If you’re a pet parent that loves to take your pup with you on all of your adventures, then this post is for you. Whether hiking up a mountain or going for a drive in the country, there are certain things to keep in mind when planning out your trip.
Dogs love to enjoy the outdoor, especially when it’s a mountains view.
Read on below as we cover some tips and tricks from our experts:
Introduce Pre-Hiking Training
Training your dog to do anything before a big hike is significant. If you haven’t already, start by teaching them how to walk on a leash and follow general guidelines.
This will help keep both of you safe during your outdoor adventure.
Research good trails for hiking with dogs.
Knowing which mountain trails are dog-friendly is essential before planning your next adventure. The last thing you want to do is get lost or stuck with no way of getting back down!
If you’re in the U.S., familiarize yourself with the Pet-Friendly Trails website that lists tons of great trails for dogs and their owners throughout each state’s very important that you research the trail beforehand to make sure it’s pet-friendly.
Company Your Dog on Suitable Hikes
Whether you’re hiking alone with your pup or hiking as a group, make sure that your dog is comfortable with the number of people around. Also, if there are other dogs on the trail, how will yours react to them?
If this is your first time hiking with another dog, be sure to bring along their favorite toy and treats in case they get into a scuffle.
Pack Snacks and Treats for Your Dog
Nothing can cheer up your pup better than a tasty snack. So make sure to pack some of their favorite treats before the hike so they stay energized throughout the adventure.
Remember, though, that you shouldn’t feed them too much. They’ll likely get sick easily if they have too much of a good thing!
Take Dog Poo Bags
Most mountains have a strict “leave no trace” philosophy, so be sure to pack a few dog poo bags in your backpack. There’s nothing worse than being the one who steps in some random pile of poop on trail!
If you can’t find any dog-friendly poo bags, use empty sandwich bags and tie them tightly closed when your dog goes to the bathroom.
Take First Aid Kit for Dogs With You
It’s also a good idea to pack a first aid kit for dogs before heading out on your hike. You can use a small backpack or attach it to the outside of your bag as I do with my dogs.
Our favorite first-aid kit is this one that comes with 150+ items, including things like bandages, tweezers, and tape.
Let Your Pup Carry His Stuff
Hiking with your dog can be a wonderful bonding experience. However, you don’t want to carry all of their stuff on the trail!
A great way to solve this problem is by letting your pup carry something of his own. This could be as simple as an old rag or towel that doesn’t smell like anything important!
You could also use a dog-carrying backpack for him to feel more involved in the adventure.
Take Extra Doggy Cloth with You
Even if your dog’s fur is long and thick, they might not always stay protected from the elements. So be sure to pack at least one roll of dog-specific doggy cloth with you to keep them warm and dry on the trail!
If you don’t have any extra doggy clothing, most hiking stores sell special jackets for pups designed to keep them warm.
Pack Toys As Well
Dogs will get bored easily while hiking because they can’t run around and play like usual.
Since many mountains have strict rules regarding dogs being unleashed, toys are a great way to keep your pup entertained for hours on end.
My pups love stuffed animals filled with peanut butter so much!
Keep an Eye on Your Dog’s Hydration
Hiking can be very stressful on your pup’s body. If you’re not careful, they could even get heatstroke.
One of the most important things to remember is to keep your dog hydrated throughout the hike.
Invest in a water bottle that attaches directly to his collar to have easy access to water when he gets thirsty.
Take Short Intervals / Breaks
No matter how well-conditioned your dog is, they won’t be able to hike the same speed as so befoe. So be sure to take a few breaks throughout the trail so they have time to rest and catch their breath.
Also, remember that it’s important for them to stay hydrated when taking these breaks. So, be sure to give them some water and a quick treat while they rest!
Plan for Unexpected Heat Waves
Even if it’s cloudy, cool, or windy when you’re hiking, the mountain could still experience extreme heatwaves.
If this happens to be the case on your hike, make sure you bring along several gallons of extra water in case your pup needs some.
Or better yet, bring a portable water fountain for dogs with you! You can even buy it at a discounted cost when this exact heatwave hits the mountain…
Keep an Eye on the Time
If you’re hiking in a public place, make sure to keep an eye on the time. Most parks and mountains only allow dogs during certain hours, so check the rules before heading out.
