Adventure is calling us, from the mountain winds to the prairie grass, to the ocean waves. We must not worry, for adventure is waiting, and will be there when it is time. This year has been a tough one, with COVID and riots and wildfires holding us back from all that our hearts crave! So I figured it was a good time to reflect on how INSANELY cool dogs are, as adventure pals. Their prime senses, amazing insticts, fuzzy demenors and goofy go get -em personalities make for the best adventure friends we might ever find.
1. Smell the Smelly Smells
Dogs have incredible noses. According to an article by VCA hospital, dogs have 100 million sensory receptors in their noses, compared to humans who have a measly 6 million nose receptors. Can you imagine how the sweet smell of moss coating the trees at the Hoh rainforest is different for them compared to us? Those wet noses that give the best dog kisses make their adventure experience 94 MILLION times more smelly than a human’s adventure experience.
2. She’s a Smart Snuggler
You might think your dog is a goober sometimes, but dogs are smarter than most assume. According to an article by lifescience, some dogs carry the same cognitive capacity as a human 2-5 year old! Personally, if I am going on an adventure, I want a friend with incredible instincts, and a incredible brain. You know, to keep me out of trouble, that rope swings and old ladders that lead to secret beaches might have to offer. And on those cold winter camping experiences? It is the absolute best thing to have a snuggle buddy, that is for certain!
3. Those Ears that Listen
Most people who are struggling, really just need someone to listen. And dogs, are amazing for listening. They rarely judge you harshly for what you say, and they also will still love you, no matter what. Plus, dogs’ ears hear up to four times further than the human ear; with better ability to differentiate sound and pick up on higher frequencies! So those cicadas in South Carolina, those toads in Minnesota, or those waves over the ocean are naturally extra exciting for your doggo. Another perk, is you’ll have 4 times more of a warning of something headed your way with your dog on watch, compared to using your own ears.
4. The Doggone Laughter
Chloe makes me laugh every single day. And she laughs at me too sometimes. What makes an adventure more happy than having a dog who laughs at your trail jokes, stares into the camp fires during story time (that might be tearfully though, for burning her favorite sticks), and is hilarious about the bugs and animals she finds on the trail?
5. The Sweet Joy of Exercise
Who else on this planet looks forward to a good ole fashion walk, more than your dog? Okay maybe not at 6 in the morning if you have a dog like mine; but pretty sure the motivation to use energy and to explore is so much more compelling when your exercise companion is totally amped about it.
6. The Love of Learning
One of the best reasons your dog makes an amazing adventure pet is because they love to learn!! Positive reinforcement training means you can teach your dog ANYTHING. Talk about having a perfect student, ready to learn about any of the craziest adventures you’re wanting to do. Motorcycles, snowboards, paddleboards, or white water kayaking. Dogs can learn to do pretty much anything.
7. My Little Motivator
The last reason dogs are the best adventure friends is because they will give you motivation to chase adventure, if nothing else does. When Chloe and I don’t explore for more than 2 weekends in a row she starts getting SUPER antsy. She loves exploring new things! And honestly, just having the opportunity to make that little dog smile is the best motivation I could possibly imagine.
This week I have learned that dogs are amazing companions, and make the absolute BEST adventure friends. They are useful, with their ears to warn you, noses to tell you whats coming and snuggly warm bodies to keep you warm at night! They are also so incredibly adaptable to any adventure plan, and supportive with their sneaky motivation tactics and excitement over exercise. Now if you’ve ever questioned if your dog would love to be your adventure pal, I hope you are convinced to chase down some happy tails! And we would LOVE to hear all of the tales you aquire on your adventures.
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We found the statistics and cited info on this post from the following sources: https://www.starkey.com/blog/articles/2017/11/Can-my-dog-understand-me
https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/how-dogs-use-smell-to-perceive-the-world
Thank you for this wonderful information