Experience the True Outdoors: Tips for Hiking or Backpacking with Your Dog
As the summer comes to an end and temperatures cool down, it becomes the perfect time to get out and experience the true outdoors with your dog. I’m not talking about going down to the neighborhood dog park and letting Fido run around for a little while while you hang out on a bench. I’m talking about the real outdoors full of plants and wildlife not concrete and people. I’m talking about the places people go to get away from society and to really enjoy the fresh air and beautiful scenery. For these trips into often unfamiliar territory, there are a couple things to know and bring before attempting a trip with your dog.
Know The Terrain
First of all, it is extremely important to get familiar with the terrain you plan to hike or backpack in. Terrain affects everything about your hike and can make or break a successful trip into the backcountry.
Be sure to know if there will be any cliffs or dangerous obstacles to avoid. It is also important to know if there will be any accessible water in the area and if it is safe to drink. (Mother Nature Network). Lastly, weather is a huge factor when determining where to go hiking or backpacking. Always be on the lookout for inclimate weather and try to avoid it whenever possible. The ultimate goal is to choose terrain that suits yours and your dog’s experience and endurance levels leading to my next piece of advice.
Know Your Dog
This may seem self-explanatory but it is extremely important to consider your dog’s age, health and endurance levels when picking a trail or area to hike in. Put it this way, if you are an experienced hiker or backpacker, you wouldn’t take a novice on a trail you deemed as difficult because it will most likely be impossible for the inexperienced person. It is the same way of thinking when bringing your dog. If your dog is only walked around the block a couple of times a week, it is smartest to keep the hike short to avoid having to carry Fido back to the car. (AMC Outdoors). If your dog is used to running or walking long distances, a longer hike won’t be much of a problem for it.
Age is also another important factor in deciding what trail to take. Older dogs tend to tire easily and with weaker joints, it becomes painful for them to walk long distances or on trails with lots of obstacles. On the other side of the spectrum, bringing a young dog that is still growing can have a negative impact on healthy joint and muscle development. (REI.com). A trail that fits your dog’s age, health and endurance levels will help to make the most out of your trip.
Rules of the Trail
The next thing you are going to want to know once you have picked a trail are the rules and regulations specific to that trail or area. Different areas often vary in their rules whether it be leash regulations or fire laws. It is important to know the different rules as you can get into serious trouble for violating most of them.
Most importantly though, the rules are often put in place to protect the wildlife and nature that you are looking to hike through. (REI.com). Therefore, violation of the rules can often have a much greater effect on the plants and animals living in that area. It is best to follow all rules and regulations to avoid impacting wildlife, serious fines and other effects.
What to Pack
Whether you are looking to hike or backpack in an area, certain accommodations must be made when bringing your dog along. If you plan to spend the night, your normal camping gear will be satisfactory as long as your tent is large enough to fit your pooch. However, if you are planning to camp during the colder months, a second sleeping bag or large blanket is a must as your dog tends to get uncomfortable in temperatures colder than 50F. (REI.com).
Extra hydration and food are a must when taking your dogs on extended trips or strenuous hikes. Dog packs and collapsible bowls are great additions to your hiking gear because they allow your pup to carry everything it needs to stay hydrated. Water filters are a necessity when camping in an area with natural water to be sure the water you drink doesn’t contain any parasites or other dangers to yours or your dog’s health. Lastly, extra food and snacks are important to bring because strenuous activity requires more food to meet the energy demands required by the trail. Remember that the terrain and weather are big factors when packing for your trip.
On the Trail
Now you have finally reached the trail. Your pup is rearing to go while you take in the beauty that is nothing but nature and wildlife. Before you set off, you need to know the basics of trail etiquette when accompanied by a dog. First off, always make sure that you have a leash under six feet long. (Mother Nature Network). Even if your pup is extremely well trained, there is always a chance they may take off. This is not only inconvenient for you but also potentially threatening for other people on the trail. When coming up on another hiker or group of hikers make sure to wait patiently at the side of the trail for them to pass, keeping your dog close by your side. (Outdoors Magazine).
Lastly, always refrain from bothering wildlife or plant life. Many wildlife areas have fragile ecosystems and as I saidbefore, there are many rules and regulations to protect them. It is imperative to not only clean-up after your pet but also to take everything you brought with you. Fragile ecosystems can be disturbed by the slightest change and a pile of poop from either you or your dog can certainly cause a disturbance. Therefore, be sure to bag it up or bury it six inches deep to avoid attracting any attention from animals and causing any disturbances.
The outdoors help us to clear our minds and reset our priorities in life. They remind us that there are more important things in life than just work and that true beauty isn’t made but found. Being able to share these experiences with “man’s best friend” is a blessing and should not be taken for granted. Be respectful of wildlife, pack well and pick a trail suitable for you and your dog and you will have an amazing time out on the trails.
Resources
Top 10 Backpacking Trips in US Parks