The Doggy Tales Blog

Field notes from the Whistler trails.

Practical guides for dog owners — wildlife awareness, trail safety, behaviour, training, and seasonal care. Written by the team who walks 150+ dogs a year in the Sea to Sky.

All Posts

Relaxed Australian Shepherd resting on a bed during an in-home dog sleepover in Whistler
Dog Sitting

In-Home Dog Sitting vs. Boarding a Kennel in Whistler

Cost, stress, safety and routine compared — and how to tell which is right for your dog when you're away.

Happy dog by a creek on a Whistler trail walk
Choosing a Walker

How to Choose a Dog Walker in Whistler (2026 Guide)

Insurance, certifications, pack size, off-leash policy and fair pricing — exactly what to check before you hire a Whistler dog walker.

Golden retriever and cavalier walking together on a treed Whistler trail
Behaviour

How Your Dog's Breed Predicts Pack Walk Behaviour

After 150+ dogs on Whistler trails, breed group is the single best predictor of recall risk and group dynamics — here's what we've learned.

Doggy Tales walkers gathering a small pack of dogs in the forest
Safety

Lost Dog in Whistler: What to Do First

First sixty seconds, how to approach a loose dog safely, and who to call — WAG, Bylaw, BC SPCA.

Two dogs on a rocky lookout above a Whistler valley
Visitor Guide

Dog-Friendly Whistler: The Visiting Owner's Guide

Dog-friendly hotels, patios, trails, off-leash areas, vets, bylaws, and local dog care services — all in one guide.

Off-leash golden retriever trotting down a Whistler trail
Bylaws

Whistler Dog Leash Laws & Off-Leash Areas (2026)

Designated off-leash parks, trail rules, fine amounts, and an off-leash area map.

Two dogs investigating the same scent on a narrow trail
Behaviour

Dog Behaviour on Walks: 10 Signs Every Owner Should Know

What our pack walkers read every day — and how we manage it in a group setting on the trail.

Dog walker holding four leashed dogs at a calm standstill while a black bear crosses the trail far ahead
Wildlife

Bear Safety for Dogs in Whistler: A Trail Guide

How to prevent bear encounters on the trail and keep your dog safe during bear season.

Alert golden retriever pausing on a forest trail
Wildlife

Coyote Safety for Dogs in Whistler: A Year-Round Guide

Seasonal patterns, hotspot areas, what to do during an encounter, and how to keep your dog safe year-round.

Dogs exploring a shaded forest floor in Whistler
Safety

Mushrooms Toxic to Dogs: A Whistler Owner's Guide

Which mushrooms are toxic to dogs, symptoms of poisoning, and what to do in an emergency.

Golden retriever resting on a rock ledge above a Whistler valley
Trails

Dog-Friendly Trails in Whistler: Best Parks & Hikes

From Rainbow Lake to Lost Lake, the best spots in Whistler for off-leash adventures with your pup.

Happy golden retriever looking straight at the camera
Behaviour

Dog Body Language: How to Read Tail, Ears & Stance

Read what your dog is telling you through posture, tail, and facial expressions.

Close-up of a golden retriever's face on a forest trail
Training

Muzzle Training for Dogs: A Positive, Step-by-Step Guide

A step-by-step guide to building comfort and confidence with muzzle training, using positive reinforcement.

Two dogs cooling off in a glacial river near Whistler
Summer

Keeping Dogs Safe in the Heat: Whistler Hot Weather Guide

Prevent heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Symptoms, treatment, and summer safety tips.

Two dogs on a misty forest trail in black and white
Winter

Winter Dog Safety in Whistler: Extreme Cold & Ice Melt

Protect your pup from extreme cold, frostbite, and ice-melt chemicals during BC's coldest months.

Couple with their dog on their Whistler wedding day
Weddings

How to Include Your Dog in Your Whistler Wedding

Venue selection, dog roles, dog walker logistics, and coordination tips for a smooth ceremony with your pup.

Book a walk

Want your dog out on those trails?

Small packs, certified group dog walkers, real backcountry experience. Book a meet & greet to get started.

Book a Walk