Hiking With Your Dog
One of the reasons we have canine companions is to enjoy activities together. This could be cuddling on the couch, taking a walk through the neighborhood or playing fetch. The best activity with your dog, though, is hiking together.
Before planning your hike consider both you and your dog’s physical abilities. While some dogs, such as herding or sporting breeds, are able to handle a rigorous hike, there are other breeds that need special consideration. For example, a Bulldog will not be able to go very far over challenging terrain, especially if the weather is very hot. Be sure to look into appropriate exercise regimens for your dog’s breed, age and health condition.
Regardless of the challenge, your dog needs to learn how to be your hiking partner.
First Steps Are Important.
Before going on a hiking adventure your dog needs to be prepared with some obedience training. They must have a good understanding of all the basics – heel, sit, down, stay and come, both on and off leash. They also need to understand the concept of Loose Leash Walking.
Loose Leash Walking is the center piece of any adventure with your dog. From a walk through the neighborhood to climbing waterfalls, your dog needs to learn how to remain nearby, respond quickly to your cues and not be distracted by their surroundings.
Capture and Repeat.
If your dog already has an understanding of basic obedience, including heeling, then the concept of Loose Leash Walking will fall into place in a short period of time. You merely need to capture your dog walking at your side voluntarily, though it’s likely they know you’re carrying treats and will throw out behaviors (such as heeling) to get them.
After letting your dog know you’re carrying treats, begin walking. The moment your dog is at your side, mark with a click, or “Yes!” And give them a treat. Repeat this every time your dog voluntarily moves with you at your side and looks at you instead of anything else. Gradually increase the movement between your marker (click or “Yes!”) and offering the treat. As your dog learns that remaining at your side as you walk is rewarding, they will continue to do so, regardless of where you are walking.
With your dog remaining near you, you can allow your leash to drag. If you are at all apprehensive as you will be hiking in an area with a lot of wildlife or other hikers with their dogs, attach a 20’ leash to your dog’s harness. This will give you a means of recalling your dog if they’re distracted and decide greeting other hikers is more rewarding than whatever you may be offering. (Beware the Golden Retriever, as they often choose greeting other people as the best reward ever.)
It may take many months of practicing this exercise to attain wilderness hiking goals, but through repetition, your dog will fully understand and be happy to offer the behavior as it is very rewarding to them. There’s hardly a dog alive who doesn’t enjoy a good hike!
Regaining Focus
Few dogs will automatically be perfect hikers. Dogs are predators after all and movement triggers their hunting instincts. These may be stronger than the desire to get a piece of hot dog. You must always be ready to redirect your dog’s attention should they choose to chase a rabbit or squirrel.
This is the reason you allow your dog to drag their leash…back up!
When you notice your dog’s attention is no longer on you or your dog is starting to move toward an object of interest, cue them to come and sit in front of you. Continue to do this until their attention is no longer on the wildlife and back to watching what you are doing. In fact it would be a good idea to practice stays, comes or tricks. The change of activity will maintain your dog’s attention more so than the same trudging along a trail.
Trust Is A Must
Your dog has learned to trust you as you are their source of safety, rewards and comfort. This is an important aspect of hiking with your dog. Here are a few suggestions to ensure your dog maintains their trust in you.
1. Always choose safe trails. Dogs never forget experiences, make certain all of your hikes are good ones.
2. Bring water. Both you and your dog should remain hydrated.
3. Many dogs have a good sense of a safe area or not. If your dog doesn’t wish to enter an area, trust that there’s a reason. There could be a skunk, bear or a poisonous snake. You need to trust your dog as much as they trust you.
4. Dress for the experience. Wear appropriate clothing and footwear. Your dog will know if you’re not comfortable and this will make them insecure as well. And, as you would dress yourself properly, do the same for your dog. A comfortable walking harness, non-slippery leash, foot covers, maybe even a sunhat (if your dog will allow it). And don’t forget the sunblock. Use one that is pet friendly!
After The Hike
You and your dog had a great time on that adventure, but it’s not yet time to nap. It is probable that you brought some critters or plant parts back with you. Check yourself and your dog. Here are some possible tag-a-longs:
1. Ticks
2. Burrs
3. Spiders and/or their webbing
4. Leaves and twigs – easily caught in long fur along your dog’s legs and belly
Full Check Out
You and your dog may be tired from a day of hiking but you need to take some time to ensure you didn’t bring home any hitchhikers – living or foliage. First, check yourself for ticks, mites on your skin or seed burrs stuck to your clothing.
Second, do a complete inspection of your dog. Begin at their head, checking around their cheeks, jowls, lips and inside their ears. Floppy ears touch foliage where ticks and mites tend to congregate. Next, run your fingers through your dog’s fur starting along the spine and working your way around to their tummy.
If you feel any bumps inspect it and pull off any hitchhikers. Be sure to check their stomach, the underside of your dog’s legs and between their toes. Dark, moist areas on your dog are a common resting place for ticks and mites.
Checking between your dog’s toes is very important as burrs can get stuck in their fur and cause immense irritation between their toes.
Preparation and the final inspection are equally important and ensure many more hiking adventures to come.
Source Material:
Hiking With Dogs: How to Hike Safely and Considerately | Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC)
The Best Dog-Friendly Hikes in All 50 States | Chewy
Hiking With Your Dog: Tips For Hitting The Trail in a Safe and Fun Way
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