How to hike with your dog?

Whether it’s to discover new places, go looking for new horizons, to challenge yourself, amaze yourself or recharge your batteries there are loads of reasons and motivations for hitting the trails to go for a wander, and the benefits of hiking are countless. When you’re out in nature, sharing these incredible moments ¬– and in particular, sharing them with your faithful four-legged companion – often intensifies your happiness. And although it might seem natural to bring your dog along for a hike in the great outdoors, you have to keep in mind that our pets are not wild animals, and taking them with you in the countryside, forest or mountains requires asking yourself some questions, a bit of preparation and a few precautions. Here’s our advice on how to take your dog hiking with you.

Before you go: questions to ask yourself about hiking with your dog

Plan the route based on your pet’s abilities

Going on a hike with your dog requires some preparation if you want to ensure a good experience for both you and your dog. For instance, you must adapt your walk, hike or trek to your furry companion’s abilities. So when you make your plans, it’s important to have a solid understanding of your dog’s abilities and take a few different factors into account:

• Breed
• Physical abilities
• Endurance
• Agility
• Size and age
• Comfort level in a wilderness environment

Keep in mind, there are no hard rules. Every breed, and each individual dog, has its own abilities. For example, very small dogs ¬– like a Jack Russel Terrier – can have boundless endurance but will have difficulty keeping up on really rugged or rocky trails. On the other hand, large, heavy dogs will have less endurance. Of course, there are certain breeds that are famous for being mountaineers and working in the mountains, particularly herding dogs such as Border collies and Australian shepherds and dogs with cold-weather lineages like huskies and Malamutes.Please note: we strongly recommend against going on big hikes with puppies and/or young dogs as this can stunt their growth.Whatever the age or breed of your dog, it’s up to you to plan a hike that will be suitable for her. Always remember that your dog can’t visualize the full length of the hike and doesn’t have the ability to pace herself or save her energy. It’s up to you to think for her so before you go, you need to know:

• Length of the hike
• Elevation gain
• Terrain and nature of the route
• Potential water points
• Weather conditions
• Sections that pass near farms or livestock

Can I hike anywhere with my dog?

In addition to your dog’s abilities, you also need to determine whether or not you’re allowed to hike with a dog in the place you’re planning to go. The presence of dogs can disturb the flora and fauna in some wilderness areas so it’s essential to know the answer to this question before you go. Dogs are usually prohibited, even on a leash, in national parks as well as some regional parks and nature reserves. It’s also important to note that dogs might only be prohibited during certain periods.There are also other factors that are important to consider to ensure a peaceful day with your dog, especially hunting seasons as well as the potential presence of livestock guarded by sheep dogs. You can usually find this info at a local town hall, tourist office or park visitor center.

Organize the things you need to take for your dog before you leave

In the same way you pack your own hiking gear, you also need to pack the gear and supplies that your pet will need for this specific outing:

• Harness that fits your dog
• Leash that can be adjusted to several lengths or that’s elastic
• Water dish and plenty of water for your dog
• Enough food to keep your dog properly fueled for a long hike
• Tick remover

We also recommend putting your phone number on a dog tag or metal plate that’s attached to the collar. And of course, an ID chip or tattoo is also important in case your dog gets lost.

During the hike

Keep an eye on your animal

No doubt, your dog will be the happiest animal on the planet when you’re out hiking, but always keep an eye on her to make sure nothing happens to her and that she doesn’t cause any harm. Remember, even though you’re crazy about your dog, some people might not be! They might be uncomfortable around dogs or afraid of them, so always be aware when you’re near other hikers. Also, your domesticated pet is no longer an animal in the strict sense of the word. She no longer has the instincts needed to understand the laws of nature. If it seems normal for your dog to chase a wild animal like a rabbit, a deer or a mountain goat, remember that the game’s not the same for both of them! Your dog doesn’t need to eat wild animals to survive, but on the other hand the wild animal that’s being chased may very well need the energy it’s using to escape your dog in order to live.

Other dogs!

If you encounter a group of livestock being guarded by a dog – the famous sheep dogs – understand that these dogs are bred alongside the herd and their primary instinct is to protect it. To keep them from seeing you as a threat:

• Put your dog on her leash
• Stay as far away as possible
• Stay calm and keep your dog calm

If the terrain becomes quite rugged remember that your dog is probably more agile than you, and it’s sometimes more dangerous to try to help your dog through the steep sections than it is to let her try it on her own.

Finally, offer your dog water and shade breaks on a regular basis. Your dog can easily suffer from the heat so hiking when it’s really hot outside or in dry places is not recommended for your dog, nor you!

What to do if I lose my dog?

If you lose track of your dog, start by going back to the start of your hike and waiting there. Lost dogs will often retrace their steps. If she doesn’t come back, contact the local police, veterinarians and animal shelters.

After the hike

When you return from your hike, make sure your dog is comfortable. Think about her needs and well-being:

• Make plenty of water available
• Provide a cool place to rest
• Provide enough food needed to refuel based on your dog’s effort
• Inspect your dog’s paws and pads
• Check that there’s nothing stuck in her hair
• Check for ticks (especially in spring and fall)

And start planning for the next hike and a new adventure with your dog!