Hiking with your Dog

Hiking is hip these days, and why not? Offering excellent exercise, beautiful scenery, and an opportunity to recharge world weary batteries and reconnect with the real world, hiking is a fantastic hobby for nearly anyone. Best of all? Unlike, say, tennis or yoga, hiking is a workout you can enjoy with your canine best friend in tow.



Any dog has the potential to be a great trail dog, even toy breeds! Think your Shih Tzu can’t make that long hike? Nonsense! You may have to walk a little slower to allow Miu Miu to keep up, but she’s as excited and has almost as much energy as any medium to large breed. Breed and size don’t matter (with some exceptions – dogs with compromised breathing or other serious health concerns should attempt hiking only with an A-OK from their veterinarian) half as much as physical condition and temperament do. Just like people, dogs have natural preferences. Some dogs love to swim, while others fear or hate getting even their paws wet. Similarly, some dogs love the woods. They love the intense stimulation of the smells, the ability to move for hours on end, racking up the miles, and the companionship of being out with their person. For some dogs, this is nirvana and they are at home on the trail right away. For others, they may need to learn to love this activity and there could be a bit of a learning curve.



So, before you grab your favorite fleece and invite Miu Miu or Tonka to hop in the back seat, there are a few considerations to keep in mind. These basic guidelines should help smooth that learning curve right out.



Happy Feet

You wouldn’t head off into the woods in brand new boots, would you? You’d do a few dry runs, making sure your feet are comfortable and that you’re not going to get blisters. Same goes for your dog: let him "break in" his feet with short walks on the same type of terrain where you’ll be hiking to help him toughen up his pads and build his muscles gradually. Watch for soreness or discomfort and if notice any, back off, letting his feet develop strength and toughness slowly. Once his feet are fit, the rest of him will be too!



Start Slowly

When you decide to head out for your first hike in the woods, pick something well within your ability so that you won’t be overly distracted by your own huffing and puffing. If Miu Miu hasn’t been particularly athletic up until now, let her also have her first few hiking trips be well within her ability. She’ll be so stimulated by smells and greeting other hikers and dogs on the trail there’s no need to overwhelm her right away. Let her develop some trail muscles as you do. It’s not the same as just plain walking. Watch her closely: if you see signs of stress or discomfort, rethink your plan. Be open to learning that – just like some people – some dogs don’t like hiking.



Eat Lightly and Carry a Big Water Bottle

Dogs need plenty of fresh clean liquid refreshment, just as you do. Carry more than you think you might need, and check in advance for natural sources of clean fresh water (like a spring or a stream). Don’t feed large meals before, during or immediately after exertion due to the risk of gastric torsion. Small light snacks along the trail are fine.



To Leash or Not to Leash

There really is no question. Bears, mountain lions, rolling in something foul, porcupines, broken glass and litter, taking off after a deer, getting lost … do I need to keep going? It all adds up to this: Tonka and Miu Miu will be safest and ultimately you will be happiest with your dog on a leash. Just remember, it’s all fun and games until someone ends up in a cone. And make sure your dog and any friends you decide to bring along have both an up-to-date rabies tag and an ID tag securely attached.



Doggy Pack

In addition to enjoying the fresh air and climbing higher and higher, dogs, most of them, even the little ones, like and are bred to work. On the topic of hydration, by all means allow your dog to carry his own water. Of course your Shih Tzu won’t be able to lug as much weight as your Shepherd, Mastiff or Dane, but don’t count him out. Packs are sold for every size dog, even toy breeds. Regardless of you dog’s size, it is important that you not weigh him down but give him just enough responsibility that he feels he is doing his job.



When to Say Uncle

Last but not least, know when to call it a day. Be ready to bail out if you need to: a minor injury, heat exhaustion, running out of water – all of these situations can be easily addressed back in town or with the assistance of your vet. Don’t let your need or desire to make it to the top allow you to sacrifice your companion’s health or safety. It’s never worth it and the mountains will be there next time.



Now get out there and enjoy! Fresh air, exercise and a generous helping of nature is as much soul food for your pooch as it is for you.



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