The Best Tips For Hiking And Camping With Your Dog
Spending time in the outdoors doing activities like hiking and camping with your dog can be one of the most rewarding activities you can both practice together. The time spent with nature, running free and breathing the fresh air can be quite beneficial to your pet, your own health and the relationship you have. Their happiness and enthusiasm can be very motivational to your own performance and it can also offer you great opportunities for pictures, journal entries and general development of your own creativity. Many of the parks and trails around Maryland and Washington, DC are suited and allow for you to be accompanied by your pet if you wish to bring them along. That means that you should follow the rules and regulations for your safety and the safety of those around you; that way enjoy this great opportunity and experience to engage some of your favorite activities along with your animal companions.
Today, here at Sudir Raju’s blog, we bring you some tips to make this experience more enjoyable and enriching for you and your dog, always keeping you both safe and healthy.
Do your research.
Not all trails allow you to bring your dog along and some of them require for you to leash them at all times. This is very important to respect and follow even if your dog is trained and well behaved because you do not know whom you will encounter. Perhaps you will run into people who are afraid of dogs or even other dogs that are not well acquainted with the outdoors, other dogs or strangers and may attack your pet. Make sure you do your research about the location, what are the requirements and thus find the best fit for the type of adventure you want to enjoy in your trip.
Can I take my dog with me?
A very important aspect to consider is the health and stamina of your pet and whether or not they are fit for the trip. Puppies, for example, shouldn’t be taken on hikes until they have at least received all of their shots and the walks should be short at first. Older dogs also should be monitored constantly to avoid fatigue or excess strain in the event that they have joint aches or other complications common to aging. The behavior of your dog is also another aspect to consider since you may encounter other dangers like wildlife and the weather, so be mindful if you have a short-muzzled dog and the day is particularly hot, or if your dog is getting over-excited by scents and sounds like it is common with hounds. Just do things gradually and make sure you are watchful by the signs your dog gives you and act accordingly. Training is important and you should make sure that your dog responds to commands like “stay” and to come when called.
Preparations.
Practice is the best way to prepare your dog for hikes. Start with small hikes and pay attention to how your dog reacts. Check their stamina and especially their paws to see how they respond to walking for a long time in different terrain. Dogs who live indoors have sensitive paws and they may hurt themselves by simply walking on gravel or rocks for a long time. The temperature of the ground is also important and you should know that if it is too hot for you to hold the back of your hand to it for more than a few seconds, then so it is for your dog’s paws. Reinforce your dog’s obedience training prior to the trail and use your time out there to continue doing so.
Picking up after your dog.
This is one of the most basic rules of dog ownership, to pick up after your dog’s waste. When you are out in the trail this is particularly important and not only because of the smell and the discomfort that it can cause to other hikers, but also because dogs carry a different type of elements that can be very disruptive to local wild fauna. Bring along bags, plenty of them and make sure you either bring the waste back with you or dispose of it properly.
Pack for two.
Remember your dog also needs to drink plenty of fluids and food for you and your dog. They will eat more food and drink more water as they are spending more energy than usual. Bring snacks to give them through the day and keep them hydrated at all times.
Dog gear.
While dressing your dog in costumes and sweaters is not recommended, it is almost necessary when you are out in the outdoors to consider getting them some protective gear to help them deal with the weather outdoors. There are jackets and boots that are specifically created not based on looks but functionality that can make your dog’s trip a lot more comfortable.
