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ROMANTICALLYNAMED LOCALES AROUND THE WORLD

PAW’S CORNER

By Sam Mazzotta Training Your Dog for Hiking Season

DEAR PAW’S CORNER: My 1-year-old puppy, Corky, is an energetic mutt who loves to be outside. I started hiking last year, before I adopted Corky, and I plan to do lots more hiking trips when the weather gets warmer. I want to bring Corky along, but I’ve read mixed advice about dogs on trails and at campsites. What’s your take? -- Ellen in Boulder, Colorado

DEAR ELLEN: You can de nitely take Corky along! Preparation is key: You must prepare Corky for the hike, and you need to research the trails before departing to nd out important information, including: -- Are dogs allowed on the trail? -- What are other rules about pets on the trail? -- How long is the hike you’re planning? -- How far can Corky reasonably walk? -- Is water available along the trail, or will you need to carry extra for your dog? -- How good is Corky’s behavior training -- will he come to you as soon as you call? When I’m on a hike, I follow Leave No Trace rules -- which also apply to dogs, so be prepared to carry out his poop -- and another set of rules I call “Annoy No Other Hikers.” Included in this personal set of rules are a few dog-speci c ones: -- Keep my dog on a leash during the hike, especially on popular trails. -- Clean up a er my dog. -- Make sure to carry adequate water, food, rst aid and safety gear (such as booties and vest). -- Keep my dog under control when greeting oncoming hikers. Not everyone is thrilled by dogs, and a jumping, out-of-control dog does the community no favors. Find more training and hiking tips at the American Hiking Society (americanhiking.org/resources/ hiking-with-dogs/). Pick up dog gear advice at Reckless Roaming (recklessroaming.com/how-tohike-with-your-dog/). And Chewy has some good all-around tips as well. See you on the trail! Send your tips, comments or questions to ask@pawscorner.com. (c) 2022 King Features Synd., Inc. HOW TO BE MORE COURTEOUS WHILE DINING OUT

If something is not right with the meal, mention it early so it can be remedied. Do not eat an entire meal before fi ling a complaint with the server.

GALESNJAK ISLET This small island in the Adriatic Sea near Croatia has become an ideal spot for romantic Valentine’s Day getaways. The land mass came to prominence after its unusual shape - which looks like a heart - was highlighted on the app Google Earth. The island is uninhabited and privately owned. Travelers have inundated the owner with requests to stay there and have renamed the location “Lovers’ Island.”