Wrong. Surprising or not, dog water parks are popping up all over the country. Yes, you just read that right. Water parks are opening their arms to our furry friends, offering everything from acres of sand to fountains and pools.

Before you pick up the leash and slap on some sunscreen, however, you have to know that these parks aren’t everywhere, and may not be for every dog. If your dog isn’t a fan of the water, clearly he or she won’t enjoy doggy paddling all over a dog park. But if your dog finds water as exciting as, say, a new chew-toy, then a dog water park may be the perfect place.

After a quick search on Google, we found water parks catering to dogs from Los Angeles to St. Petersburg, Fl.  One of our favorites is the Paradise Ranch Pet Resort in Sun Valley, CA. Judging by this video, these lucky dogs are not only having fun in the sun, they are picking up a few new tricks like surfing and dog diving.

Some people may be skeptical of these parks, thinking that the idea sounds a bit ridiculous, but the messaging behind these parks is solid. Dogs love water. Dogs love adventure—why not give them a place to enjoy both at the same time? Here at Alcott, we’re all for it. If you happen to find a dog water park near you, check it out. Your dog will have a great time and may even pick up some new skills.

Horses might reign supreme here, but dogs rank right up with them. If you don’t believe me, check out our dog-friendly guide full of great places to sniff out on your next trip in Louisville.

Seelbach Hilton Louisville

If you’re looking for a hotel where modern luxury meets tradition, the Seelbach Hilton is the perfect place for you. Best part is—Fido is welcome too. This historic hotel is a great place for the whole family to relax and take in all that Louisville has to offer. There is a $50 one-time fee if you are staying with your dog, but in nearly every online review guests rave that it’s worth every penny. You and your pooch can be added to their long list of guests that include Al Capone and F. Scott Fitzgerald, and you will be in walking distance to some great restaurants and entertainment.

Barkstown Road

Dogs love being spoiled, and you’ll find a great place to do it at Barkstown Road, a locally owned pet boutique that sells dog and cat food, apparel and plenty of treats. If you’re looking for unique pet items, be sure to check out Otto’s and Ruby’s weekly picks. They’re the owner’s dogs, and they won’t steer you wrong.

Champions Dog Run

It’s always a good idea to a find a dog park when traveling to a new city with your pooch. You both get a chance to explore a fun new place and to meet new friends. Champions Dog Run is a local favorite and is one of the city’s newer dog parks. Located along River Road Recreation Corridor, Champions offers over 2.6 acres of off-leash space, including two separated sections, one for all dogs and one for small dogs to enjoy some exercise and serious playtime.

Bluegrass Brewing Company

Almost as much as being spoiled, dogs love to sit and relax with their owners. Enjoying a nice meal makes the experience even better. The Bluegrass Brewing Company is the ideal place to enjoy a nice summer night with your furry best friend. Beyond a great menu, this restaurant also holds private parties—including events that cater to your dog.

Have you ever taken your dog on a boating trip? Let us know how it went and be sure to share any additional tips with our community.

You can’t walk down Duval Street without being greeted by a few wet noses and wagging tails. In Key West dogs aren’t considered pets—they’re family. If you ever find yourself in the middle of this doggie paradise, check out these great locations guaranteed to bring adventures for the whole family.

Mallory Square Sunset Celebration

If you see only one thing in Key West, go to Mallory Square to watch the sunset. Beyond the beauty of the sun setting over the ocean, the square is packed with local vendors, performers, and, that’s right, dogs! If you plan on visiting any time soon, be sure to check out the “Jeep and Cleo” performance. Cleo is one talented Lab that makes walking on a tightrope look easy.

Key West Dog Beach

Almost every city has a dog park, but Key West puts a splash into theirs by giving dogs a place to play right on the beach. The Key West Dog Beach is a unique spot for dogs to roam, play and swim. While this beachfront area is small, there is plenty of space to play games of fetch right in the ocean.

