kjoyce4
Last post, I talked about how I find my next hike. This time we’ll go over some things to keep in mind if you’re bringing your dog with you.
There are a lot of things to consider (it’s basically the topic of this entire blog), but if you’re going to take a couple pieces of advice, these are my top recommendations.
Training for the Trail
Going on a hike isn’t quite like a walk around the neighborhood. There are distractions you don’t face everyday, so it’s important to make sure you and your dog are in tune with each other.
It doesn’t mean your dog needs to be perfectly trained before you hit the trail, but it’s a lot safer for both of you if you can anticipate how your dog will react to its surroundings.
Does your dog like to chase squirrels? How do they respond to passing dogs? Are they going to be ok with other hikers? Are they scared by strange objects like big backpacks or trekking poles?
There are a lot of ways that your everyday training can translate on the trail. Teaching your dog to ignore dropped food or to let go of things in their mouth will save you a lot of stress over figuring out what they chowed down on in the woods. Working on not greeting other dogs unless given to ok is also a skill that I’ve found is really helpful.
Chloe isn’t always perfect, but I can’t count the number of people who I’ve come across who say they have a friendly dog, that ends up snapping at Chloe as they pass. She on the other hand, can be too friendly and immediately thinks the best of every passing pup. Teaching her to stay still while I have a chance to leash her has been a really important skill.
Having a strong recall is probably the most important skill Chloe and I have worked on. Since she hikes off leash 90% of the time, knowing she will come when called has been essential. Since she’s so food motivated, I try to remember to bring food with me in case she gets really distracted. And when I bring treats along, I make sure she knows that if she comes back, she will be rewarded.
Pet Essentials
You’ve heard of the ten essentials of hiking, but bringing a dog on trail adds a few extra items to that list.
First, always make sure you have extra water and a bowl for your pup. I usually bring an extra liter for Chloe, but it really depends on how far we’re hiking and what time of year it is. She loves to drink out of streams (and muddy puddles), but it’s important to have water for her if we’re on a pretty dry trail or it’s really hot out.
I have two different bowls for her. When she was a puppy, I got a silicone bowl from HomeGoods that collapses into a flat, 4”x4” square. Recently, I got a cloth bowl that folds down to almost nothing. It was only $3 at Sierra Trading post, and while Ruffwear and other brands sell similar or fancier bowls, I;even never had a problem with my simple (and cheaper) choices.
The other pieces of gear I have with me no matter what are her leash (I have a review here) and a carabiner. The leash is necessary for obvious reasons, and I always keep it in hand or looped around my hip belt when Chloe’s off leash for quick access.
I keep a carabiner clipped on my hip belt for the rarer times I have her on leash. Even though my leash can be hands free and wraps around my waist, I don’t like to have to put the leash around my waist, under my backpack, and it tends to sit higher than is comfortable. So instead I clip the leash to my hip belt, so I can hike hands-free.
Other pieces of dog gear I have: 3 dog rain boots (the fourth was lost on a hike) for paw protection and Musher’s Secret paw balm for the same purpose. I also have multiple bandanas and a sweater for colder weather. When it’s hunting season, Chloe wears an orange buff or her Spot the Dog reflective bandana. And of course plenty of treats!
What are your dog essentials? Did I miss anything? Let me know in the comments!