And even if they’re allowed to hike 24/7, it still might be best not to bring them along on a long overnight trek! Always make sure to plan your trip accordingly and set up a time for pick-up and drop-off.
Invest in Non-Breakable Leash
One of the most important things to remember when taking your pup hiking is that their leash must be sturdy.
There are many places where you both will have to cross over rivers, so getting a leash that’s suitable for water is essential!
The last thing you want is for their leash to snap while they’re wading through the water.
Use a Vest with Visibility
Even if your pup is wearing a reflective coat, they might not always be visible to drivers. This is why they need to wear something bright that will catch the attention of passersby.
There are plenty of vests out there that can be seen from far away, so check with obedience shops before choosing one!
Take an Extra Leash with You
It might just be me, but my dogs are always looking for ways to get into trouble. So, even if I make sure they aren’t allowed to run out of the house off-leash before we go hiking, I know that at some point during our trip.
They’ll slip their collars and chase a deer (or several).
Make sure you bring an extra leash with you when taking your pup hiking. Even if they’re good on a regular leash, it’s important to have more than one option in case something happens!
Pack a Dog Carrying Bag
Remember to pack a doggy backpack with everything you and your pup will need for the hike.
Make sure it’s light and has ample room for their food and water. But, don’t forget to bring along their leash, collar, and any other items they might need!
I love using this one because it can fit so much inside it!
Consider Using Doggie Packing List
There are plenty of doggy backpacks out there to choose from, but if you’re looking for an all-in-one solution, then I highly recommend this one. It has everything they could ever need inside the bag!
Pack Some Favorite Stuff of Your Dog
If you have a pup, who loves to play fetch, pack some tennis balls with you! Or, if they love chasing squirrels, bring along their laser pointer or a Frisbee.
This eliminates the chance of them getting bored and wandering off while you’re too busy taking photos!
Use Easy Trails Avoid Difficult Ones
One of the most important things to do when taking your pup hiking is to only take easy trails for them. If you’re going somewhere with difficult paths, it might be best to leave them at home.
And of course, always climb mountains slowly! I recommend allowing about half an hour per mile on hikes so they can keep up. This means you might have to give up that hiking habit for a while, though.
Keep an Eye on Your Dog
While adventuring through the mountains with your pup, make sure to keep them in sight at all times. Even if they tend to stick by your side, it’s important to monitor their safety!
And even if you do the same, you’ll want to make sure to give them a little more space than usual. You don’t know how rocky or uneven terrain can throw them off balance.
To Track Get a GPS Tracker
If your dog keeps wandering off, consider investing in a GPS tracker for them so you can always find them!
I love this one because it has a boost function that will help you locate your pup when they’ve gone too far to be seen.
Familiarize Yourself with Local Wildlife
Before you head out on your hike, make sure to get information about local wildlife.
If you come across any bears or mountain lions, follow the basic guidelines and slowly back away!
And, of course, always make sure not to feed them. This will make them feel that humans are friendly and that anyone they see is someone they can trust.
Get Information About Weather Conditions
Finally, make sure to check the weather forecast before heading out!
This will help you avoid having an accident or getting lost because of unforeseen circumstances. You’ll also need to be aware if there’s a chance of thunder since that can startle your pup and cause them to run away.
Plan for Extra Breaks
If you’re bringing your pup hiking, make sure to plan for extra breaks. They might not be as used to the strenuous exercise and altitude as you are, so make sure to bring along their favorite toys or treats!
As long as you follow all these tips when hiking with your pup, then they’ll love exploring the mountains with you!
Keep Any Allergies in Mind
Besides their age and breed, also keep any allergies they might have in mind.
If you think you or anyone else with you is allergic to them or something they’re allergic to; then it would be best not to take your pup hiking until both parties are okay with each other.
Lastly, Pack a Camera
With so many new and unique things for them to experience, it’s going to be hard for your dog not to get distracted. So have a camera on hand to capture all the new and exciting things they’ll see!
Now that you’ve seen this list, I highly recommend making your dog’s dream of going hiking with you come true!
If you follow these tips, then your pup will be loving their time in the mountains with you :)
So there you have it! All the information you need to get started hiking with your furry best friend.
Just remember to have fun, be safe, and do your research on what you’ll come across while out on the trails!