10 Tips for Taking Your Dog Hiking for the First Time
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Are you and your pup eager to hit the hiking trails? Thrilled at the prospect of spending mornings and afternoons surrounded by beautiful nature? There are a few things you will need to know before taking your dog hiking for the first time, but it is a great activity for you both!
Hiking will provide your dog with physical exercise and fresh air and help tire them out. While people of all ages and fitness levels can enjoy this activity, it’s important to remember that hiking with dogs comes with its own set of challenges.
Just as with people, dogs need preparation before hitting the trail. So, if you’re new to the game, we’ve put together ten tips to help make your first hike with Fido a success.
We’ll also cover some basics of hiking with dogs, such as the equipment you’ll need and how to stay safe on the trail. So, whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a first-timer, when it comes to hiking with dogs, read on for some helpful tips!
Pre-Hike Training (For You and Your Dog)
Before you hit the trails with your pup, do some training with your furry friend. This training will help them (and you) enjoy the hike, stay safe, and avoid any unwanted surprises. Here are some tips to get you started.
Investigate the Regulations of Your Hiking Spot
Before you go on your hike, do your research. Every hiking spot has different rules and regulations regarding dogs.
For example, some trails only allow leashed dogs, while others are off-limits to dogs altogether. By familiarizing yourself with the rules ahead of time, you can avoid any potential problems down the road.
Research About Trail Hazards
Venturing into the great outdoors comes with a certain amount of risk–both for you and your dog. It’s essential to learn about any potential hazards present on the trail to help keep everyone safe,
For example, if there are bodies of water along the trail, research what fish or other animals live there and whether they pose a threat to your dog. Doing this will help you take the needed precautions to keep your pup safe.
Visit Your Vet and Get a Vaccination Tag
Before you take your dog hiking for the first time, it’s essential to visit your veterinarian and ensure they’re up-to-date on all their vaccinations.
This step is crucial if you’ll be hiking in an area with other animals–like bears or mountain lions. Having a vaccination card protects your dog against any potential dangers.
Overnight Tent
One good thing about hiking is making it an overnight trip and camping under the stars. But before you head out on an overnight hike with your dog, it’s essential to do some tent training first.
Start by letting them sleep in the tent with you on a few short camping trips. This exercise will help them get used to sleeping in a different environment and being away from home.
Research a Dog-Friendly Trail
Your dog will be your hiking buddy for years, so do some research on dog-friendly trails before hitting the road. You can avoid any hiking trails with a strict “no dogs allowed” policy.
Not only that, but some hiking trails may be too difficult or dangerous for your pup. So, familiarize yourself with the Trail. Also, start on an easy course; you don’t want to start with a 10-mile hike on your first go.
Instead, before you set out on your hiking journey, walk or run the trail with your dog. This will help your dog get used to the terrain and also help you see any potential obstacles or hazards they may encounter along the way.
Pro-Tip: Make sure your dog has identification tags on it. If you and your dog become separated, the labels might help someone reunite you with your pet.
Have a Dog Hiking Checklist
You should do several things to prepare for hiking with your dog. You’ll want to make sure you have a good hiking checklist that covers all the essentials.
Beyond that, here are some hiking essentials to make sure your hike is enjoyable for both you and your furry friend.
- Whistle
- Dog Halter/Harness
- Dog Water Bottle
- Fold Away Dog Bowl
- Dog Shoes for Hiking
- Animal-friendly wipes
- Disposable poly bags
- Favorite blanket
Taking your dog hiking for the first time? Pack Treats, Food, and Water
Like you would for yourself, pack plenty of food and water for your pup. You don’t want your dog getting hungry or dehydrated while hiking!
In addition, don’t forget to pack some treats for your pup–they’ll love being rewarded with a special snack after a long hike!
Always bring a bowl and plenty of freshwaters to drink. Freshwater is important since most streams have bacteria that could make your pup sick.
Pro-Tip: If you’re looking for an excellent way to give your furry friend some energy, consider buying them some energy bars for dogs. These bars are similar to power bars for dogs, but they might be even better.
Leave No Trace Behind (bring lots of poop bags)
Whether you’re a first-time hiker or your furry friend has been hitting the trails for years, you should always leave no trace behind.
In other words, be sure to pack out everything you brought in with you, including your dog’s waste. Yes, that means bringing along plenty of poop bags! It also means picking up their poop and disposing of it properly.
If left unchecked, dogs can leave quite the mess on the trails, so make sure you’re a good steward of the environment and keeping your track clean!
Bring a First-Aid Kit for Your Dog During the Hike
You never know what could happen while in the wilderness, so it’s always best to be prepared for anything. Therefore, when hiking with your dog, it is essential to bring a first aid kit.
Ensure you pack first aid kit supplies like bandages, antibiotic ointment, and Benadryl in case of allergic reactions. Mosquitoes and black flies can be nuisances when hiking with your furry friend. Therefore, ensure to pack insect and tick Repellant.
