TINY LIVING with a BIG DOG | Gear, Training, Pros & Cons

There have been lots of questions regarding Akela's gear, how she has adjusted to the van, what it is like living with a large dog, and how we deal with all of the nuances!
RUFFWEAR Gear:
Backpack - www.avantlink.com/click.php?t...
Swamp Cooler Vest - www.avantlink.com/click.php?t...
Life Jacket - www.avantlink.com/click.php?t...
Juniper Trails (Melissa)
Website - www.junipertrailsdogtraining....
Instagram - / junipertrails
Insulated Window Covers:
vanupgrades.com/collections/r...
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We are Linnea and Akela. In May, 2020 I purchased our 2016 Ram ProMaster, Togo, to become our full-time home. With this van build, I am using my stubbornness and drive to show individuals that they, too, can convert a campervan BY THEMSELVES and ON A BUDGET, with a lot of learning, rolling up the sleeves, and getting to work.
Our goal is to inspire individuals to chase their dreams... to break from societal limitations and live the life they truly desire. And, to GET OUTSIDE!
SUBSCRIBE for van build details, wanderlust travel, and the truth about van life with a big german shepherd!
Follow on Instagram: @linnea.and.akela

[@BethVonstaats]

I really do think that all dogs need "a job to do". By giving Akela commands to help with laundry, carry her own stuff, sit in the front seat, and all the other things you are doing, you are giving that beautiful lady "a job to do" that is productive rather than one she would conjure up on her own. You are a great "doggy mom"!!

[@liannehoenderboom1018]

I always say "dog hair is my favorite color, I wear it with everything"

[@theresedignard4267]

....and then there is dog hair as a food condiment. lol

[@talesfromtheleashbernieamy1960]

if I didnt have "bernerfetti", i wouldnt know what to do🤣🤣🤣

[@fadenation9199]

Love it!

[@CrayolaCrack]

And it's FREE!

[@nancycoole5217]

😂😂💯🐕💯😂😂

[@StoopsThereItIs]

I love your interactions with Akela. You are an exceptional dog owner and have done such a great job with her!!

[@meadowbradleyart]

Couldn't love this video more. I so relate to your love of Akela and the prioritization of her health and well-being. Isn't it rewarding to see them so full of life when you take them out on adventures?!!!

[@Lyssa72]

I just love Akela❤️ Training is so essential and it truly enriches our doggo’s lives. I want to travel but since I have 5 German Shedders, it’s not my time yet. I can live vicariously through wonderful souls such as yourself.

[@kristiharman2843]

I love how much you love Akela and how much effort you put into your relationship with her. It's so special to see

[@doubled3082]

Another video with important information. Well done bud

[@Linneaandakela]

Thank you, Dan!

[@annav6299]

Wow, the bond between you and Akela is so strong and you clearly take the best care of her! My best friend, companion and hiking buddy is my mixed breed spaniel, dogs are just the greatest! Lots of love from Finland!

[@Linneaandakela]

Thank you! Yes the bond and love with dogs is just so special. I’m glad you enjoyed the video, tell your pup Akela says hi!

[@carmenmartinez2882]

Great video, I have a pit bull, she’s been a great tent camping dog and now we’ll be doing this for several months each year. She loves the outdoors.

[@okiejammer2736]

Each one of your videos has a fun, special energy - even when you're digging out of the snow or woodburning. YOU bring that to the table. New subscriber, traveling on short trips with TWO big dogs. 😊 Thanks much!

[@roscmon]

Much love to you both. Thank you for all the careful consideration for her. I wish every single owner gave the best to their animal the way you do.

[@ginabrytowski3564]

Loved this! I truly love how much you love and put Akela first. You're a great Mom ❤️💕🐾 That and the fact that you don't try to be anything that you're not for KZbin or Instagram.