Shops on Duval

Duval Street is where you truly get the Key West experience—from open markets to Conch Republic-themed retailers, you and your pup will have a great time exploring all that the local shops have to offer. Most shops welcome well-behaved dogs on a leash. Be sure to stop at Dogs on Duval. This is the perfect place to pick up specialty treats and doggie apparel.

Schooner Wharf Bar

Schooner’s Wharf is home to some of the best music, food and drinks in Key West, and this waterfront bar and grill welcomes well-behaved dogs of all shapes and sizes to enjoy it with you. Don’t be surprised to see dogs sitting at the outdoor tables or on the dance floor with their owners. From all the wagging tails I saw, they enjoyed this place as much as (maybe even more than) their owners. If you’re a big fan of seafood, be sure to order their mahi-mahi; it’s always a crowd favorite.

Where to stay? Well—while there are plenty of dog-friendly hotels in Key West like The Westin Key West Resort and Marina or the Hyatt Key West Resort and Spa, I highly suggest looking into the rental properties. The majority of these properties are dog friendly and give you and your dog more space to relax and explore. Check out Key West Vacation Rentals to find the perfect rental for you and your pooch.

Whether you visited for a weekend or were lucky enough to call this place home, you get why Charlotte, North Carolina has been voted as one of the best cities to live in the United States. And if this town ranks high with us humans, you bet it’s on the list of favorites for our four-legged friends.

So if you and Fido are planning on visiting this “Queen City,” check out Alcott’s guide to Charlotte. We’ll tell you where to stay and what to sniff out to make it one unforgettable trip.

Crowder’s Mountain State Park

If you’re looking for an outdoor adventure, make your way to Crowder’s Mountain State Park where there are dog-friendly trails to hike and walk with your pup.  If you and your dog are experienced at hiking, be sure to hike your way to the peak. The view is breathtaking and will definitely be worth the trip.

Canine Café

Who can resist specialty made biscuits and cakes? I know my dog certainly can’t, so be sure to visit the Canine Café where they offer homemade dog treats every day. The mini mutt-muffin is always a crowd pleaser and keeps tails wagging. All treats are made from wholesome, premium-grade ingredients and are baked fresh daily.

The Dog Bar in NoDa

The Dog Bar has made a name for itself for being the only dog-friendly bar in Charlotte, but dogs’ love this place because it’s a guaranteed good time with their owner. You can enjoy a cold one while playing with your pup and meeting other dog-loving folk. Any “well-behaved” dog is welcome as long as they have proof of a rabies vaccination and has purchased an annual dog membership (for $10). Be sure to check out the events page, where you can find all the information and dates for special events throughout the year.

Davie Dog Park at William R. Davie District Park

Looking for a place to run? Check out the Davie Dog Park where there are 5 acres, of fenced in off-leash area for dogs. There are two separate secure sections of this park—one for dogs 20 lbs. or larger and one for the smaller pups under 20lbs. Entrance to this park is free, just be sure to help your pup get used to his/her surroundings before taking off the leash, and your dog will be playing with other dogs in no time.

The Westin Charlotte

The Westin Charlotte brings a whole new meaning to the name “pet friendly”. This hotel welcomes dogs up to 60 lbs. at no additional cost to you, and makes your dog feel right at home by offering a “Westin Heavenly Dog Bed,” pet welcome kit and food bowls and mat.

Surely you and your dog already have discovered the things you enjoy doing most during summer, from Frisbee at the park to lazing around in the backyard after a wet round or two with the garden hose. But when you’re ready to explore new adventures, you’ve got a whole lot places and events to choose from. Here are five suggestions from Alcott that are guaranteed to deliver a lot of fun and many memories.

Kirkland, Washington, in the Greater Seattle area, hosts the annual Go Dog, Go! Canine Festival and Dog Walk, held this year on Saturday, July 28, at Juanita Beach Park. The agility-course try-its and more than 70 booths will keep you and your dog busy, as will the many free contests and games, the live music and entertainers. For dogs with a lot of spring in their step, there’s the Skyhoundz Disc Dogathon, which takes catching Frisbees to a whole new (and higher) level. The food vendors cater to both dogs and their owners to fortify you throughout the day. Admission is free!

