Field notes
Practical writing from Tom’s Dogs on pack hikes, dog walking, safety, local trails, enrichment, and the choices that make care work better for real dogs.
A dog can love the trail and still need a different plan. Here is how to think about falling branches, strong gusts, and safer alternatives.
Inside this note: I love getting dogs into the woods. I also think knowing when to stay out is part of being a good dog walker.
Read the note
Tom’s Dogs grew out of paying attention to what dogs were already telling us: movement, structure, fresh air, and the right group can change everything.
Read more
Repeated retching without bringing anything up, sudden distress, or a swollen abdomen can mean an emergency. Know the signs before you need them. Don't worry - Zoey is just resting.
Read more
A good pack hike gives dogs more than exercise. It gives them movement, scent, terrain, social structure, and a clearer way to settle afterward.
Read more
Evening outings can be calmer, cooler, and more useful for dogs who need a final reset before the house settles down.
Read more
Heat safety starts before a dog looks unwell. Adjust the outing, recognize early trouble, and know what to do if overheating becomes an emergency.
Read more
Training walks are not about drilling obedience for forty-five minutes. They are structured real-world walks that help dogs practice better choices where life actually happens.
Read more
Good leash manners make walks easier for both ends of the leash. They leave room for sniffing, clear communication, and being a dog.
Read more