How To || Hiking with Dogs for Beginners

I love taking my dogs on hikes. Every time my dogs, Ace and Yeller, see my Ozark Trail backpack they know I'm going on another adventure. When they see me grab a leash, Ace gets very excited and Yeller, well, I'm still working on him. 

Most dogs make great hiking buddies, but like any other hiking buddy, we have to make sure we take care of them and keep an eye on them. We also need to be prepared for whatever might happen to our four-legged friend. So before you make your dog your next adventure buddy, here are some things to consider and look into before you go.

Hiking with Dogs || How-To 

Rules and Regulations:  Before you take your dog to any park or trail, make sure you know their rules and regulations. 'In most parks, pets are not allowed on trails and in wilderness areas — this is for their own protection as well as that of the local plant and animal life,' as quoted from the National Park System website. If they do, make sure you follow what rules they have mapped out for you.  Most parks allow you to have your pets in the park but require you to keep them on a leash no longer than 6 feet. The best dog-friendly National Parks are Acadia National Park, Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Grand Canyon National Park, Great Sand Dunes National Park, Hot Springs National Park, Mammoth Cave National Park and Shenandoah National Park.

Behavior: Be honest with yourself and ask, "Is my dog well-behaved? Does he/she obey your commands? Will he/she sit, stay, heel and come when you ask? Will he/she act calmly around other people, dogs and other types of animals?" Your dog needs to be able to do all of this before hitting a heavily populated trail. Your dog should also be comfortable being on a leash. Yeller is our newest addition to our family. Thought he is 7 years old, he had never been taught the basic commands and had no experience with a collar or leash and is still in training. He is a good example of who not to take on those longer, more populated trails. 

What to Bring: 

 -Water: Just like you, your dog will need plenty of food and water. Dogs generally drink one ounce per pound of their body weight per day. Ace, my black lab, is 45 pounds which means he needs to drink 45 ounces of water per day. When doing more strenuous activities, they will need to have more. It's always good to watch what your dog drinks. Many lakes and rivers can have parasites or algae that can make your furry friend sick. So if you are hiking water in, make sure to bring plenty for the both of you. 

-Food: Feeding your dog or giving him a 'snack' 30 minutes before you set out on the trail will give him an extra boost of energy. Bring some treats and extra food (depending on how long you plan on hiking) for a reward on a job well done and good behavior. 

-Pack: Fill Fido's pack with his treats, food, water, collapsible bowls and poop bags. When putting on his pack on, make sure it is snug (two fingers should be able to fit under it) and the pack weight is evenly distributed. Your dog's pack should not exceed more than one third of his weight. Get your dog use to wearing the pack by putting it on him in the house and let him walk around with it. Slowly add weight and take him on walks with it and see how he does. 

Updated Collar: In case your dog escapes from you, I highly recommend that you have a name tag with your updated information and rabies tag on your dog's collar. If your area requires a dog license, make sure you have that handy.

Fitness, Health and Age: If your dog is use to walks up and down your street or a short walk in the park, he is most likely not ready for a 10 mile hike in the heat. Start your dogs off slow and be prepared for a lot of breaks and gradually work him up to longer hikes. Also, take into consideration your dog's age and physical health. It is recommended by Pet Finder that if your dog is above the age of ten to do shorter hikes with easier terrain. 

Watch your dogs feet the more often you hike. The bottom of dog's feet is made up of keratin which is a harder form of skin cells. If abrasions occur, clean the wound and use antibiotic cream and gause to heal the wound and keep your pup from licking it. You can always purchase dog booties to help protect their foot pads from the various terrains. 

Courtesy to Others: No matter how well-behaved and friendly your fur baby is, make sure to keep them on their leash around other hikers and dogs. If a hiker or group of hikers are coming your way, step to the side and yield for them. Give them a friendly 'hello' as they pass to let your dog know that they are not a threat, plus it's always a good idea to be nice to a fellow hiker. 

When hiking, do not bring more dogs than people. It can get out of hand and overwhelming very quickly. Try to keep no more than 2 or 3 dogs together on a hike to limit the impact on the environment and the uneasiness of fellow hikers. 

Do not forget to carry out what you or your pup brought in. Yes, I'm talking about their poop. And double bag it, trust me. 

Courtesy to Your Dogs: After you and your furry best friend have come home from your hike, check him for ticks, burrs, fleas and any cuts or abrasions. Check their paws and in between their claws for anything they could have picked up on the trail. If needed, give them a good ole bath to cool them off. 

Though getting your mutt ready for those long, backpacking trips may take some time, it is worth it in the end. I swear it seems as though they get as excited for these trips as we do! Dogs can be some added fun and adventure to your trips, plus they make for some awesome pictures. So why not try it? No, seriously, why not? ;) 

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