San Diego, Miami and New York City will be celebrating the second annual National Dog Party Day on Friday, June 22, and you definitely don’t want to be the pooper at this one. The three-hour bash features plenty of activities, such as K-9 Karaoke, “Snoopy Sez” contests and, of course, lots to eat. Organized through a partnership between Four-Legged Mission and Pet Sitters International, this event promises much fun for good causes. The $25 admission goes to SNAP (Spay & Neuter Action Project), Bideawee and Paws 4 You Rescue. Click the link to find out the details on the party nearest you.

You don’t need to live on the coast to hit the beach with your pup. On Thursday, July 19, you both can go to the 10^th annual Paws Chicago Beach Party at the North Avenue Beach Boathouse. Live music, open bar, a dinner buffet and lots of lounging in the sand—with at least 500 owners and 100 dogs, most dressed in their finest beachwear. The $150 (for you) and $50 (for your dog) admission fee is all-inclusive and supports PAWS Chicago’s Adoption & Humane Center and its spay/neuter clinic. This event has become a highlight of every Windy City summer.

If you’re near the Twin Cities, you and your dog cannot miss the Bubble Bath Party held on the last Wednesday of the month all summer long at St. Louis Park in Minneapolis. For $15 you get a washing stall and lots of soapy suds and water, not to mention snacks, a raffle ticket and discounts on nail clippings and other pooch-pampering activities. These events are organized by Bubbly Paws dog grooming, and $5 of the fee is donated to various dog rescue centers in the area.

Wrap up the summer at Fido’s Festival USA, in Woodstown, NJ, on September 22 and 23. The Salem County Fairgrounds hosts the two-day event that combines a “Howlywood” theme with inventive dog activities and contests. From a pooch Walk of Fame parade to a glitz-and-glamour costume contest, to an obstacle course and off-leash play area to dock diving, this celebration of all things canine packs a lot of fun for your dog—and for you.

And there are so many more—from Poochapalooza in Marysville, WA, to Dog Days of Summer at Mutt Lynch Winery in Sonoma County, CA, to Boston’s Happy Tails Celebration.  To find the right ones for you, consult our wonderful pals at www.bringfido.com, where you’ll find so many things to do tha you and your pooch are going to need a serious nap when you’re finished.

As you know, bringing dogs to places with a lot of people as well as a lot of other dogs can be stressful sometimes, but the smart folks at Dogs Day Out Seattle offer these great tips for keeping things under control. Now, jump into summer, and bring your furry friend with you.

While driving around you still see the remnants of Super Bowl XLVI, and signs for the Indy 500. You see a booming downtown life, and most importantly, you see people outside, walking around with their furry best friends.

Indianapolis may be known as the “Crossroads of America,” but this is one city you won’t want to just pass through. You’ll want to stay awhile—especially if you plan to bring Fido with you.

If you’re looking for a dog-friendly place to visit this summer, put Indianapolis on your list—and when you’re there, check out these even dog-friendlier destinations.

The Green Market at Trader’s Point

Farmers’ markets are essential travel destinations no matter what city you’re in, because there’s no better place to experience local cuisine, products and seasonal events. And most of them welcome dogs. The Green Market at Trader’s Point is especially hospitable, as it includes dog-specific vendors, and every Friday your pooch can feast on dog biscuits or fresh vegetables. On Friday, June 15, the market is holding a special dog show/adoption event, which will be full of dog adventures for the whole family.

Petite Chou by Patachou

Sure you could go to a Chipotle or a Panera Bread and enjoy a nice meal with your pup, but why not be a little more adventurous and try a new restaurant? A must-stop in Indianapolis is Petite Chou by Patachou. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a French-inspired meal, and the best part is your dog can join you on their pet-friendly patio. The menu offers plenty of great options, but you can’t go wrong with a made-to-order crepe—great for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

The Westin Indianapolis

We love hotels that are pet-friendly, especially those that treat our four-legged friends as a member of the family. If you’re looking for the perfect place to lay your head at night, check out the Westin Indianapolis, where dogs up to 40lbs. can stay at no additional charge. Located in the heart of downtown, the Westin is within steps to some great restaurants and attractions.

