Some Top Dos and Donâ€™ts for Hiking With Your Dog

It’s great to get out and enjoy nature, but you shouldn’t enjoy the adventure by yourself. Your pup needs exercise too, and taking him for a hike could be the best thing for him. In both humans and dogs, hiking reduces stress, improves cardiovascular health, builds muscle and a variety of other benefits. Spending this time together will also strengthen the bond you have with your furry friend.

Before you head out on even a short hike, there are some things you should understand. Hiking with a dog is different than adventuring on your own or with other humans. The following are some important dos and don’ts when it comes to taking your dog out for a hike.

Do Teach Your Dog Obedience

It’s more dangerous to head to the trails for a hike than it is to take a stroll through the neighborhood. If your dog isn’t trained and doesn’t respond well to your commands when walking down the street, you might need to spend some time on teaching obedience before your hike. Your dog should know how to heel while on the leash, obey commands not to eat certain plants that could be poisonous to him and understand what to do when faced with seemingly threatening wildlife. A local obedience school may be able to help you with this training.

Do Get a Comfortable Harness

The right harness will help you keep control of your dog, but it will also improve comfort. Every dog is different and every harness is created for specific needs, so try out a few to determine which is best for your dog. The more comfortable your pup is on the trail, the more endurance he’ll have and the more likely he’ll be excited to go again and again.

Do Clean Up After Your Dog

If you’ve completed any sort of hike in the past, you may already understand Leave No Trace. These principles apply when you are hiking with a dog. The only thing you should take home with you is what you took to the trail. This includes dog poop, so make sure you’ve got some waste bag holders in your pack. The only things you should leave are paw prints and footprints. Obedience and a good leash will also play into Leave No Trace, as they will help you keep the dog on the trail so the vegetation doesn’t get trampled and destroyed.

Do Yield to Other Hikers

There are certain rules when it comes to sharing a trail with others. For example, bikers should yield to those on horseback. Those going downhill should yield to anyone going uphill. Hikers with dogs should yield to those on bike, horseback or hiking without a pet. If you see another outdoorsman approaching, step to the side, command your dog to “sit” or “stay,” and wait until the other party has passed before you continue.

Do Keep Your Dog Hydrated and Cool

Your dog could overheat quickly if you aren’t prepared before you hit the trail. If you’re going to be out for a significant amount of time, you’ll need to bring along plenty of water, as well as food if you’re going to miss a meal. Take with you a product such as the Doggles Blue With Mountains Travel Bowl or the Messy Mutts Stainless Steel Water Bottle Bowl . Both are cleverly designed to conveniently and efficiently hydrate your dog while you’re hiking or otherwise out and about.

Don’t Hike Where Pets Are Discouraged

If you’re about to head up the trail and notice a sign that discourages pets, be courteous and find another trail for you and your dog to enjoy. There are rules for a reason. The foliage and wildlife might be dangerous for a dog. There may be too many rocks for a dog to safely get up the trail. Regardless of the reason, it’s respectful to wildlife and other hikers to keep your dog off trails where they are prohibited and on the trails where they are intended to hike.

Don’t Forget Safety Gear

The first aid kit you bring for yourself might have a few different items than one you’d bring for your dog. Put together or purchase a doggy first aid kit so you’re prepared in case there’s an emergency while you’re on the trails. If you’ll be hiking at night or early enough in the morning the sun’s not out yet, put some pet blinkers on your dog’s collar so you and everyone you pass know where he’s at.

If you’ll be hiking in terrain that has any rocks or rough edges at all, you’ll want to protect your pup’s feet. Dog boots and socks are a great way to accomplish this, and they come in various designs and styles. There are also boots created specifically for snow , so if you’re headed out in colder weather, be sure to pack the right boots.

Don’t Bring an Aggressive Dog on a Hike

Even though you love your aggressive dog, and he needs exercise as much as any other dog, it’s not worth the risk of taking him on a hike. Aggressive dogs seem to attract more wildlife, and can cause a dangerous situation for you both. Other hikers and their dogs could also be injured if you have a dog who doesn’t know how to play well with others.

Hiking with your dog can be something you both begin to love and enjoy together, but it’s important you’re prepared beforehand. By paying attention to these dos and don’ts, you’ll be better equipped to go hiking for that healthy bonding activity you’ve been looking for.