Pro tip: If you’re hiking in an area with many trees, consider bringing a tick key or fine-tipped tweezers. These will help you remove any ticks attached to your dog during the hike.
Have Your Dog Carry a Pack on His Back
If your dog is up for it, consider having him carry a pack on his back. A backpack will help lighten your load and give your pup a bit of a workout.
Plus, if you’re hiking with your dog in colder weather, the added warmth from the pack can be beneficial. Just make sure never to put too much weight on your dog–the pup should only carry about 10-12% of its body weight.
Pro-Tip: If you decide to have your dog carry a pack, make sure the bag is fitted correctly, and that it doesn’t rub against their skin. Otherwise, your pup might end up with a sore back at the end of the hike.
Pack Extra Clothing for Your Dog
Whether you’ve planned a long hike with your dog or just a short walk in the woods, it’s always good to pack extra dog clothing. Dog coats and boots can help protect your dog from the elements, and they can also provide some extra warmth on chilly days.
Also, when hiking with your dog, you must pay attention to the weather. If it’s too hot outside, pack only light clothing and hike in the early morning or evening when it’s cooler. And if it’s going to rain, postpone your hike–hiking in the rain can be dangerous for you and your pup.
Pro-Tip: If you sleep outdoors overnight, bring a camping towel to wipe your dog off before getting in the tent.
Bring Your Dog’s Favorite Toy On-The-Go
Like taking a human friend along on a hike can make the experience more fun, bringing your dog’s favorite toy can do the same.
The toy will entertain your pup during the outing, and you’ll also have less to worry about in terms of behavior. Bringing their favorite toy will also help them stay focused and avoid getting lost.
Monitor Your Dog and Take Breaks
Like humans, dogs can get tired when hiking and need to rest. You should monitor your pup and ensure they’re not getting too tired.
Take breaks frequently so your dog can rest and have some water. Also, pay attention to their body language and note if they need to stop.
If this is your dog’s first time hiking, start taking them on easy trails. There are plenty of hiking trails that are pet-friendly and perfect for beginners.
As your pup gets more comfortable hiking, you can gradually increase the difficulty of the trails you take them on.
Before you go home, check your dog.
Before you hit the road back home with your furry hiking buddy, there are a few things you need to check.
For example, check for scratches, bruises, and bites to brush your dog to remove debris, dirt, or burrs that may have clung to their fur. If you find anything major, take your dog to the vet as soon as possible.
FAQs about taking your dog hiking for the first time
How to train your dog to hike?
You’ll want to make sure they’re up for the task before hitting the trail. Start by gradually introducing your pup to longer walks in your neighborhood.
Once they routinely complete 2-3 mile walks with no issues, it’s time to take them on their first hike! Avoid very steep or strenuous hikes until your dog is in good shape, and keep an eye out for loose rocks, branches, and other obstacles that could trip your pet up.
Is it safe to take your dog on a hike?
Absolutely! Dogs love hiking, and it’s a great way to get some exercise together. However, like with people, there are some risks associated with hiking with dogs. Just be sure to take a few precautions:
Make sure your dog is in good physical condition and up to the challenge of the hike. Puppies or older dogs may not handle strenuous hikes.
Check the weather report before heading out and dress appropriately. Depending on the forecast, you and your pet should have hats, sunscreen, jackets, etc.
Bring along a first aid kit for both you and your pup, and be aware of things like snakes, bears, and other wildlife that could be dangerous. You should understand that not all trails are dog-friendly, so always check ahead of time to avoid any accidents.
When to stop for the day when hiking with a dog?
One general rule is to stop when your dog shows signs of fatigue. That’s if they’re panting heavily, slowing down, or unwilling to continue walking.
Do not push your pup too hard, especially on their first hike; remember that they’re not used to this activity. Another thing to keep in mind is the temperature and weather.
Dogs can overheat much more quickly than humans, so be sure to take plenty of water and snacks and often stop to let your pup rest and explore. And most importantly, have fun!
Should you train your dog to wear booties when hiking?
Wearing hiking boots can help protect your dog’s paws from hot asphalt, rough terrain, and sharp objects.
If you’re hiking in an area with many rocks, cacti, or other potential paw hazards, consider outfitting your pup with a pair of hiking booties.
Booties aren’t just for protection; they can also provide traction on slippery surfaces. So, if you’re hiking in an area with snow or ice, booties can help your dog keep their footing.
Final Take
Now that you have an idea about hiking with your dog, it’s time to hit the trails! Remember to take things slowly at first, ease into longer hikes, and constantly monitor your furry friend. Finally, protect your pup against ticks and other bugs with some bug spray during the adventure–it might save their lives! With a bit of preparation, you and your pup can enjoy many fun adventures together!
Like taking your dog hiking for the first time? Try these:
- 18 Tips for Camping with Your Dog
- How to Camp With Dogs
- Super Easy Homemade Dog Paw Balm For Fido
- First Aid Tips For Dogs Every Pet Owner Should Know