Smock Bark Park

One of the city’s newest dog parks, Smock Bark Park is located near Smock Golf Course on the Southside of Indianapolis. This spacious park allows your pooch to roam off-leash in a safe fenced-in area. It is one of four in the city that offer you a few options to let your dog run free. But don’t forget to purchase a Pooch Pass for $75, giving you a tag for your dog and a gate-access reader that provides entry into the four parks all-year long.

Beyond all the great places to visit in Indianapolis, there is one event particularly worth making the trip to see—the 2012 American Cancer Society Bark for Life of Hamilton County at Dr. James A. Dillon Park. This walk event helps raise money for the American Cancer Society and takes place June 23. Registration will be open up until the morning of the event. We couldn’t think of a better weekend activity than grabbing the leash, your tennis shoes and embarking on a worthwhile walk with your pooch.

That’s right, keeping cool in the summer months isn’t easy for our furry best friends. But whether we like it or not, the 90-degree temperatures are quickly approaching, and it’s important to know how to keep your pooch cool and comfortable this summer. While cranking up the air conditioning and turning on the fans are just a few precautionary steps to take, there is so much more you can do to make this an enjoyable summer for your whole family.

So what do you need to know? Who better to ask than Cesar Millan? Check out this video by CBS News, in which Millan answers a few key questions about heat and your dog’s safety as well as offering some fun tips on how to bring fido with you on your upcoming summer vacation.

If you live nearby or if you’re planning a trip there sometime soon, you can feel comfortable bringing along the four-legged member of the family, knowing that you can choose from a wide variety of attractions worth barking about.

Piedmont Dog Park. A favorite destination for Zara and Zobra, and for Atlanta’s many dog owners, this newly renovated park offers more than just a place to run around. But that’s a great way to start, and dogs can enjoy three acres of freewheelin’, featuring separate enclosures for the big and the small. The park also hosts special dog-focused events such as the Splish Splash Doggie Bash. You can find out more about the park at http://www.piedmontpark.org/do/dogpark.html. Or your pooch can keep you informed if they follow Petey the Piedmont Pup on Twitter for daily updates and latest happenings.

Hotel Indigo. Need a place to stay while you’re in town? Look no further than Hotel Indigo, a cool boutique hotel in the heart of midtown that’s pet friendly. Your furry roommate will cost you an extra $25, but the staff will make sure everyone’s comfortable. Hotel Indigo also offers a Canine Cocktail Hour every Tuesday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. during the summer months. A spread of snacks for pets and owners will keep both of you satisfied as you savor one of the hotel’s signature martinis.

GreenDog. If your dog prefers a bit of pampering, check out Greendog, Atlanta’s first eco-friendly pet retreat. This deluxe and environmentally conscious boarding service and doggy daycare offers private “eco-dens” with privacy gates where your pooch will be safe and happy while nibbling on organic foods or perhaps popping over to the grooming area before a night on the town.

Bark in the Park. There aren’t many better ways to spend a fun evening with your dog than going to a ballgame. The Atlanta Braves host Bark in the Park at Turner Field a time or two every season. The dogs can frolic in the splash pools or take advantage of room to run in the Coca-Cola Sky Field area in the upper deck of the leftfield corner.

These suggestions just scratch the surface of all you and your dog can do in Atlanta. Put the ATL on your summer travel list, and bring your whole family, including the four-legged members. For more ideas, check out www.atlanta.net.

Now, I’m the first to admit that my dog has sat in the passenger seat while driving short distances, but that is not the safest way to travel. Your dog should be buckled in safely with a harness in the back seat. Although your dog may prefer the spot closest to the window with his head out and wind in his hair, that can be dangerous and distracting to you and other drivers. If you are planning on taking a ride with your four-legged best friend, check out this great video by Cars.com. From back seat covers to heat safety, this video rounds up all the information you need to know before embarking on a new adventure.

Do you have any tips to share? Comment below to give additional advice to our community.