[@amysmith3440]

Would love to hear Akela's story! How you found her on craigslist, how old she was when you got her, her homecoming, etc... Really enjoy your posts and cinematography. Thank you : )

[@fluffbigrollingmarshmallow]

I had to laugh at Akela's head sticking out through the screen on the side of the van. I have a couple of suggestions for you. When I remodeled my 3023 Trailmanor, I was creating a place for my dogs on the rear bed platform (106 lb German Shepherd, and a 13 lb Schipperke). So I built frames to hang on the windows of the rear bed platform, and I attached 1/4"x1/4" wire over the frame. The frame kept the wire about 2" away from the window screen, and I hung the frames over the windows using Z-clips - so quick and easy to remove when needed. I also made roman shades for inside those window frames, so I could block out the sun if needed. Anyway - that might be a solution for your windows either side of the bed. Please feel free to contact me if you want photos of those frames, so you can see what I'm trying so inadequately to describe. 😂 I no longer travel with my German Shepherd - he is 14 years old, and no small miracle to be that age, alive AND still really mobile and energetic. But despite daily joint supplements, he is well beyond the average life span of a German Shepherd so his joints can no longer handle more than wandering around outside our home. Now when I travel in my van, my Schipperke still goes with me and we hike a lot. So, my second suggestion is to also invest in RexSpecs for Akela. Depending on the hiking conditions, my Schipperke wears RexSpecs to either protect his eyes from brush, and/or protect his eyes from bright sunlight that is also reflecting off water or snow. RexSpecs also make hearing protection, which is great if you have a dog that is on a shooting range with you, you have a dog that hunts with you, or you are around other loud noise areas often. As a side note, my Schipperke also has booties for the cold, because his little toe beans can't handle the snow, and certainly not the ice, when the temps are down in the single digits or below. Oh, and Akela did so well at the weaving between your legs - you guys should do a dance routine! 😊 Safe travels!

[@laurennicole8822]

I LOVE your LOVE love for Akela! You treat her like she’s your 50/50 partner in everything you do, because she is & that is beautiful to watch! Also, on a completely different topic, a couple videos back you showed your grocery haul & I saw 1 of my absolute fav treats. I was so excited to see that I’m not the only 1 that buys, not 1 but 2 of those huge Symphony bars with toffee & almonds! To me, this chocolate is THE best! It just brings me pure happiness & it’s priced way cheaper than other “fancy” chocolates. 😆💜🍫

[@kcasternews368]

I love watching your story but really love watching about Akela! Have fun and be safe.

[@waywardescapes4384]

My pup, Bella, and I wholeheartedly agree with EVERY point you made - especially the dirt and hair. It becomes next level in a small space. 😂

[@FoxFire23]

I absolutely love your build & pup! I'm so stoked to get in a van & get back on the road w my girl. That cooling vest is CLUTCH

[@instridewith_life]

I'm glad you mentioned her nervousness and what you do to help her, I have a dog reactive dog and that the biggest hoop we will be going through when I finally get my van road ready

[@kkorrine77757]

I’m gonna have the same problem. And what worries me most is how many van/bus lifers just let their dogs run around

[@jeffvaughn483]

Awesome Linnea, I have thoroughly enjoyed your build and now your adventures with Akela. keep it up your an inspiration

[@anner6342]

You continue to be such inspiration. With less than two years until my retirement launch, I'm really wanting to figure out how to best travel with a dog. Here in California there are so many restrictions as to where they can go (beaches, trails, campgrounds..). I find it really frustrating. Thank you for sharing how you have intentionally adapted to van life with a dog. Continue the great content!!!!

[@talesfromtheleashbernieamy1960]

@Anne R Mexico is open and dogs are welcome!!! i love it here with my Berner and Malix(mexican street dog)

[@RoadThruGrace]

Florida has those restrictions too. However, there is one dog beach near Melbourne and the dogs have to be on a six-foot leash. It would be nice if they could run free in certain places, but the only places where they can run are dog parks. And not all dog parks are good for them.

[@zeynepturunc4738]

Such a good girl!!! Also a little tip - if you get an extra deep fitted bedsheet - you can put it over the top of all your bedding in the day so that not so much sand gets in! Also do you ever watch lex and riot? Lex brushes her good girl down with a little handheld brush and that looks like it would help top. Love your channel and your pup!

[@NesKimStyle]

Absolutely love this video. Feel how much you love Akela. I’ve been telling my little cavoodle Lilly that we are going on a van trip. I’ve been trying to get her to watch your video … when you and Akela were howling she barked lol

[@breakfree2154]

Yes you do love her so much. It shows The love you have for her shines through you with a glow so bright. You both are in a wonderful graceful energy that is so special.

[@christaguidos3774]

She is such a beautiful girl!! 🐶

[@DavetheUberSlave]

Inside and out

[@bcadams317]

Great vid! Sweet seeing how much joy Akela brings you. I know,...cuz my Bow is BEYOND my favorite living being. (I do need to worry that she never learns how to talk human-ese. After all I've confided with her, I'd be screwed if she shares!)

[@zajournals]

Our lives revolve around our Animal family too. Thank you for being so passionate and considerate.

[@Linneaandakela]

Absolutely ♥️

[@Jonathan-jq5cl]

Thanks for making this video, I love dogs but I think I’d rather be solo for a few years, I didn’t realize the commitment it takes to own a dog while living in a van.

[@angelawood8502]

She is such a sweet and smart girl!!!! Thank you for sharing with us!

[@CR-wk2re]

Akela is living the dream. You can see it on her face!

[@ahagan1930]

Damn, Akila is better trained than my son! 🤣 love that you made this video!

[@shannonm2689]

Also love going bk and watching your old videos from Ontario Canada

[@clairabelle23]

What a beautiful looking dog and beautifully trained too. Such a shame when people dont train - it makes for such a good bond and of course an easy life - esp in a van ! I travelled all round UK and europe with my dog in my Fiat Doblo micro camper (car with seats taken out !) for 18 years and what adventures we had ! He also closed doors, picked up laundry and fetched my bag/socks/phone etc. He also came kayaking, climbing, hiking, wild swimming and on Workaways with me. He had support dog status so i could take him most places. I miss him so much the last 13 months. Just about ready to start looking for another adventure buddy, hopefully in time for a 2 month trip round Scotland this spring. Thank u for reminding me of all the good times - past and yet to come x

[@JB-kd5uv]

Possibly one of my most favourite vanlife videos ever. Thank you!!

[@georgiaenglund]

Love this! I'm in Australia and hoping to do a van build out next year for me and my dog Finley so that we can live an adventure life together too!! :)

[@asmrbb44]

This made me emotional! She's so smart

[@susanscovill6817]

I truly believe that VanLife animals live better lives than homies. They see, experience, and meet a bigger world. They become more confident and better adjusted to unfamiliar situations that pop up and don’t spook as much. Love the booties and yes, you’re right, protection of her feet is important too. Cheers from Canader eh!

[@juliewright6889]

Omg. You read my mind! Was wondering if you had / were going to do a video on travelling with a dog. (I have a Whippet) Thank you! Also, yes - pet mum life is always about spending more on the puppy than yourself 😁!

[@JanSolo1611]

I recently lost my 1 year old Shepherd baby. Journi and my other girl Luna got over the fence and took off through the neighborhood. I didn't have my rig so my teenagers and their friends went after them but after several near recoveries, 2 hours later on snow and slushy ice no luck Luna came home alone. Journi ended up at the emergency vet having been hit. She was already gone by the time I got there. Devastation. I had plans next year to begin my van build and designed it out more for them. Largest rig, super single high sleeping space for me, tons of water storage, food bin and toy/treat compartments, etc. Now it seems like it will just be me as Luna really belongs to my son and oldest daughter. Both will be leaving home this Summer. My 3rd oldest girl Roxy is 14, an Aussie Cattle dog and while still healthy she just may not be with me by then. She would love it though as I have to pry this old lady out of my truck. So...van life traveling without my girls...not so appealing. Luna looks so much like your girl. She is more cream and has a little Malamute so her eyes are a strange mix of brown, gray, blue and green. She so soft and smoofy. My kids love her as much as I do though so...prayers that God sends me another fur baby in time to train before my build. I'll need to have time for puppy/doggy, work, van build and all of my other blessings in need of management. I just miss my Journi so much. She was so sweet, smart and beautiful. Thanks for your inspiration though and how well you care for Akela is commendable. God bless you in your travels. 😌💐🙏

[@spiritlove2]

Hopefully I have the booties before the 38mile hike, good luck to all 3 of u n I can't wait to see the videos

[@cynthiabush2581]

I just want to thank you for sharing your adventures. They are amazing and beautiful..😊

[@Diary_Of_A_Gods_Spoiled_Brat]

Your Video is my game changer I need both a van and my travel buddy and this Video means EVERYTHING 🥺 Thank you

[@k_blyth8803]

Aw Akela is just an absolute beauty, she melts my heart every time i see her 💗

[@martykong3592]

Thanks MUCH for great share and video! KUDOS to you and of course Akela! You are a great puppy Mom ! :) Cheers and all the BEST to both of you! :)

[@williamreynolds5209]

Thank you so much , I’ll be getting my van soon and then my dog. Perfect timing .

[@aniakalinowska9554]

Hey! You are not the only one who spends more on the Doggo more than on oneself! :)

[@Onespirit01]

What’s not to love about beautiful Akela?? She is beautiful and she is-one very lucky girl!

[@georgehouse4747]

Awesome information for me as I am about to start my journey with my German Shepherd.. thanks you two Rock ✌️

[@astraltheskoolie]

I loved this video so much! I teared up a few times haha. I have 2 huskies myself and am self converting a bus. I can't wait to start taking them to new places that they can explore 🥰 I love your content so much and Akela is so beautiful

[@hgfirewarrior8762]

I love Akela! 🥰💓 She was so adorable trying out her new booties!!

[@antoniafoster8264]

Loved this. I love my dogs so much too. You two are the BEST! ♥️♥️

[@vannaoffthewall9344]

That’s funny, my dog Bonnie LOVES the heat and I love the cold!!

[@justme-ll8qs]

Love the video! We go everywhere with our pup too. If he can't go, we don't go (except church and doctors). And we have fur everwhere too.

[@kirkallgayer1643]

It's great how you take care of your dog stay safe

[@axelbob1]

Love your videos. Look forward to this weeks, about your breakdowns.

[@omavicmcmurray2893]

I’m making my way thru all your episodes and love the breadth! I appreciate that you did this one because I plan on traveling with my 2 Shepard mix dogs, especially the vests! But also the love and acceptance… and you gave great tips! Woof! Thanks

[@leannemeissner6344]

Fantastic video. Very informative. Thank you!

[@TIMEnayda]

Great video on living & traveling with a dog in a van, thank you for sharing 🤝

[@Linneaandakela]

I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@V.Hansen.]

Awwww. What a good girl. The goodest good girl

[@melissa-jh4wb]

Awesome video!❤

[@davidsager4023]

Have fun and take care and take it easy and enjoy it

[@trendsjody2002]

I love Sally your vids!! One suggestion on the build series, if you could number then in the sequence we should follow that would be GRRREAATT!!

[@dfros1957]

Thank you for this video, Great info , I have a mastiff . I plan on having a wonderful time this summer with him in our van.

[@NorthCountryOutdoorGuys]

Thanks for making this. My Ferguson has Ruffwear gear too. It’s good stuff mostly. The boots get tricky as far as rubbing on some dogs.

[@ThrasherGnar]

That’s amazing, such a good dog! Great job training her👍

[@Linneaandakela]

Thank you so much!

[@hollyleavitt1378]

She is such a good girl! Missing my boy all the time :)

[@dtSFA-2023]

I loved this video presentation! Baymax and I can relate!

