How To Hike With Dogs

If you have a leash, a harness and a water bottle, you have the equipment. If your dog has a nose and two ears, you have a trail guide. And if you have a sense of adventure, your dog will provide more than enough enthusiasm for your entire pack.
So GO FOR IT! You'll be surprised just how easily you and your hiking partner become avid trail hounds.

Hi-tech Hiking Gear For Dogs?

PROS: Chosen carefuly, canine car restraints protect every car rider. CONS: None

PROS: Can shield paws from hot pavement and rough, abrasive trails. CONS: Can compromise natural traction and footing, trap dirt and pebbles, and annoy your dog immensely.

PROS: Dogs love jobs. CONS: Some dogs simply aren't qualified; requires significant patience, practice, and proficiency before you hit the trail.

PROS: No water wasted, no slobber shared. CONS: ...you're kidding, right?

     These days, you almost need a map to navigate your way through the mountains of clever products designed for hiking dogs. Rest assured that, with a few exceptions, your dog will have just as much fun without a full complement of gear.
     If you do choose to equip your dog with special gear for the trail, it's imperative that you let your pet try it first at home, and then around the neighborhood.
     Dog booties, a back pack, a fetching rain slicker--anything your dog wasn't born with is equipment that needs to be broken in--patiently--at home for your dog to have a safe and enjoyable "high-tech" trail experience.

Look Before You Leash

     Your dog is sure to enjoy every exhilarating minute on the trail with you. That doesn't mean, however, that your dog is allowed to enjoy every trail.
     Some trails simply don't allow dogs. Always check the rules and regulations of a particular wilderness area before you hit the trailhead.
   Private property, protected habitat, public parks--pretty much anywhere you'll find an inviting, well maintained trail--you'll find specific rules regarding its use.

Fortunately, most public trails welcome dogs on leash (no longer than six feet, please), provided that the owners properly pick up and dispose of their dog's poop.

Hook up with information on hiking in our National Parks at www.nps.gov.

The Tags Make The Dog - Safe

While it's smart for human hikers to leave dangling earrings and other potentially hazardous swag at home, your dog should always travel in full bling. Your dog's tags are the single most important safeguard against becoming permanently lost should she get loose on the trail. Make sure the tag includes a current cell number, and if you are away from home, add a temporary tag with your local contact information,

Carry Lots Of Water
On Every Hike

Canine or human, every trail hound needs of water on the trail, even in fair weather. Dogs lose a lot of moisture as they pant to stay cool during exercise. Your dog will typically drink twice what he would at home, and even more on hot or extended hikes.
Make sure you have plenty of water for every member of your pack so that no one comes up dry. Keep extra water in the car for the end of your hike, and always plan on turning back when half of your supply is gone.

Pack It In, Pack It Out.

Always pick up after your dog, even in the woods!

Everything you and your pal bring to the party--not just the banana peels and soda cans and candy wrappers--but anything that you, yourself would not want to see or smell or step in, should be bagged, carried out and disposed of properly.
Believe it or not, there is even a day recognizing the importance of cleaning up after your dog, and a song!! In honor of April 25, "Don't Step In Dog Poop Day," check out this catchy, poop scooping video on our Dog-Powered Fun page.

May / June 2013 HikingWithDogs.net
Brought To You by The Trail Hound's Handbook, Your Family Guide To Hiking With Dogs
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