense of partners exploring the world together, and that deepens what is already (usually) a deep relationship. So I think this book has the potential to enrich lives, and to really improve the daily existence of many, many dogs. If dogs realized what a gift Fern Watt has given them, they'd...probably give her a big, fat face nuzzle!

[Anna Lyke]

Holy smokes, I LOVE the Adventure Dogs book! I currently don't own any pets but my boyfriend and I plan to get a couple of dogs once we have kids because I figured well - you'll be home all the time then anyways it's easier, right? After reading this book, I'm not too sure - I now want to take my dogs everywhere! This book is not only for dog owners, but also perfect for people who are thinking of getting a dog but not ready yet, or not sure which type. It offered so many insights as to the breeds of dogs and the experiences you can have. Did you know there were dogs who are part wolf!? I want to enjoy dancing and swimming with my dog, but after reading Adventure Dogs, I'm going to put a keen effort into my dog's arts and crafts abilities too. All my friends are getting one-of-a-kind dog painting from my pup for their birthday.

[Kaye]

This is tail wagging good fun. The author, wanting to give her dog her best life, shares new and interesting things for humans to do with their fur babies. It can be as simple as visiting dog friendly beaches and national parks. Something more sporty like running a Canicross Race or competing in Dock Jumping. Or doing things that take training like learning herding or truffle hunting. I think there is something here for every type of dog whether it is a spa day or taking a road trip. Of course the book has fun photos of different doggos doing the various activities. This is an enjoyable and easy read that will delight dog lovers. Thank you NetGalley and the authors for a temporary ARC ebook in exchange for an honest review.

[Erisy Watt]

This is the best DOGgone book for you and your four-legged friend out there. Period. Whether you want to walk your dog from the backdoor to the couch or from the trailhead to the mountain peak, there is something in here for you and your pooch. It’s a joy to read, and I learned so much. I can’t wait to try out some of these adventures. I live in Oregon and can’t wait to take my dog to Cannon Beach. Watt has created the essential resource for any dog owner looking to deepen their relationship with their pup. She’s compiled so many great adventures, simple to extreme, and highlights so many inspiring human-dog stories. If you really want to give your dog the best life ever, you NEED this book. Highly recommend!

[Megan]

My best and most faithful pal has always been my dog. I loved the idea of finding new ways to incorporate fun and novel ways to spend time with her.
The photography in this book is fantastic. Many of the ideas involve travel to specific areas (the Dog Chapel in Vermont, specific dog-friendly mountains and parks located around the U.S., etc), and aren’t an option for me. Others are just plain great, cute ideas (having a date night with your dog, taking a sniff walk, etc.) that are easy and completely free. I’ll definitely give some of these a try!

I appreciate NetGalley and Chronicle Books providing this ARC.

[Susan]

I have had several dogs and currently have one now. I enjoyed reading the different things you can do with your dog. I mainly have one problem with it. Some of those are not new ideas. Also some are very similar. I also prefer not to drink wine but I do know that restaurants have dogs welcomed in their outdoor seatings. I do think it was a good idea to write this book for new dog owners for the first time. The pictures and the author’s writing was very good.

Disclaimer: I received an arc of this book from the author/publisher from Netgalley. I wasn’t obligated to write a favorable review or any review at all. The opinions expressed are strictly my own.

[James Farrar]

This book is incredible! Fern has created Adventure Dogs to strengthen our bonds with dogs with all sorts of unique activities to do! I love how her book is very colourful and filled with amazing dog pictures, my favourite has got to be Seth Casteels under water photos with dogs. Fern has also included bucket lists of yummy treats for your dog and a dog related playlist!

I'm honoured that Fern added my balancing sausage dog Otto the Fearless Weenie on the front of chapter four! Adventure Dogs is the ultimate dog adventure book for your best friend. I hope this book puts a big smile on your face as it surely did for me!

