Going on a hike with your dog and sharing the beauty of nature can be one of the greatest ways of making memories, getting exercise and having adventures.
Going on a hike with your dog and sharing the beauty of nature can be one of the greatest ways of making memories, getting exercise and having adventures. That is, if you and your dog are capable and prepared — if not, things can go horribly wrong. Don’t be scared off by that last part; things are less likely to go wrong when we are prepared with proper gear, physical conditioning and knowledge.
Get in shape
Conditioning and your pup’s age are two of the most vital aspects of hiking with dogs. Start off on short hikes with a forgiving terrain and easier trails, and work your way up to longer hikes over time. If you are planning on a 5-mile hike, your dog should be able to walk 10 miles, and the same goes for you.
If you are new to hiking, take it slow, and take easy trails. If you are experienced, still go slow and take easy trails for your dog. (Note: Brachycephalic dog breeds — smoosh-faced — don’t make the best hiking partners, as they are prone to breathing issues.)
Watch the weather
The next important aspects are the weather and knowing the trail conditions. Checking the weather and planning for it is of utmost importance. Respect the weather. Heat exhaustion happens too often on hikes. Hike with your dog when the weather is cool enough to avoid any possible heat exhaustion. During the hottest part of the day, be done with your hike and off trail, or stop at a planned scenic spot for a snack, some water and some playtime, too. For cold weather hikes, dress accordingly and also have a jacket for your dog if needed.
Choose the best trail
Choose trails with even terrain and ones with trail signs, blazes and markers, like the well-maintained trails found at state parks, nature preserves and green belt systems. (Reminder: Not many national parks allow dogs on the trails, but on the ones that do, dogs always need to be leashed.) Hike only on established trails with even ground that is not too rocky. Most hiking trails are packed dirt with sure footing and are the best option for hiking with your dog.
Don’t get lost in the woods
Learn how to read a trail map, and always stay on the marked trails. Print out a trail map or get one from the park office. If there is a sign-in sheet for the trail you’ve chosen to hike on, sign in, say hello, and be memorable in a good way at trailheads.
Don’t get lost in the woods
Learn how to read a trail map, and always stay on the marked trails. Print out a trail map or get one from the park office. If there is a sign-in sheet for the trail you’ve chosen to hike on, sign in, say hello, and be memorable in a good way at trailheads.
$129. Pack-a-Paw Rescue Harness; mountaindogware.com
Use the right gear
Choose a comfortable harness that works with your dog’s physiology, not against it, and one that helps you lift your dog, like the Ruffwear Flagline Harness. My other No. 1 piece of gear on a hike is my hydration pack that holds up to 3 liters of water, plus first-aid supplies and snacks. Nothing is more important beyond health than having water on a hike.
If you choose to use a backpack with your dog, your dog needs to get used to the backpack slowly over time before your first real hike. Help him work his way up in carrying up to the maximum 15% of his body weight. Dog backpacks also need to be packed properly, with even distribution of weight on each side. If your dog is going to carry his own water, the water should be drunk first (before the extra water you are carrying for the dog), so the weight he is carrying decreases as the water is used. Sixteen ounces of water weighs roughly 1 pound — keep this in mind when packing your dog’s backpack.
Dog booties are also important. Get your dog used to wearing them for hiking. He may not need them on the hikes, but in case of a paw injury, it is super handy to have booties on hand.
I’ve had to carry out a dog from a hike for about 3 miles. So I’m really happy that a few years ago a very experienced hiker with a great love of dogs invented the Pack-a-Paw Rescue Harness by Mountain Dogware. This rescue harness is a must-have for anyone who goes hiking with their dogs, especially those who do it regularly.
I’ve had to carry out a dog from a hike for about 3 miles. So I’m really happy that a few years ago a very experienced hiker with a great love of dogs invented the Pack-a-Paw Rescue Harness by Mountain Dogware. This rescue harness is a must-have for anyone who goes hiking with their dogs, especially those who do it regularly.
$69.95. Ruffwear Flagline Harness; ruffwear.com
Please continue reading from here:Hiking with your dog
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