So you want to take your Dog Hiking?
In the ever expanding Pet Friendly Universe, there’s hardly a place where you pet’s can’t gain access. The question becomes not IF they can go but, instead, SHOULD they go. Therapy and Medical Companion dogs aside, does “Mr. Fluffers” or “Ben Rufflessbarker” really need to tour the museum of Natural History, take in a show at your local theater, or shop at Target? Realistically, no… they don’t need to hang or be taken out to the ball game (unless its a Pet Night Promotion). WANT TO vs. HAVE TO has become a national debate that has put your pets in the center of the conversation.
As much as we love our animals, consider them family, and hate to exclude them from group outings, not everyone shares the same joy in hearing barks, or seeing butts, or having their privacy invaded by “Dr. Chewlittle” when they are having a beer at the local watering hole. In the case of a Pet Friendly establishment, everyone knows what they are potentially walking into. However, an unexpected encounter with an over friendly pet can ruin someones dinner, much like an uncontrolled kid at the movies, or a baby that won’t stop crying on an airplane. So, be a mensch and consider the impact on others before you bring “Drooley Andrews” with you on an outing.
One place you would think a dog would belong is on a hiking adventure. After all, who loves hiking as much as you do? Dogs have that natural curiosity, deep love of nature, and the legs (all 4 of them) to hang with the most dedicated hiker on even the most difficult trails… at least most of them do. Just like parents with human kids, pet parents can overestimate the limits of your fur kids endurance or physical limits. Frankly, as much as you might want it for them, the great outdoors may just not be fun for some dogs. In addition, it can be dangerous for your four legged friends.
Backpacker.com did an in-depth study on hiking with your dog and discovered that there are multiple dangers that should be considered before you expose your dog to the trails.
As a loving parent and responsible owner you need to consider the following…
You must also consider the temperament, physical condition, and personality of your dog before you take them on the trail. Some dogs just have zero desire for that type of physical type of walk. A walk in the park, or a quick run through your back yard is one thing but a full out long walk in the woods, over rocks, through streams, and down paths, is a completely different experience. The funny thing is, it’s not always about the size of the dog on the trail. It’s often about the size of the trail desire in the dog. We’ve seen Pekingese sized dogs that love a good hike, and Shepherd sized dogs that just hate it.
You know your dog and you know how they act on and off leash. You should have good idea if they have the mental and physical toughness to be out for an hour or more in all kinds of conditions. Don’t ask your dog to do it if you have even a hint that it’s not in their wheelhouse of fun activities. They will quit on you and you’ll have to carry them part, most, or all of the way. Stick to what they can handle, start slowly and ease into a longer walk if they love it. Myopencountry.com lists the following breeds as “The Top 10 Most Trail Ready”;
- Border Collie
- Coonhound
- Rhodesian Ridgeback
- Australian Shepherd
- German Short Haired Pointer
- Jack Russell Terrier
- Miniature Pinscher
- Bernese Mountain Dog
- Siberian Husky
- Labrador Retriever
You’ll note the variety on that list ranges from GIANT sturdy dogs to high energy small dogs. Again, the point is that certain dogs are born to hike, but any dog could have the desire to hike. Judge your dogs interest, consider their physical limitations, look at the history of their health, and know their personality. Just because you want them to love the outdoors as much as you do, doesn’t mean they will.
So You Decide You’re Taking Your Dog on the Trail
That’s great! If you’ve done your research, pondered the welfare of your fur kids and then decide that you’re going to take them out on the trail… good for you. It’s liable to be a memorable, challenging, fun, and very physical adventure you can share. Before you pack up the pooch and head out to the wilderness, make sure you’ve packed everything you could need. It’s better to be over prepared than to be stuck in an emergency situation and not have what you need. Know the area, the native wildlife, and the trail before you go. Check the weather and pack accordingly. The internet is your best friend and can give you fill information about the trail conditions, trail difficulty, and recent issues or dangerous wildlife spotted. Do your homework to protect your pet and assure you’re ready.
Here’s a short list of items you’ll need to consider “must have” in your hiking backpack;
Lastly, be sure to know your dogs tolerance for strangers. On the trails you’ll likely encounter other dogs and pet loving people. Understand that not all dogs are friendly, not all people want to be approached by a dog due to fears or that they are just “those kinds of people”. Conversely, you know your dog and how they react around strange animals and people. Don’t be afraid to simply state, from a comfortable distance, “Please understand that my dog is weary of strangers” or “He/She does not play well with strangers.” Also, don’t be afraid to ask them if their dog is friendly. It’s always better safe than sorry and easier to announce intentions than have regrets.
Our favorite trail story is one about a man who owned a Japanese Chin dog (you can see her picture on this blog entry). The little, fluffy, designer dog love to see people and be outside, so the man decided to try her on walks. Walks in the neighborhood turned into walks in the park, which turned into walks on the beach, which turned into an attempt to walk in the woods. That first successful trail hike turned into a lifelong series of adventures out in the world, the two traveling to state parks and wooded trails all over the Midwest. Strangers would stop and marvel at the 12lb bundle of energy and wonder as she stopped to smell every blade of grass and animal scent that she crossed. This successful relationship lasted well into the dogs senior years. It just goes to show that it’s not about breed, it’s about desire. Some dogs are just born with the need to explore. So, know your dog and their limitations. You could just be in for the adventures of your lifetime!
That’s it for this week’s Dog Blog. We hope that our efforts might trigger a hidden desire in some dogs out there to take to the trails and explore the great outdoors… and maybe keep one or two safe and happy in their homes, away from the stress of a walk they wouldn’t ever love.
That’s it for this week’s Dog Blog. We hope that our efforts might trigger a hidden desire in some dogs out there to take to the trails and explore the great outdoors… and maybe keep one or two safe and happy in their homes, away from the stress of a walk they wouldn’t ever love
If you like our blog, please feel free to look through our library of pet friendly writings at the following link FREDDIE SEZ – Freddie’s Place (freddiesplaceanimalhospital.com). We hope you’ll find something of interest and read more!
Join us again next week as we tackle another burning question, or common problem or concern, in the ever expanding world of pets. Till then, as always, we wish you love and luck, lick and laughs, all the hugs a fur parent can sneak from their beloved animals, and above all else that you stay Pet Friendly, #FreddieSez
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