Hiking with your dog

Preparing your dog for the trail

It is important to gradually ease your dog into the routine of hiking. Start with shorter hikes and gradually increase the distance and duration as your dog builds stamina. This also helps to toughen its paw pads.

Moreover, it is also important to train your dog to be comfortable with being carried. Carrying your dog is necessary when it gets tired or injured, or when the trail gets too rough for it to handle.

Here are some tips on how to train your dog to be carried while hiking:

– Start slow: Begin by introducing your dog to being carried in a comfortable and safe environment, e.g. in an indoor space using a dog carrier or sling. Gradually increase the duration of carrying and the level of activity.

– Reward positive behaviour: Reward your dog with treats and praise when it shows positive behaviour, such as being calm and relaxed during the training sessions. This will nudge it to associate being carried with positive experiences.

– Practise on short hikes: Once your dog is comfortable being carried indoors, take it on short hikes and gradually increase the distance. Start with flat and easy terrain and slowly move onto more challenging trails.

– Choose the right carrier: Make sure to choose the right carrier based on what is comfortable for both you and your dog. The carrier should be sturdy and secure, and it should fit your dog properly.

Training your dog to be carried while hiking can be a fun and rewarding experience for both you and your furry friend.

Is your dog ready for off-leash hiking?

When it comes to hiking with your dog, it’s important to have control over it at all times. Be honest about your dog’s skills and determine whether it is ready to hike off-leash.

By following these tips, you and your furry friend can enjoy a wonderful outdoor adventure together while staying safe and being prepared for any situation.

Determining whether your dog should remain on a leash during hikes is important for both your dog’s safety and the comfort of other hikers. Here are some signs to determine whether or not your dog is ready to go off-leash:

• Your dog comes when called.

• Your dog is well-behaved around people and other dogs.

• Your dog stays on the trail and doesn’t chase wildlife.

• Your dog doesn’t wander off for long periods of time.

Remember, these are trainable behaviours and by working on training and positive reinforcement, you can eventually help your dog earn its off-leash freedom.

Keeping your dog on a leash can help prevent it from chasing wildlife and causing damage to the environment. It also ensures its safety and the safety of others on the trail.

– Dog pack: Choose a pack that fits your dog comfortably and distributes weight evenly. It’s important to note that puppies should not carry a load until its immune system is fully developed. To train your dog to wear a backpack, choose a properly fitted one and introduce it gradually. Start with an empty backpack on your everyday walks, and then gradually add weight. Monitor your dog while going on everyday walks to ensure that it is comfortable and take breaks as needed.

– First-aid kit: Bring a dog-specific first aid kit and learn how to use it in case of an emergency. Here are some essential items to include in your dog’s hiking first aid kit: antiseptic wipes and ointment, gauze pads and bandages, tick remover tool, tweezers, scissors, saline solution, thermometer, muzzle and emergency contact information.

– Sleeping system: Make sure your tent is large enough to accommodate you and your dog. A closed-cell foam pad and crib-size comforter make a cosy and lightweight bed. Practise backyard sleepouts beforehand to ensure your dog is comfortable.

– Water container: Fresh water is essential for your dog’s hydration. Use a bottle or collapsible dish, whichever your dog is used to drinking from. Remember to bring enough water for your dog and take frequent breaks to prevent overexertion.

When you’re taking your furry friend on a hiking trip, it’s important to pack plenty of food and water. Your dog will require more water and calories than it usually consumes during the course of a day, so keep that in mind when packing. As a general rule, dogs should drink between 50 ml and 100 ml of water per kilogram of body weight per day. If your dog weighs e.g. 10 kg, it should drink between 500 ml and 1 l a day. However, these are just guidelines, and you should offer your dog water regularly – especially on hot days. If your dog’s nose is dry, it’s a sign that it needs more hydration.

No matter what hike you choose, your dog will require more food than usual. Steep or lengthy trails require even more calories, just like they do for humans. If your dog tends to stray far from you, you’ll need to increase its calorie intake even more. If you’re planning a trip for several days or a thru-hike, it’s best to check with your dog’s veterinarian for specific food recommendations.

It’s important to keep in mind that dogs can experience tiredness, hunger and thirst just like humans do. However, not all dogs display clear indications of these needs, and their enthusiasm can sometimes mask their actual needs. To ensure your dog’s well-being, it’s essential to take regular breaks and provide it with adequate water and food.

Trail hazards

Hiking with your furry friend can be a fun and exciting adventure, but it’s important to beware of potential hazards that can harm your dog. As dogs cannot communicate when something is wrong, it’s essential to be vigilant of the following dangers:

– Overexertion: Keep an eye on your dog’s breathing and heart rate during breaks. If it takes too long to normalize, take more frequent breaks or shorten your hike. Limping is another indication that it’s time to call it a day.

– Ticks: Check your dog thoroughly for ticks and remove any you may find after the hike.

– Wild plants: Stop your dog from chewing on any poisonous or tainted plants to avoid digestive problems. Watch out for nettles, poison oak, ivy and sumac, as they can cause discomfort for both you and your dog. Thorns and burrs can be irritating, but foxtails are a more serious concern. These barbed seedpods can attach to your dog’s fur and enter sensitive areas, leading to serious complications or, in severe cases, even Avoid areas with grasses that have foxtails, and remove them with tweezers immediately if you notice excessive sneezing, head shaking, eye discharge or an abscess.

– Heatstroke: Dogs can only cool off through panting and sweating through their pads. Make sure to rest often and provide water to avoid heatstroke. Consider using a cooling collar if your dog keeps lying down in shady areas. Moreover, when going to the trailhead, keep in mind that you should never leave your dog in a closed vehicle. Even on cool days, temperatures inside a vehicle can quickly rise.

– Waterborne pathogens: Dogs are just as susceptible to waterborne pathogens as humans. Therefore, your safest choice is to bring water for both you and your dog and prevent your dog from drinking from e.g. lakes and streams.

– Water safety: If your dog cannot swim, pack a dog PFD (personal flotation device). Avoid letting even a good swimmer cross a whitewater section of a creek, and carry it Be cautious when allowing your dog to swim in a lake, as its wet fur can lead to chills in cool temperatures. Make sure to towel your dog dry before bedtime.

Stay safe out there!