Happy Hikes with Your Dog

Tips to enjoy the great outdoors with your faithful and adventeous companion!

Check for dog friendly trails and any rules or regulations

It’s better to know before you head out, so be sure to research if the trail you are wanting to hike is indeed dog friendly (some of them may not be). Some trails may not be appropriate for dogs to hike due to terraine. Check for any other rules and regulations too and what types of wildife may live in the area.

Keep your dog on a leash

Even if your dog is well-trained, does have a pretty reliable recall, and generally sticks pretty close to you; on leash is always the safest way to go. Plus, you don’t want your dog wandering off the trail and potentially getting lost or harassing other hikers and dogs or wildlife. Use a long line if you’d like to give your dog a bit more freedom. A leash is a safety tether to your dog.

Plus (and this is actually a true story), if your dog is named Bear and wanders away from you off leash, do you really want to be shouting “Bear” while out on the trail? Think about how that might go….

Pack the essentials (for both you and your dog)

Make sure you are prepared with snacks (for both you and your dog), plenty of water (bring a collapsible water bowl), dog waste bags (so you can pack it out), first aide kit (for both human and dog), appropriate weather gear, a basket muzzle in case of injury, a dog back pack in case you have a smaller or easily fatigured dog, and anything else deemed necessary depending on the adventure.

Other things to consider…..(not absolutely necessary, but would be absolutely helpful):

*Consider training and conditioning your dog to wear a back pack so they can carry some of the supplies.

*Consider training and conditioning your dog to wear dog boots in case the terrain is rough on paws (too hot, too cold, too rocky, too slippery, etc.)

*Consider training and conditioning your dog to wear a basket muzzle in case they are injured and require medical care. Dogs can bite when they are stressed or in pain; even people they know and love.

*Consider training and conditioning your dog to ride in a doggie back pack.

Know your limits (both you and your dog)

Unless you have done conditioning or are regular hikers, try to pick routes that are easier with less rough terrain. Dogs can become easily fatigued and you need to watch for signs of stress. Take breaks often and if the trail is too dangerous or difficult, return to base.

Bru is ready for an adventure! Let's Go!

Check and consider the weather

Check the weather forecast before you head out. Pack for storms as weather can be unpredictable and change quickly and you don’t want to be caught in nasty weather without supplies.

Identification

Make sure your dog is wearing proper idenfication on either their collar or harness. You may want to consider a microchip and then registering it. This can hopefully reunite you if you happen to become separated.

Flea & Tick Management

Consider a vet approved and safe way to manage fleas and ticks. Be sure to check your dog (and yourself) for any hitchhikers before getting back in the car.

Respect wildlife

Keep a safe distance from all wildlife. Do not let your dog approach, go off the trail, or chase and harass wildlife. This is dangerous and irresponsible and could have dire consequences. It is our job to keep everyone safe and to respect the local fauna and wildife for others to also be able to enjoy.

Train your dog!

Train your dog on the following skills:

• recall/come when called

• ignoring things that are not their business (wildlife, other hikers, other dogs-leave it is really helpful!)

• wearing a back pack, dog boots, and a basket muzzle (in case of emergency)

• how to share the trail space (teach them stationary cues so others can safely pass such as middle, side, and pull over)

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Most importantly, have fun! Exploring the outdoors with your dog can be a very happy and rewarding experience for everyone!