I like to know their sleeping and feeding habits, and everything in between. Are they food aggressive? How do they walk on a leash? Do they know any commands? Do they bark at the neighbors dog constantly? Do they lick a certain spot incessantly? Is there an opossum that runs along the fence every night that riles her up? Are they an escape artist? Do they get up when the rooster crows? After years of experience I've learned to ask these questions so 1) I won't worry if they are doing something that seems out of the ordinary, and so 2) I can take care of myself! I'm a night owl but if the dog is used to getting up early it is helpful to know this so I can go to bed earlier! Dogs, just like people, benefit from their routines. I want their life to stay the same as much as possible to help combat the anxiety they will have while their people are away.

Hiking, swimming, running, the dog park, creek walks, the beach! After every adventure I check paws and ears for burrs and fox tails, and comb the body for ticks.