From securing gates to organizing walking gear, here’s how I make my home easier for a sitter to use while keeping my dogs’ routine familiar.

A dog sitter needs to know more than meal times and where you keep the leash. Here are seven things I include in my dogs’ mini guide, plus a worksheet you can fill out for your own dog.

Looking for a dog-friendly pumpkin patch near Washington, DC? I visited four Northern Virginia farms with Archie and Saydie, from smaller farm stands to larger farms with markets, mountain views and fall activities.

This two-night dog-friendly Shenandoah Valley itinerary travels from Staunton to Natural Bridge and Lexington, with quiet trails, historic inns, cafés, vineyards and practical details from our fall weekend with Archie and Saydie.

Panting in the car can be related to anxiety, excitement, motion sickness or simply how your dog responds to the ride. Here's what I've learned from watching my own two dogs — who experience the exact same car rides very differently.

A summer day in dog-friendly Fredericksburg with riverfront walks, house-made dog ice cream, historic downtown and lunch at FOODE’s umbrella-shaded sidewalk tables.

These four shaded dog walks near Washington, DC offer wooded trails, natural walking surfaces and flexible routes, with firsthand details from our visits with Archie and Saydie.

Not every wooded trail works well for dogs in summer. Here’s how I check shade, surfaces, passing space, water access, and the quickest way back.

Looking for a calmer place to walk your dog near Washington, DC? These six parks offer open space, quiet woods, waterfront views, and more room to explore, along with practical notes on crowds, passing space, timing, and dog restrictions.

What I wear on long walks with my dogs, from lightweight hiking pants and sun shirts to comfortable shoes, hats, and the small details that make a day outside easier.

Discover Dumbarton Oaks Park, one of our favorite dog-friendly walks in Georgetown, where winding woodland trails and a peaceful stream feel worlds away from the city.

National Harbor turned out to be exactly the kind of afternoon we were looking for. Here's what we enjoyed during our waterfront walk, from watching the boats to finding a quiet patio for lunch.