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Our Dog Blog
Trusted Tips for Dog Parents Who Want the Best for Their Pups
Welcome to Ride with Marshmallow, a dog lifestyle blog dedicated to helping you travel safely, live happily, and care confidently for your pup. From dog car safety guides and CPS-tested gear reviews to dog-friendly travel tips, grooming advice, and local adventures around the Twin Cities, everything here is written with real-life experience and research you can trust.
Our goal is simple: to help modern dog parents make smart choices, whether you’re buckling up for a road trip, choosing the best harness, or just looking for ways to make every day a little better for your dog.
Traveling for the Holidays With Your Dog: Safety, Comfort & Sanity Tips
Holiday travel feels complete when your dog’s wagging tail is in the back seat—but safety, comfort, and preparation matter more than ever on the road. With advice from the Center for Pet Safety (CPS), Fear Free Pets, and the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), this guide covers everything you need for stress-free holiday travel with your dog. From crash-tested harnesses and cozy blankets to calming chews and anxiety wraps, discover expert-approved tips and product
How to Keep Your Car Clean When You Drive with a Dog
If your car tells the story of your dog’s adventures — nose prints on the windows, paw marks on the dash, and fur in every corner — you’re not alone. Keeping a clean car with dogs is totally possible when you combine smart habits with the right tools. From waterproof seat covers to pet hair removers that actually work, this guide breaks down expert-backed ways to protect your interior and stay road-trip ready, no matter how messy your co-pilot gets.
Common Dog Harness Installation Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)
Even the safest car harness can fail if it’s installed the wrong way. From clipping to collars instead of harnesses to leaving straps too loose, small mistakes can turn into big safety risks. This quick guide breaks down the most common harness installation errors—based on recommendations from the Center for Pet Safety and the AVMA—and shows you how to fix each one so your small dog rides secure, comfortable, and protected on every trip.
Why Dogs Love Car Rides - According to Science
If your dog lights up the second you grab the car keys, you’re not imagining it—there’s real science behind that tail-wagging excitement. Studies show that dogs experience a rush of dopamine and serotonin during car rides, linking the motion, scents, and bonding time with their favorite humans to pure joy. From the sensory thrill of new smells to the emotional connection of shared adventure, here’s why car rides feel so good—for both of you.
Small Dog Car Safety FAQ: Expert Answers for Safer Rides
Keep your pup safe on every ride. Discover expert-backed answers to the top small dog car safety questions—where to seat your dog, how they should sit, and which harnesses are CPS crash-tested for real protection.
Best Dog Car Harness for Small Dogs | Safety Guide
Discover the safest, most comfortable car harnesses for small dogs. CPS-tested picks reviewed for fit, comfort & value.
Dogs Really Do Make People Happier: The Science Behind the Smile
Science confirms what dog lovers already know — dogs make us genuinely happier.
Research shows that spending time with your dog triggers powerful feel-good chemicals like serotonin, dopamine, and oxytocin, which boost mood and strengthen emotional connection. At the same time, it lowers cortisol (the stress hormone), reduces anxiety, and promotes calm. From improved mental health and daily motivation to increased movement and mindfulness, the human–dog bond is a scientificall
5 Dog-Friendly Coffee Shops in Minneapolis: Where You and Your Pup Are Always Welcome
Discover the best dog-friendly coffee shops in Minneapolis where pups are more than welcome—they’re the VIPs. From Dogwood to FRGMNT, these Twin Cities cafés are perfect for good coffee, great company, and wagging tails.
Behind the Ride: A Night in the Life of a Lyft Pup
When the city lights up, Marshmallow goes to work. From his front-seat post, he watches the Twin Cities come alive — tail wagging, ready for whatever the night brings. Some passengers laugh, some quietly unwind, but every ride gets a dose of calm courtesy of one very fluffy Lyft co-pilot. Ride with Marshmallow isn’t just about getting people where they’re going; it’s about bringing a little joy to the ride home.
Ride with Marshmallow: Meet the Fluff Behind the Wheel
Every good story starts somewhere—ours began with a pup who never met a stranger he didn’t want to love. Marshmallow, a Cavachon born in December 2024, turned car rides into joyrides. With his big brown eyes and toast-tipped ears, he wins hearts daily, turning every passenger into a fan. What started as keeping him from bugging the cat became Ride with Marshmallow—a Lyft ride where you leave smiling, maybe with fur on your sleeve and a photo worth keeping.
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