Cover Image: Adventure Dogs

Adventure Dogs

Pub Date:   |   Archive Date:

Member Reviews

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.

Was this review helpful?

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.

Was this review helpful?

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.

Was this review helpful?

Dog lovers will enjoy this book that celebrates a variety of activities that Fido and their human can enjoy together. Full disclosure: I work part time as a dog trainer and am heavily involved with Pet Partners, the oldest therapy dog registry in the world, and used to volunteer with a breed rescue. So I love dogs. And I love doing things with my dogs. I'd love to receive this book as a gift. It's lavishly illustrated, with the author's own dog starring in some of the adventures. The book is broken down into categories of activities, with guest essays accompanying many of them. Places to visit and stay, activities to try, advice for beginners and those already expert at a sport will all find some fun new things to try with their canine companion. And if all the reader wants to do with their dog is snuggle on the couch while looking at the photos, that's covered here, too! This would be a great holiday gift for the dog lover in your life. Highly recommended.

Was this review helpful?

Thank you to the author, publisher, and photographers for a chance to read this book in exchange for honest feedback. I immediately thought of someone in my life who would love this book when I saw the title/cover. It is just one of those things -- happy dogs make for a great read. The unique story of these dogs is heartwarming and worth a read for ages probably 10+. I liked the photos and of course liked reading the stories. Great for any dog lover out there.

Was this review helpful?

Adventure Dogs is such a fun book for dog lovers! It is filled with amazing dog photographs of all types, and plenty of info on how to "live life to the fullest" with your pups. The beautiful photos accompany many ideas on adventures to have with your dog! It is broken into sections which are then subdivided into more specific ideas. For example. the going for a walk section is broken down into specific adventures to have in this category such as walking in the world's largest dog walk and great beach walk locations. Fun spots to go via car ride and dog sports also have their own sections with ideas of how to have a blast with your canine, and this is just a feel-good book for people who love their pets as much as I do! It acts as a springboard for bringing the excitement and happy into your life with your dog, and it would be a great gift book for dog-lovers up for a little more adventure.

Was this review helpful?

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.

Was this review helpful?

Adventure Dogs
by Fern Watt
Pub Date: November 23, 2021
Chronicle Books

Let your dog lead the way to adventure! I loved this book. Wonderful photography, inspirational locations, '
well researched. This is a book that I'm glad to recommend.
Thanks to Chronicle Books and NetGalley for the ARC.
5stars

Was this review helpful?

This was adorable. This book actually gave me a lot of ideas of fun things I can do with my dogs. This book had a lot of great tips and tricks for dog owners along with some adorable pictures of dogs having a great day.

Was this review helpful?

A really sweet book filled with beautiful, fun photos that showcase different ways we can be better companions to our dogs and enrich their lives. This book would be a great gift for any loving dog-parent.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC to review.

Was this review helpful?

Dogs rule--and cats stay home. Beautiful photographs accompany this coffee table travel guide offering excursion ideas for dog owners. Adventure Dogs illustrates how to reboot a dog's routine from only the necessary morning and evening walks to painting, hiking, and mountain climbing. Recommendations for dog training and restaurant doggie treats are included. Fun book for dog lovers.

Was this review helpful?

Thanks to NetGalley and Chronicle Books for a gifted copy.

This coffee table book has many wonderful photos and little stories about dogs going on adventures. I loved the photos and the layouts.

ADVENTURE DOGS would make a wonderful Christmas gift for people who love coffee table books and love dogs.

Was this review helpful?

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.

Was this review helpful?

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!

Was this review helpful?

Fern Watt’s delightful Adventure Dogs is a must have for all dog owners! With an abundance of fun ideas to enrich your dog’s life, plus gorgeous photos of dogs of diverse ages and breeds enjoying the activities suggested, it is a joyous celebration of canine companionship. Each adventure provides a bonding experience with your dog, and with adventures big and small (relaxing on the couch with a good treat or competing in thrilling herding, truffle hunting or hiking expeditions for example) you’ll be sure to find something for the special dog in your life to enjoy. Celebs in the dog world such as Seth Casteel (Underwater Dogs photographer & author), Dagger aka DogVinci (world famous canine painter), Falco (the dancing dog who wowed Simon Cowell), Courtney Dasher & Tuna (Dog Mom & Instagram sensation Tuna the chiweenie) and many more lend advice and inspiration. Watts also provides resources (contact info, locations, etc, of dog parks, dog friendly spas, hotels, activities) to fulfill your dog’s love of adventure. Her personal story of her relationship with her lovely dog Bette is heartwarming, and so much fun seeing Bette’s participation in these activities! I give it a full 5 paw/star rating!

Was this review helpful?

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!

Was this review helpful?

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.

Was this review helpful?

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.

Was this review helpful?

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.

Was this review helpful?

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!

Was this review helpful?