We all love mans best friend. They’re loyal, protective and bring a level of energy to day to day life that most other animals can’t match; so why wouldn’t we want to take them with us to enjoy a good hike?
There’s a million reasons why hiking with our furry travel buddies is a good, fun activity. But how do we go about doing that in a safe, smart way? What are some good tips for hiking with a dog? Are dogs even allowed on this hike/trail? Let’s break it down.
Tips for Hiking with a Dog:
1: Bring a Dog Pack
Packing a dog up a mountain is hard work. You may find yourself having to carry your dog up and down the mountains. A dog pack will keep your dog’s back and hips from getting sore and allow your dog to carry their own weight. A general rule of thumb is to not exceed packing extra material on your dog that exceeds 25% of their bodyweight. Just because they have 4 legs doesn’t mean that they can do 4x the work you’re doing. Keep it light, let them carry their own food/treats, but be smart about it.
2: Bring Dog Boots
Dogs with short hair will need dog boots. Trails can be rocky and there can be a lot of steep areas that your dog will slip on. Find a set that are sturdy, comfortable, and waterproof. Your dog will adjust and get used to wearing them and hiking in them the more often you’re able to practice walking in the dog boots.
3: Bring a Dog Harness
A dog harness is a great way to keep your dog close to you while hiking. A harness will help keep your dog under control while hiking. If you’ve ever had to hike with a dog that’s off-leash, you know how much harder it can make the hike. Keeping them under control with a harness makes for a much more enjoyable hike and safer for both you and your dog. Not to mention other hikers that may feel uncomfortable with a loose dog. This may come as a surprise to those of us who love our 4-legged hiking buddies, but not everyone is a dog person gasp!
4: Bring a Dog Bed
Dogs need a comfortable place to rest. Hiking can be strenuous for your dog no matter their age and conditioning, so they will need a good place to rest after the hike. Even a simple, old blanket is better than nothing but hard trail on their body. There are quite a few options for dogs on the market that are easy to pack, light and set up is a breeze.
5: Bring Dog Treats
When it comes to hiking, I like to keep things simple. I like to keep it to the bare minimum. Make sure the treats are able to withstand most weather and store them in a weatherproof container. Sometimes dog treats don’t quite smell as good as our own food, so getting them wet or frozen, etc just doesn’t make for a good hiking experience. The main reward is a good time with a best bud, but solid yummy treats are still always welcome.
6: Bring Water
Dogs can become overheated, dogs can also get dehydrated. Keep your dog hydrated by bringing water. Dogs should not carry their own water, so you’re going to have to bring extra for them. Be sure to bring water for yourself, too. Hiking can be very strenuous for us humans and of course it’s best to drink plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated. Planning ahead and ensuring you have plenty of water (and future water sources) is imperative to having a good hiking experience!
7: Bring Dog Leash
A dog leash is important for keeping your dog under control. If you need to keep them close, you can use it to keep them near you. If your dog is hiking off-leash, you may need to use it to reel them back in if they get too far away. Dogs can have a natural instinct to run off, so it’s important to keep them close by. Not to mention they can get lost, get hit by a car (in parking lots, etc), or get attacked by another animal. This should be a common sense approach for anyone taking their pal on a journey with them. No matter how trained your bud is, this is a good safety measure.
8: Bring a Dog Bowl
If you’re hiking with your dog off-leash, you may want to bring a dog bowl with you. It allows you to maximize your water supply by not having to pour it out for them to drink and waste the excess. Cupping your hands works in a pinch but again, too much loss of H20 in that scenario. You can also put their food in it and avoid them getting into other things (plants, rocks, dirt) while eating their food off the ground.
9: Bring Poo Bags
Dogs will poop. It’s inevitable. If you’re hiking with a dog, you will need to bring some poo bags with you. I recommend picking up a large pack of poo bags from a grocery store. I like to use a large pack that has a dispenser on it. This way, I don’t have to fumble around with a bag of poo bags. If you’re unable to do this, I recommend taking your dog for a walk at least 100yd or more from where you’re camping/staying to let them use the bathroom. This will hopefully keep anything they pass that would interest other animals, away from them also finding you, who could interest other animals as well.
Are Dogs Allowed On This Trail or Hike?
A good rule of thumb is to always call ahead or look on the website for that park. Many parks and campgrounds are dog friendly (but require a leash), however many National Parks have rules and regulations that limit where those dogs can go, especially on the trails. Don’t be “that guy” who thinks your dog is more important than the rules. They’re in place for your [and your dogs] safety. Many times there are other wildlife that could endanger you or feel threatened by the presence of your dog. Read the signs at the trailhead and heed the advice of the governing authority.
Look, we all want our best friends with us on the trail. Just please be smart about it. Your dog is awesome, I love each and every one of your dogs, but they are not more important than a human life and there can be situations where having your dog somewhere it’s not supposed to be could endanger other human lives. Albiet a rare and small situation to happen, that doesn’t make the risk okay for you to choose. Be safe, be smart and enjoy the great outdoors with your furry travel friend!