[Sheri Pepper]

This is such a FUN book! Love the beautiful photos and creative ideas to keep your canine pal happy and content (with tips for us humans too). It's great for big dogs, little dogs, city dogs, back-country dogs, in-town dogs, suburban dogs, apartment dogs, fetch dogs, running dogs, water dogs, shy dogs, crazy dogs, and even those lovable couch-potato dogs. Give it a good read (while doing the couch thing) and then get out and give it a spin with your pooch. And be sure to gift it to all you friends so their dogs can be just as happy as yours!
P.S.: Bette has a great human ... a very lucky dog indeed.

[Jeremy]

I absolutely loved Adventure Dogs! Fern is a wonderful writer. She is full of wit, humor, joy, and wisdom. Wisdom not only about dogs, but about life and how to make the most of our short time here.

I really learned a lot about dogs from this book. I felt like I got an eye into their mind. It was so cool to hear from so many well-qualified dog experts, and to learn all of the things dogs are capable of and enjoy doing. I would highly recommend this book for anyone who wants to deepen their relationship with their dog, or anyone curious about dogs in general. Gorgeous and cute photos abound! Highly recommend!

[Kristin C]

A doggity good time! This darling book reads like a bucket list for all precocious pups and their adoring owners. Whether you want to dig your paws in the sand at the nation's best dog beaches, discover canine-friendly national parks or pamper your four-legged fur baby at a pet-friendly lux resort, this book has it all. Not to mention, it's full of adorable photos featuring adventurous animals of all shapes and sizes living their very best lives! it's time to pack the biscuits and hit the road with my sweet Lab, Lucy!

[Ann]

My three dogs need daily adventure, and they'd be happy returning to the same trails we romp every day. But I need a little variety, and this book offers clever and super-fun ideas to inspire new adventures with our dogs. Honestly, it's also a great armchair dog-lover book. I can't even with some of the photos. I will be giving this book as a gift to a handful of family members and lots of friends.

[Thanks to Chronicle Books and NetGalley for an opportunity to read an e-ARC of this book in exchange for my opinion.]

[Barbara]

I love this book! If you are a dog-lover you must get this book! The author leads you through a myriad of ideas that you and your canine can experience, and has great information and advice on the relationship between you and your pup(s). She gives you specific locations of places you can go to engage with your dog in ways that bring great fun to both. The book also provides the viewer with fantastic photos of many types of dogs doing wonderful things. I highly recommend getting your copy now, as the book is sure to be a best seller!

[Bill Giordano]

Read a Review of Fern Watt's new Book: Adventure Dogs: Activities to Share with Your Dog. Already pre ordered the book at our local bookstore in Santa Barbara. Can't wait to do a Biscuit Tasting,
Go for a Smell Walk, Dig without getting in trouble and Our next Road Trip...with my dog Isabella!
Also want to add that I read her first book: Gizelle's Bucket List: My Life with a Very Large Dog and she is and incredible writer! You won't want to put either of her books down until you've finished them...on your couch...at the beach...or in bed!

[Kerry Pickens]

This is one of the ARCs I received in the past and hadn’t reviewed so I am trying to catch up. This is a fun if you like doing stuff with pets. I do and I have tried Search and Rescue training (I can’t handle altitudes so that was a no go for me) and I volunteered at an AKC Scent trial. As far as dog parks go, there are two camps on that issue. You either go and enjoy it or you think it’s a bacteria factory. Santa Fe where I live has the Frank Ortiz dog park which is a 100 acres. Some other interesting activities in the book include truffle hunting or sheep herding. That might be fun.

[Betty]

Beautiful words, photos, and dogs!

Adventure Dogs opens with a chapter on types of walks. Then it dives into physical adventures. My dog and I are NOT athletic, so I gasped at some of the events. Snowboarding. Skijoring. Even training as a Navy SEAL!

Other chapters give suggestions for vacations with your pooch and creative doggy excursions.

A wonderful book! Excuse me, my dog and I are going for a walk now.

[Deb]

I enjoyed reading this book and the pictures were awesome. Adventure Dogs is a quick read that details some of the fun activities you can do with your dog. The only thing I had an issue with is there was some talk about being the "alpha" dog and dominance theory and I personally don't agree that's a productive way to have a good relationship with your dog. It did give me some more ideas about what other great things I can do with my own dogs.