After more than 25 years of having pups in my life, I have largely figured out how to make that work. The two operative words: Being prepared.

Before we go on a walk, I slip Moke’s ear protection—think stretchy headband with ear pockets—over his head.

“Do you like dressing your dog in hats?” one woman asked me on the trail.

Not so much. But I really don’t like the vet visit that follows him getting a Cheatgrass (like a foxtail with barbed seeds) in his ear canal.

If we’re going to Misha’s favorite hunting grounds, especially if his sister, Harley, will be joining us, the tracking collars go on. Thug One and Thug Two, as they’re known when they’re on a roll, have disappeared too many times and lose all their auditory faculties when they think they have a critter cornered.

After figuring out the best place for our outing,  I make sure I am adequately hydrated, and that there is water in the car for the dogs and me when we finish our walk. l re-stock the treat bag to help ensure cooperation along the way, grab the leashes, and we are ready. Being prepared, chances are pretty good that we will enjoy our walk.

Similarly, if you think about being prepared before you start writing, your odds of enjoying the session increase dramatically.

So, if you don’t want to write on your computer but you have time to create, grab a pen and a pad.

If you prefer to dictate, ensure you have your phone with you so that you can speak into the recorder app, which you will have already installed, or into the notes associated with your calendar. If you want to work on your computer, there’s always Word’s new dictation feature. Just look for the microphone in the Home navigation bar.

If you are basing your writing on research or other background material, you’ll want to have those at hand, so you don’t have to go searching for them right when you’ve hit a hot streak on the writing front.

Find a spot where you’re comfortable, even if it is not your usual workspace. Being prepared includes making sure you have what you need, whether that’s a cup of coffee or tea, your water bottle, or even a glass of wine if you’re settling in for an evening.

In short, make sure you have what you need not only to get the writing done efficiently, but to make this writing experience so pleasurable that you will want to return to it again and again.