Every dog owner has thought of, if not tried, taking a dog out for a hike rather than a regular walk. It’s the call of the wild for both humans tired of being urban and animals tired of being pets.
Hiking with your dog is a great enhancement of the hiking experience. Not only can the dog have enough space for running around, you also feel like an old time adventurer. Dogs can help protect you on a hike, and their also good for carrying a special backpack (like these reviewed on Clever Wander).
To Take or Not to Take?
Hiking with a dog takes power and strength from both of you. I say “both” because it’s not recommended to take out more than one dog. Young puppies are not the ones to introduce to this sort of fun; but if it’s a young dog rather than a puppy, then why not? The same is with old dogs: if he or she does not feel too old for this run, then it’s worth a shot.
Take in mind the breed as well. Huskies or Australian Shepherd dogs are a great choice. But bulldogs or other flat-faced breeds are not created for long distances – that’s where their health issues matter, as they run out of breath too soon. The opposite is with hunting breeds: perfectly fit, they are sometimes too energetic to stay under control. So take one out hiking only if you’re totally sure you can control them.
How to hike with your dog?
Before going on a hike with your dog, make sure dogs are allowed there. If not, forget the idea. In the parks that allow dogs, though, dog owners should obey the BARK rules:
- Bag the waste
- Always keep the dog on the leash (if mandated by the rules)
- Respect the wildlife
- Know the places to go (and not to go, as implied)
If you are not ready to follow all these rules – avoid national parks and go to lesser known places where these rules do not apply.
How to prepare your dog for a hike
Most of the time, you and your dog will be on the go, under the sky. During the night, you will probably stay in the tent.
- Teach your dog how to hike. Before your big day out, take one hour walks according to all the rules. Then make it a little longer, up to several hours. Track how quickly your dog gets tired (and the same about yourself!)
- Get the dog’s claws accurately cut. Especially if you are both going to spend your nights in the tent. Otherwise it can harm the floor of the tent, causing you both damage and discomfort. If there are options, take the tent with the most durable floor.
- Make sure your dog is vaccinated. If any vaccination has not been done (for whatever reason), contact your veterinarian to fix this.
How to keep dog safe on hike?
While dogs’ ancestors used to live in the wild and run long and often, the environment today is completely different. Proper preparations are needed to make sure the dog feels safe out there:
- Get some booties. I know why you are smiling, but these booties are small boots for dogs. Booties help protect your dog’s feet on rough terrain. They also help if the road gets too hot. Try them before buying to select the right size.
- Get enough clean water for the dog to drink. Refill each time you can. Not only will it prevent your dog from becoming hydrated, but it will also prevent your dog from drinking from pools and creeks, which may be dangerous.
- Bring the dog’s familiar food with you. Since dogs used to be natural hunters, there is a chance your dog will resort back to its natural ways. You should discourage your dog from chasing or eating any animal on a hike, as it can cause serious health issues such as rabies.
- Check the weather before choosing the day. It should not be very hot: dogs are not great at withstanding extreme heat. If it is going to be a hot day, choose the coolest time of the day to go on the hike.
- Take a first aid kit with you. Your veterinarian can consult you on what you should add there for the dog.
Safety tips for taking dog on a hike
A dog itself is a source of danger for humans, and while you are hiking, the dog feels more freedom than usual. Here are some tips on how to prevent your dog from harming others:
- Keep the leash shorter when encountering humans. Thus you avoid direct contact and at the same time teach the dog to avoid these contacts.
- Make sure your doggo is well trained and does not run away too far and is always within a distance to hear your commands when necessary. We recommend the two of you remain close enough to see and hear each other at all times.
- Be careful when letting people pet your dog. The wrong movement from a stranger can trigger aggressive behavior by your dog.
Protecting Yourself
You should also make sure to protect yourself while hiking with your dog. Let’s face the truth; while the dog can sometimes act as your bodyguard, you are way more important for his/her safety. Make sure you bring the proper shoes for the hike, as well as enough food and water. You should also bring sun protection if you anticipate being in the sun.
More on hiking safety
In the quarantine time, hiking is one of the safest ways of entertainment. Solo hikers both have fun and shrink their social interaction. Taking your dog with you is a great idea because you will never feel alone. So if you have been dreaming of hiking with your doggo – it’s now or never. Hope these safety tips help you stay safe through your route.
If you have something to add, come on and drop your lines in the comments. Do not worry, we have enough waste bags to keep the comment section clean and ordered. Your stories of hiking with dogs will be especially precious. And don’t forget to share them with those you’d like to introduce to this sort of adventure.
