A Guide To Hiking With Your Dogs

Hiking with your dog can be a great way to enjoy the outdoors and foster your bond with your furry friend. There are vast landscapes and various sceneries to explore, and your four-legged buddy wants in on the fun.  As with ourselves, its important to put in some prep work to your hiking adventures with your dog to ensure a comfortable, safe, and memorable experience.

That's why we've created this guide, to help you plan for your hiking goals with your pup. Being exposed to different elements in nature requires the right gear, and you'll find a list of essentials at the end of this post.

Preparing Is Key

Preparing for a hike involves several key steps, such as selecting appropriate clothing and footwear, packing enough water and snacks, bringing a map and compass, and checking the weather forecast. Having the necessary items with you to handle the unexpected will give you peace of mind and a more enjoyable hiking experience. What you need to bring, and how much to bring, will highly depend on how long of a hike and what terrain you're tackling.

It's also important to inform someone of your hiking plans and to be aware of any potential hazards or trail closures. This is especially important if you are headed somewhere you've not been before. Be sure to research the dog friendliness of the trail as well, this will be good to know before arriving.

Keeping Your Dog's Well Being In Mind

Every dog breed has different levels of resilience to the outdoor elements and stamina. You know your dog best, and understanding how much exercise will be appropriate for your pup will certainly help you select the right trail. Understand the terrain you're headed into, if there are sharp rocks, burrs, high flowing rivers, or other potentially hazardous elements to prepare for. 

Make sure to bring plenty of water for both you and your dog, and don't forget a leash and waste bags. Check the trail regulations beforehand to make sure dogs are allowed, and if its on vs off leash trail protocol. Additionally, knowing the potential for animal run ins is going to be very key if you're going on an off leash trails.

Making Memories

Now that you're all prepped and ready for your adventure, it's time to enjoy the journey. We often go on hikes outdoors to escape the rat race, breathe a breath of fresh air, and see the beauty the earth holds. It's certainly a fun experience and important to appreciate every moment of it. Bring a camera to capture some shots, and if you're looking for a fun way to save that memory check out our new Adventure Workbook where you can input your photos, document and track adventures, and more. Enjoy this free check list we pulled from the workbook to help you pack for your pup!

Re-Cap: Hiking Safety Tips

Here are some hiking safety tips: