One more full check before the trail season really shifts into fall
Kenji and I are still logging serious miles as September starts, but the terrain's changing fast, drier brush, more fallen leaves starting to pile up in shaded spots, different hiding conditions than peak summer growth. Did a really thorough head-to-tail check after this week's longer hike specifically because the changing ground cover means different exposure than what I got used to all summer. Not letting the calendar's idea of "fall" fool me into thinking risk drops off overnight.
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This tracks with what I've read about fall transition periods actually being trickier than people expect, not safer. Listing page here for anyone considering an Akita: https://allinpets.com/pets/dogs/american-akita/
Smart to stay sharp through the transition instead of relaxing just because it's technically a new season. Kenji's routine sounds solid heading into fall.
Good instinct, changing ground cover really does shift where things hide, dry brush and leaf litter aren't the same risk profile as summer grass. There's a solid resource on proper technique worth revisiting as the season transitions: https://allinpets.com/blog/dogs/tick-prevention-for-dogs-62/