Autumn Adventures on the Lake

The leaves have changed, the weather is cooler, but that didn’t stop me from doing one last “summertime” activity that I love!

Autumn Adventures on the Lake - Ammo the Dachshund goes Paddleboarding

Just before my 7th Birthday I hit up my favorite lake one more time before I need to break out my winter wardrobe.

Autumn Adventures on the Lake - Ammo the Dachshund goes Paddleboarding

It may have been overcast, and much chillier than I’m used to on the lake, but it was still fun!

Autumn Adventures on the Lake - Ammo the Dachshund goes Paddleboarding

I just made sure to wear my tank top and life vest……and put my face in the wind a little more cautiously. Because goodness knows I DID NOT want to fall in that cold water!

Autumn Adventures on the Lake - Ammo the Dachshund goes Paddleboarding

And when the wind got a little strong, my dad was there to scoop me up for a ride in the kayak. Yay for dads!

Autumn Adventures on the Lake - Ammo the Dachshund goes Paddleboarding

Sadly, it’s time for me to say farewell to the lake until next year (well at least to paddleboarding on the lake). Until we meet again lake!

What things is your dog going to miss now that the weather is cooling down? Ammo the Dachshund // Blog Signature // Celebrity

Best Fitting Lifevest for Dogs & A Giveaway

Disclaimer: This post and giveaway is brought to you by Ruffwear. All opinions are my own and I only share products I think my readers will love!

Ruffwear Float Coat Review & Giveaway // Ammo the Dachshund

Every summer I enjoy hitting the lake, sometimes kayaking, most of the time Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP), and always practicing water safety by wearing a floatation device. While I’ve owned several life vests over the years, I’ve finally found one that fits me PERFECTLY, the Ruffwear K-9 Float Coat.

Ruffwear Float Coat Review & Giveaway // Ammo the Dachshund

Being a Dachshund means that sometimes I have trouble finding harnesses, coats and even life vests that can accommodate my unique body type. Thankfully the Ruffwear Lifevest is adjustable in all the right places making it the best fitting one I’ve ever worn.

Ruffwear Float Coat Review & Giveaway // Ammo the Dachshund

This floatation device has a sleek design making it slimmer fitting than any of the other vests I’ve tried, but don’t worry it’s still full of plenty of “float”!

Ruffwear Float Coat Review & Giveaway // Ammo the Dachshund

This life jacket is not only a great design for Dachshunds, but it is also designed for dogs of all shapes and sizes. It even includes thoughtful details like a strong handle, optimally positioned to lift dogs out of the water, and reflective trim for enhanced visibility in or out of the water.

Ruffwear Float Coat Review & Giveaway // Ammo the Dachshund

I enjoyed how the front of the vest was adjustable, but once set is easy to slip over your pup’s head, and the belly straps are also fully adjustable.

Ruffwear Float Coat Review & Giveaway // Ammo the Dachshund

The design of this vest allowed me to have great free-flowing movement of my front legs, which is fantastic for swimming (and for all those occasions when you accidentally fall in!).

Ruffwear Float Coat Review & Giveaway // Ammo the Dachshund

A fun little fact about me, while swimming might not be my #1 favorite thing to do, I do on occasion like to swim voluntarily, but I’ll only do so if I’m wearing a life jacket and the water is bath water warm!

Ruffwear Float Coat Review & Giveaway // Ammo the Dachshund

I’m a big fan of the Ruffwear K-9 Float Coat, and I can’t recommend it enough for all those water loving dogs out there! It’s now my go-to summer accessory that I never leave home without.

You can fetch your own life jacket from Ruffwear for $79.95. (and incase you’re wondering, I wear a size XS and I’m 20lbs).

And now for the best part…

Ruffwear Float Coat Review & Giveaway // Ammo the Dachshund

ONE WINNER WILL WIN A RUFFWEAR K-9 FLOAT COAT!

Here’s HOW TO WIN:

No purchase necessary. To enter use the Rafflecopter widget below. You will be contacted via e-mail to claim your prize. All the winners will also be announced on this blog post once the giveaway ends. Open to USA residents only. Winners must claim their prizes within 48 hours of being notified or prize will be forfeited. By entering you are agreeing to the terms & conditions set forth in the Rafflecopter widget (see below). Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Read our full list of Terms & Conditions for this giveaway. Ammo the Dachshund // Blog Signature // Celebrity

 

End of Summer Adventures

Summer is quickly coming to an end (how sad), and although there is lots to look forward to in the fall I’m still going to miss all the summertime fun. So I’ve been packing in as much excitement as I can!

End of Summer Adventures // Ammo the Dachshund

I’ve been spending time with my favorite pony, Minnow, while he munches on the last bits of summer grass.

End of Summer Adventures // Ammo the Dachshund

That Minnow is always trying to hog the camera with his cheesy smiles!

End of Summer Adventures // Ammo the Dachshund

I’m also squeezing in trips to the hardware store – to help mom and dad finish up all our summer projects around the house.

I’m also taking as many trips to the lake with mom and dad that I can. Pretty soon it’ll be much to chilly on the water for me!

End of Summer Adventures // Ammo the Dachshund

Mostly I’m just enjoying the warmth…..all before I have to break out my cool weather wardrobe!

What are you going to miss about the summer once it’s gone? Ammo the Dachshund

When Dogs Go Stand Up Paddleboarding

Stand Up Paddleboarding with your dog // Ammo the Dachshund

I’m no stranger to the lake, and one of my favorite warm-weather activities is to go Stand Up Paddleboarding (aka SUP) with my mom and dad. So over the weekend we hit up our favorite lake and boat rental – Marsh Creek Lake.

Stand Up Paddleboarding with your dog // Ammo the Dachshund

I enjoy the paddleboard more than any of the other rentals (kayak, motorized rowboat, sailboat) because the paddleboard puts me the closest to the water – and I do in fact enjoy swimming when the water is just the right temperature.

Stand Up Paddleboarding with your dog // Ammo the Dachshund

Most of the time I end up taking a dive into the water when mom and dad drift too far apart. I think I channel my inner herding dog (thanks to my pal Trooper) and I worry a bit when my “pack” gets too far apart. So I’ll dive into the water and swim to dad to make sure he’s still ok.

Stand Up Paddleboarding with your dog // Ammo the Dachshund

When we finally get further out on the lake it’s enjoyable just to lay around on the paddleboards and soak in the sun. After all summer is almost here – and I gotta work on my tan!

Stand Up Paddleboarding with your dog // Ammo the Dachshund

Stand Up Paddleboarding with your dog // Ammo the Dachshund

As much as attention as I tend to draw on the lake – you would think that it’s pretty rare to see dogs out on the water.

Stand Up Paddleboarding with your dog // Ammo the Dachshund

But in actuality I tend to see quite a few dogs when I head out, like this pup Kahula, who’s owner has an awesome go-pro setup on their board and posts amazing instagram photos of their paddleboarding adventures.

So if you’re looking for a fun summertime activity to enjoy with your dog I highly recommend paddleboarding. You can check with your local boat rental to see if they allow dogs on their rentals (as I’ve found most do) and even if the paddle board isn’t for you there are lots of other rentable water vessels! Just make sure your pup wear’s it’s life vest! Mine is from my friends at KurgoAmmo the Dachshund

 

On the Lake with Friends

Adventures on the lake are quickly becoming my favorite thing to do in the summer. And at the Marsh Creek Boat Rental, where dogs are always welcome, there is a whole slew of fun to be had out on the water!

On the Lake with Friends // Ammo the Dachshund

I started out my adventure by renting a paddleboard with mom. There’s nothing quite like gliding through the water on one of those!

On the Lake with Friends // Ammo the Dachshund

This time I brought along my pal Shilah, for her very first boat ride in a motorized rowboat rental.

On the Lake with Friends // Ammo the Dachshund

Dad also rented a kayak which I happily took a few laps around the lake in.

On the Lake with Friends // Ammo the Dachshund

Since this was Shilah’s first trip to the lake I decided to let her test out the paddle board, which is one of my favorite rental choices.

On the Lake with Friends // Ammo the Dachshund

Shilah had also never been swimming before, so I gave her a little coaching from the sidelines.

On the Lake with Friends // Ammo the Dachshund

Eventually though I hopped aboard to show her how to man her lake vessel with style. She’s only one, so she has lots of learning to do still!

On the Lake with Friends // Ammo the Dachshund

Shilah almost got to assist in her first water rescue when Dad accidentally tipped his kayak, but luckily things didn’t get too crazy.

On the Lake with Friends // Ammo the Dachshund

Later I showed off my natural swimming skills, and it was enough to convince my pal to take her first dip too! You can see her showing off at the end of this video:

On the Lake with Friends // Ammo the Dachshund

Being on the lake with my friends was so enjoyable I just didn’t want it to end!

On the Lake with Friends // Ammo the Dachshund

So when we landed back on shore I decided to practice some of my swimming skills.

On the Lake with Friends // Ammo the Dachshund

I’ve gotten quite good at playing fetch in the water, mom even picked up this new floating buoy toy for me from West Elm (which mom bought before it sold out).

Sigh, I’m so sad that summer is coming to an end, but hopefully I’ll get to squeeze in a few more lake trips before it ends!Ammo the Dachshund

 

Product Review: Outward Hound Life Vest for Dogs

You might remember that a couple of weeks ago mom purchased me a life vest from amazon just in time for my paddleboarding adventure.

Stand Up Paddleboarding with your Dog - via Ammo the Dachshund

Seeing as how some of my fans may be in the market for a life vest as well I thought I’d give you all a little rundown of how I’m liking it so far.

Stand Up Paddleboarding with your Dog - via Ammo the Dachshund

Product – Kyjen Outward Hound Life Jacket

Features:

  • Convenient top grab handle for easy resuce by hand or boat hook
  • Front float assists in keeping dog’s head above water

Stand Up Paddleboarding with your Dog - via Ammo the Dachshund

Pros:

  • Definitely helps keep me afloat much better
  • Handle makes it easy for mom or dad to rescue me out of the water
  • Front float helps keep my head above the water – which is a bonus because I hate getting water in my ears
  • It’s comfortable to wear
  • Bright color makes it easy to spot me floating in the water
  • Budget friendly price

Stand Up Paddleboarding with your Dog - via Ammo the Dachshund

Cons:

  • Sizes run smaller then the chart online – so a small is a bit too small for me and I probably should have ordered the medium. So when in doubt choose the next size up
  • Doesn’t have a d-ring attachment for a leash

kyjen pet life vest

Overall I’m very happy with my new vest, I definitely feel safer and enjoy swimming a lot more, I just wish I had gotten the medium so it fits me a little better.

You can fetch your own doggie life vest from amazon for about $20 Ammo the Dachshund

I was not paid or perked to write this review, product was fully purchased (thanks mom) – links do connect to my affiliate amazon shop.

 

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Stand up Paddleboarding with your Dog

Last week I took a short stay-cation in my hometown of Downingtown, Pennsylvania. While I didn’t actually travel anywhere exotic or new I did get to have a whole bunch of brand-new adventures. I hope you’ll come along for the ride with me this week, as I have lots to share!

One of the first things I did on my vacation was to go stand up paddleboarding (also called SUP or stand up paddle surfing) at the Marsh Creek Boat Rental.

Stand Up Paddleboarding with your Dog - via Ammo the Dachshund

Visiting the lake isn’t new to me, as I’ve been known to zip around on a motorized row boat with my mom and dad, but SUP was something I have never done before.

Stand Up Paddleboarding with your Dog - via Ammo the Dachshund

I was so excited when I saw the paddleboard come out that I couldn’t wait to hit the water, especially on this super hot day.

Stand Up Paddleboarding with your Dog - via Ammo the Dachshund

I did end up swimming A LOT while I was on the water, sometimes by accident because I was standing too close to the edge while some turbulent water knocked me in, and sometimes because I wanted to take a trip over to visit dad in his canoe.

Stand Up Paddleboarding with your Dog - via Ammo the Dachshund

Stand Up Paddleboarding with your Dog - via Ammo the Dachshund

Stand Up Paddleboarding with your Dog - via Ammo the Dachshund

Luckily I do know how to swim, and my new life vest kept me even more afloat – and made it easy for mom and dad to scoop me back onto the board.

Stand Up Paddleboarding with your Dog - via Ammo the Dachshund

Stand Up Paddleboarding with your Dog - via Ammo the Dachshund

I’m pretty sure I was the talk of the lake that day and I enjoyed waving at all the other people out enjoying the cool water.

Stand Up Paddleboarding with your Dog - via Ammo the Dachshund

This may have been my first time paddleboarding, but it certainly won’t be my last! Especially if this heat wave in Pennsylvania keeps up!

Stand Up Paddleboarding with your Dog - via Ammo the Dachshund

Stand Up Paddleboarding with your Dog - via Ammo the Dachshund

Tips for Stand Up Paddleboarding with your Dog

  • Before visiting a lake rental spot make sure that they allow dogs on their rental boats and boards
  • Make sure your dog has a properly fitted life vest – keep a leash attached to it so you can quickly grab your dog should they go overboard accidentally
  • If you have never been on a paddleboard yourself, practice paddling on the lake without your dog first, it will be much harder to maneuver the board with a dog on it too
  • Allow your dog to get used to the board near the shore first with you standing in the water
  • Be prepared to get wet – very wet (but that is the point isn’t it?)
  • Don’t bring a dog paddleboarding that doesn’t know how to swim, it is pretty likely that at some point they will go overboard especially if it is windy out
  • If your dog has a strong herding instinct it is best to have only one “member of the pack” out on the lake at a time, otherwise your dog will be upset when his “pack” isn’t close together, causing him to jump overboard or panic
  • Have as much fun as possible!

Stand Up Paddleboarding with your Dog - via Ammo the Dachshund

And the icing on my cupcake…..according to Shape Magazine I burned 500 – 700 calories every hour I was out paddleboarding (although mom says she’s pretty sure they mean it’s her that’s burning those calories), but regardless it’s also apparently the new “celebrity trend” – with paddleboarders like Jennifer Aniston and Kate Hudson testing them out too.

Stand Up Paddleboarding with your Dog - via Ammo the Dachshund

So considering I’m probably just as famous as those big celebs (right?) then it must be the super cool new thing to do! Not to mention I look awfully sexy doing it! *wink*

 

So what do you think? Is your next big adventure going to be paddleboarding with your dog? Or do you just enjoy living vicariously through me? Or better yet – have any suggestions of new adventures I should try?

Make sure you stop by the blog tomorrow to hear all about my adventures on my very first airplane ride!Ammo the Dachshund