Hiking With Dogs 101
It’s good for you and your pup
Hiking and most forms of outdoor recreation became hugely popular during the first summer of the pandemic. This isn’t surprising when you consider that we spent months either stuck indoors or only allowed out under the auspices of social distancing. Many of the individuals and families who first discovered (or rediscovered) the joy of hiking have decided to make it a regular activity. A common question for new hikers is “Can I bring my dog?”
In most cases, the answer is “absolutely!” There are steps you can take to ensure a smooth hike for both you and your pup. In this article we will cover (1) why hiking with a dog is a good idea, (2) how to make sure your dog is ready to hike, and (3) what equipment is needed.
Why hike with a dog?
I hike with my four-year-old, 55-pound rescue dog (Harry Pawter) weekly. The truth is, hiking with a dog is good for you and your dog. Hiking provides stimulation and exercise for your dog. Just like humans, dogs need exercise for cardiovascular health, and sometimes weight control. If your dog is like mine and spends most of his time inside, getting on the trails also provides your dog with mental stimulation. As much as my dog loves lounging on the couch, he really comes alive on a hike!
Hiking with dogs benefits you in multiple ways, from companionship to security. Once your dog gets used to hiking, he is going to get really excited every time he sees you start getting your gear together. When I don’t feel motivated to hike, Harry’s eagerness when he sees me near our hiking pack is hard to deny.
Once your dog’s motivational powers get you out on the trail, you’ll also benefit from their companionship. While we enjoy having Harry along for family hikes, I especially appreciate him on hikes when I’m the only human. When I break for a granola bar, he breaks for a Milk Bone (or two). When I’m tired and not sure I can climb one more hill, he helps me stay upright and moving with what my family affectionately calls “puppy power.”
Another reason to hike with your dog is security. While I have never had a bad experience with another hiker, it’s always smart to be prepared when hiking alone. Hiking with a dog can be a deterrent to bad actors. My dog, Harry, provides security in an additional way. His excellent senses help me stay on the trail when it’s not clearly marked or obstructed by fallen leaves or trees. It appears he can smell where humans have traveled recently, even if I can see no trace of them.
As you can see, hiking with your dog is a mutually beneficial activity. It can keep your dog healthy, and provide you with motivation, companionship, and even security. I rarely hike without Harry for all these reasons.
How to Prepare Your Dog for a Hike
For the best chance of success when hiking with your dog for the first time, preparation is key. There are three main components to preparing your dog for a hike: assessing your dog’s readiness; choosing your route; and obtaining the proper gear.
Is your dog ready to hike?
You’ll need to assess his physical and behavioral readiness for your adventures beyond the neighborhood. If your dog isn’t used to walking on a leash, start with short walks around the neighborhood. Consider a harness if your dog tends to pull when you walk on the leash.
If your dog is already proficient at walking on a leash, you can work on his endurance by going for longer walks and varying the terrain. Hills can wear out a dog just like they can a person! Keep in mind that endurance can vary between seasons and outdoor temperatures. Particularly if you will be hiking somewhere very hot and humid, your dog may need more breaks than he did during “spring training.”
This is also a good time to assess how your dog acts when he sees other dogs, people, and squirrels. Your dog can be trained to be less reactive to any of these stimuli over time; awareness is the first step.
Choosing the Route
Once your dog is accustomed to walking on a leash and has built up endurance for the distance you plan to hike, it’s time to choose your route. I recommend the free AllTrails app as a first stop. Reading reviews of the trails you are considering will provide you with multiple clues about whether the hike is a good fit for you and your dog. For example, reviewers will often share:
· Whether dogs are allowed on the trail
· What the terrain is like (e.g. rocky, lots of stairs)
· How crowded the trail is likely to be at certain days and times
Dogs are allowed on most trails, but it’s definitely worth a little effort to make sure before you go. (A few state parks and other managed wildlife areas do not allow dogs. You’ll want to check their websites as well as AllTrails.)
As far as terrain goes, you know your dog best. Some dogs will scramble over boulders, and others are scared of a puddle. For a long time, my dog Harry feared the sound of running water in creeks and rivers! We carried him over a few streams before he finally got over that fear (with lots of encouragement and a few treats).
Equipping Your Dog
Don’t fall prey to ads for obscure hiking equipment for dogs. For most casual hikers and most dogs, the gear needs are minimal. My dog hikes in temperatures ranging from 20 to 90 degrees without need for a jacket or dog boots. Harry is a lab-mix with a naturally water-resistant coat, so your dog’s needs may be different.
The most important gear for your new hiking buddy is an appropriate leash and a source of fresh water. Using a short, non-retractable leash will provide you with the most control on the trail. We use a six-foot leash with a “traffic handle” (an additional loop near the front) for extra control when approaching other people or dogs.
Carry water and a bowl for your dog. Harry has a collapsible rubber bowl that clips onto our hiking bag and can be washed in the dishwasher. It is important to try to deter your dog from drinking water from unfamiliar sources, especially standing and still water. Dogs can occasionally get very sick or even die from drinking out of lakes high in a certain type of algae.
Last but not least, don’t forget to take poop bags on the trail, and keep a towel in the car for wiping your dog’s paws at the end of the hike.
Enjoy The Hike
With just a little preparation, hiking with your dog can be a rewarding activity and a great way to bond. Set your dog up for success, be courteous to others on the trail, and most of all — have fun out there!
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