Family vacations are fun and our national parks are fun. But what happens if you add a shy but curious four-legged cocker spaniel to the trip? Take a journey with Marty and her family to six national parks and Mount Rushmore and experience the fun, and challenges, of visiting our national parks as a dog. This book is dedicated to dog lovers and what it is like to include them on a vacation to our national parks.

Dogs and parks. Wed two of our favorite things together and you have the makings of a perfect day, right? Except at America's national parks. Save for a few exceptions, dogs are never allowed on national park trails and rarely permitted beyond a campground or picnic area. There is an old saying that goes, "Start explaining and you've lost the argument." The National Park Service goes to great lengths to explain their reasons for banning dogs outside of vehicles. Dogs endanger wildlife. Dogs interfere with people's enjoyment of the park. Dogs ruin the pristine environment. Dogs can introduce diseases that could decimate wild populations. Some parks cite the fact that just the scent of dogs will make prey animals frantic (at least that will keep the jittery critters out of campgrounds and picnics where apparently their wellbeing is not as big a concern). Some park officials go so far as to imply that they are doing dog owners a favor by keeping dogs out of the woods since they may become prey themselves. One park's regulations read thusly: "There is a strong possibility that your pet could become prey for a bear, coyote, owl, or other predator." What is a "strong possibility?" Better than 50%? 20%? Really? Any talk of the probability of a leashed dog on a trail being eaten by a wild animal that goes beyond "vanishingly small probability" is absurd. Tellingly, the national parks in Canada - which also receive millions of visitors each year and also protect wildlife - allow dogs on their trails almost without exception. And in the United States the prohibition against dogs on national park trails is not a universal edict. Individual parks are allowed to make their own rules regarding dogs. A handful have decided to allow dogs on the trails, the chance of man's best friend becoming some other animal's dinner be damned. Some have even become more lenient in recent years. Petrified Forest National Park used to allow dogs only on a few nature trails. Now the park declares: "Petrified Forest is a very pet friendly national park! Please take your furry friends on trails, even backpacking in the wilderness area." This is not a book about whether rules regarding dogs in national parks are right or wrong. It is about how dog owners - given the current restrictive playing field - can experience our national parks, take along their best trail companions, and still have their dream vacation. For each park, if dogs are not allowed on the trails, a nearby substitute is identified and described (dogs are usually welcome in national forests, for example. The burden on people and wildlife caused by dogs and a patronizing concern for a dog's well-being apparently cause less government worry in those woods). Only those national parks which can be reached by automobile are included. So with that in mind - grab a leash and hit the trail!

This book is not about traveling with your dog to tiny, fenced in dog parks or disappearing into the wilderness; it is about places you want to see, and taking your dog to share your fun. 100 Ideas, more than 500 beaches, parks and destinations... Every year an estimated 15 million people travel with their dogs. In recent years, mercifully, it has become much easier to do so with more and more lodging facilities becoming pet-friendly. But what happens when you actually want to leave the hotel room with your dog? Our national parks are notoriously unfriendly to dogs. Of the more than 1,500 public beaches in the United States more than half don't allow dogs at all and most of the rest have some sort of restrictions. But there are rewarding outdoor vacations to be had out there that can include your dog. This book is not about traveling with your dog to tiny, fenced in dog parks or disappearing into the wilderness; it is about places you want to see, and taking your dog to share your fun. So, plan that next vacation with your dog, grab that leash and get going... "provides an immense amount of history, travel detail, and wit, contributing to thoroughly enjoyable read" - ForeWord Reviews "Pointing out where outdoors vacationers can go to find dog friendly spots, "Doggin' America" is a top pick." -Midwest Book Reviews

We love our dogs and leaving them behind while you go on vacation isn't easy...nor is it even required! Taking your dog on vacation is easier than you may think. In this book, we will show you how to take your dog on vacation--including where to go, what are the most dog friendly cities, what hotel chains allow pets, what to do when you get there and much more!

Every year an estimated 15 million people travel with their dogs. In recent years, mercifully, it has become much easier to do so with more and more lodging facilities becoming pet-friendly. But what happens when you actually want to leave the hotel room with your dog? Our national parks are notoriously unfriendly to dogs. Of the more than 1,500 public beaches in the United States more than half don't allow dogs at all and most of the rest have some sort of restrictions. But there are rewarding outdoor vacations to be had out there that can include your dog. This book is not about traveling with your dog to tiny, fenced in dog parks or disappearing into the wilderness; it is about places you want to see, and taking your dog to share your fun. So, plan that next vacation with your dog, grab that leash and get going!

Every year an estimated 15 million people travel with their dogs. In recent years, mercifully, it has become much easier to do so with more and more lodging facilities becoming pet-friendly. But what happens when you actually want to leave the hotel room with your dog? Our national parks are notoriously unfriendly to dogs. Of the more than 1,500 public beaches in the United States more than half don't allow dogs at all and most of the rest have some sort of restrictions. But there are rewarding outdoor vacations to be had out there that can include your dog. This book is not about traveling with your dog to tiny, fenced in dog parks or disappearing into the wilderness; it is about places you want to see, and taking your dog to share your fun. The 100 Ideas feature more than 500 tail-friendly destinations. So, plan that next vacation to include your dog, grab that leash and get going!"Much to the chagrin of the kennel industry, an estimated 15 million people travel throughout the US with their dogs in the backseat. Just where dogs are welcome to get out and stretch their legs is the subject of another book from Doug Gelbert, Doggin' America: 100 Ideas for Great Outdoor Vacations to Take with Your Dog. Happily, nearly all of Gelbert's destinations are chosen with primarily with human-and not canine-interest in mind. His ideas include "5 Best National Parks for Dogs," "6 Can't Miss Canadian National Parks for Dogs," "10 Great State Parks for Dogs," "50 Great Ocean Beaches to take Your Dog," and other quirky themes such as "America's Castles," "Southern Plantations," "Formal Gardens," and "Farms and Ranches"-all dog friendly. Most unexpected is Gelbert's writing and research skill. He provides an immense amount of history, travel detail, and wit, contributing to thoroughly enjoyable read."-Matt Sutherland, ForeWord Reviews

From the backcountry to car camping, mountaintop hikes to beach-day hikes, learn how to keep your dog safe and happy while on an adventure. From the Camping With Dogs team, Every Dog Deserves an Adventure encourages people everywhere to go on outdoor adventures with their dog. Whether it’s camping or hiking, kayaking or skiing, dogs love spending time with their humans in nature. If you have a furry friend, it’s time to go out and find a trail you both love. With stunning photography and heartwarming stories of how people got into camping with their dogs, this book is a love letter to dogs around the world, from the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia. Organized by season, each section features photos with various types of dogs, hikes, terrain, and activities, as well as: Tips on camping with your pups A bucket list of great hikes and trips Key items you need to keep your dog safe and happy on the trail Delighted dog lovers will learn the power of camping—how it strengthens family bonds and transforms relationships. On top of that, Camping With Dogs is partnered with local animal rescues to help adoptable dogs find their forever home, so your purchase will support rescue dogs and their mission to help dogs blossom out on the trail.