[@dannygrissom1]

Great video Thank you

[@keltic_nomad]

found your channel about a week ago and have binged watched all your vlogs 🙂 very entertaining 👍

[@rschreck876]

This is great. After 22 months of living in my van, I just got a dog. It’s been a week and it’s been a bit of an adjustment but it’s been awesome.

[@margiesvanmori]

This was so helpful! I'm looking for a German shepherd to travel in my van with me. loved all the advice!

[@d-arts7139]

great video. very informative. and like all your vids.. you go into more detail than most. ive been watching a lot of youtube for a long time too. congrats and thanks

[@Linneaandakela]

Thank you very much!

[@czambrano0710]

Oh my gosh! I can't stop laughing at the part where her head is outside the window with the torn mosquitoe net thing! hahaha! Reminds me of Borat (my dog)! Thank you THANK YOU for this video. Fantastic work you are both doing together!

[@ohgodyehyou]

Awesome videos, much love from the UK.

[@Tracor3k99]

Thank you for this. I'm going on the road soon with my 75lbs gsd puppyface

[@davewelbylivinginhistinyti4796]

Thanks for sharing this valuable information. Love the way you love your four legged friend 👍 enjoy life and stay safe 🙏

[@IngridsVanlife]

and here I never even thought of protecting their feet against the heat, mostly because I live way north haha. we don't ever experience that. but good gear, thanks for the info! I'm adopting a van dog soon and am doing the most research I can now.

[@Splashstar216]

wow lovely video!! im getting my own large dog for RV life!! he'll be trained as my service dog so he'll have a job 24/7. so cool all the little things you trained her to help you out with 🥰

[@RescueDogTreats]

Life with dogs is awesome!!!!

[@wildernessexplorerliz8488]

Her ears 🥺 oh my goodness 🥰

[@richroberts3418]

Awesome - thanks for all the info. I'm building a van now with plans to rescue a big dog to travel with me. So a kennel is in my build plans.

[@antoinette272]

Just came across your channel. Had to subscribe. Loved the helpful info as I hope to live (part time) on the road with a big dog. Look forward to the backpacking vids.

[@niknikolaeff7620]

Love how you love your dog ❤️

[@noglenogle]

Loved your video. *SUBSCRIBED*

[@robertholman9743]

What a beautiful dog ❤❤❤❤

[@davidianhowe]

Dude the van is looking so good!

[@helenechouinard3473]

Lol ! Her head through the screen, that epitomized what is living with a big dog in a small space. Well, in my opinion. That was too cute. Your dog is very lucky to have you as a partner in her life, you really take good care of her both physically and mentally.

[@brendalee8253]

I am gonna do suv life with my old English bulldog. I have a senior his name is Tonka and he is 13. He may not be able to do as much but he would so love the adventure! He would most definitely be a happy dog! And when I get me a van or a schoolie...I haven't decided yet but I will build mine around Tonka's needs as well. Definitely will put in 2 fans for extra ventilation and airflow for him. I love him so much! He is my Everything! That was a good idea btw to put in a kennel for her. I might do the same for tonka.

[@keltait]

i love your bond. its beautiful.

[@touristiqueducanada346]

keep up the hard work

[@karenmaldonado6033]

Definitely recommend Mammoth Lakes, California!

[@nondisgioldasis1477]

hello thank you for this because soon I will have my own dog and yes she is a shaped mix hope one day we cross roads

[@neonaviolett6281]

So so cute dog!!!!!

[@myotherboringemail9854]

Great video! Love the emphasis you put on training and relationship building. How old is Akela? And how long have you had her?

[@richysmith6265]

Hi, great video! I will watch more, now that I have subscribed. Akila is gorgeous ❤ I'm hoping to do some extended trips in my camper with my 1year old Fox Red Lab, Brodie ❤

[@scarroll451]

You are amazing!

[@bleedfreedom6528]

Omg tku so much. Awesome video

[@annafernando6816]

Great girl with an amazing dog! Love your videos.

[@sudhirnaik4751]

I'm doing van life with my German sheppard Cross too x

[@karlabravo1516]

omg i love your afventures!! ♡♡