I had a little vision this month: 100 members in ACE Adventure Canine by the end of September. Three more days to go ... But here’s the thing—it’s not about the numbers. 🐶💚 What really matters is YOU—whether you’re: • Lurking 👀 • Sharing stories ✨ • Taking a course 🎓 • Joining a virtual chat 💻 • Or adventuring in person 🐕🦮 …the goal is that you get value and enjoy your time here with your dog. 🐾🥰 💞 Let’s make connections! Comment below and tag someone you relate to—maybe a fellow dog breed parent, someone nearby 🌎, or someone whose posts you enjoy 💬. Let’s grow our community side by side, paw in hand! 🤝 And hey, if you know a friend who’d love this adventure basecamp, here’s the link —because adventures are always better with friends (and dogs!). 🥾🐕🐾🥳

Hello members, As ACE Adventure Canine grows, I want to make sure our community has the best chance to reach and inspire more outdoor-loving dog owners. Part of that vision is to share what we’re building here with a wider audience. With that in mind, I plan to make this group public on October 1st ⬅️ Here’s what that means for you: • Being public does not mean anyone can jump in. New people will still need to answer the screening questions and be approved before joining. • It does mean people outside the group can see a glimpse of what’s inside — the community vibe and the kinds of things we share here. They cannot comment or participate unless they become members. • You’ll always get advance notice of changes like this. • If you’ve shared anything you’d prefer to keep private, you’re welcome to edit or delete it before October 1. • Of course, you can also leave the group if being in a public community doesn’t feel right for you (though I would be sad to see you go 💚🐾). • Moving forward, please be mindful about details you share — stick with what you’re comfortable having public, and you can always message me directly for private conversations. My hope is that valued members like you will choose to stay and continue building this safe, supportive adventure space — now with a broader reach to inspire others. Thanks for being here, Maren (& Ivy)

One of the BEST ways to keep your dog engaged is to make play feel like a surprise. Don’t just leave toys lying around — stash a few favourites in your “adventure backpack” or on top of the fridge and bring them out at just the right moment. Instant treasure hunt! ✨ 🪄 WHY DOES THIS WORK? Dogs love mystery. When toys are always available, they lose their spark. But when they appear like magic during a walk or training session, your dog’s excitement skyrockets. That anticipation builds value — without causing frustration. Structure and routine still matter but sprinkle in just enough surprise (like a toy appearing when you least expect it), and you keep things fresh and exciting without losing that sense of security. 🙌 REAL LIFE PROOF: Yesterday, I worked with a one-year-old poodle-retriever mix. Sweet dog, kind owners, big property… but the dog was inventing his own “fun.” Think: stealing handkerchiefs, pulling cushions off couches, even chewing open a sewing kit (yes, a vet visit followed 😳). What he really needed wasn’t more barricades — it was better play and surprise rewards. We built a plan to channel that mischief into safe, exciting games. ⭐️ TRAINER TIP: Keep toys special. Keep them surprising. Use them as rewards for good choices. You’ll build anticipation, boost engagement, and avoid the boredom that leads to chewing sewing kits (or worse). ❓YOUR TURN: What’s the funniest, sneakiest, or most outrageous thing YOUR dog has ever “stolen” or turned into a toy? Drop it in the comments — let’s hear those stories!

We’re naming ALL the things dogs love — toys, gear, snacks, and the ridiculous stuff they swipe, shred, or snack on when we’re not looking. 😅 ⚠️ THE RULES - We go through the alphabet in order: A, B, C, D… - EVERY HOUR = only ONE object can be posted 🕐 - Wait until the next hour before the next letter can be added - The same person cannot post two hours in a row 🍿 EXTRA PRIZE I picked a SECRET LETTER ahead of time. Whoever lands on that letter wins the TOP DOG PRIZE 🏆🐾 (aka bragging rights + eternal glory). And when we get to Z… well… who knows… maybe we’ll just keep going into another round 👀 Another chance, another TOP DOG PRIZE! 🎬 BONUS CHALLENGE Post a GIF that goes with your answer (extra laughs guaranteed). Examples to get rolling: A – Apple core (yanked straight out of the compost 🙄) B – Ball (always soggy, never yours) C – Couch cushion (aka chew toy deluxe) D – Duck poop 💩 (5-star dining experience, apparently) E – Elizabethan collar cone (satellite dish of shame) ➡️ DROP YOUR A BELOW ⬇️

Hey adventurers! Arrroooooo! My brain is still in full vacation mode—plus, it's a long weekend here in BC! I had big plans to dive into work, but so far, it's been all about picking 22 pounds of blackberries, making pancakes, and chatting with neighbours... 😄 Isn’t that what summer’s all about? Or are you one of those dreaming of sweater season? What are you up to this weekend? Share your adventures (big or small) below—let’s keep the summer vibes going!