Featuring Guest Author, my friend,
Haley Gartner (and her pup, Hazel)!
To start…
Make sure the trail, park, forest, wherever you are heading is dog friendly. A quick google search for the park or forest will usually confirm if it is dog friendly. Otherwise, the AllTrails app also comes in great handy for letting you know if a trail is dog friendly!
Things to bring…
Bringing water and snacks is just as important for your dog as it is for you! I like to bring a collapsible bowl that can clip on my pack. However, I usually just let my dog have a squirt from my water bladder hose! This is personal preference, but my dog usually only wants a sip or two and she’s good so filling a water bowl every time would be a waste. I sometimes bring a treat bag that can clip on my bag or just put some treats in an extra poop bag. If you’ll be on a longer trip where you’ll stop for a meal you probably want to bring two bowls. (I personally love Zuke’s treats which my dog has been on since she was a puppy. They’re small enough to use for training, made of natural ingredients, and they even make a doggy “power bone” which is basically a jerky stick which I like to have on a longer trip as extra motivation because my dog is a picky eater.
A lot of trails require dogs to be on leash but even if they don’t please don’t let a dog off leash unless it has a 100% recall! Your dog may be friendly but other dogs (and animals) may not be. Leashes with traffic handles are good to pull your dog in close if needed. If you’re a runner or just like to have hands free to grab snacks, water, or use trekking poles a waist worn leash is great! They usually have bungees to help with shock absorption for both the dog and the person. I like to always carry a carabiner (preferably one rated for climbing so it doesn’t break) in case I need to easily clip my dog around a tree or other object.
On the similar subject of leashes, I prefer to also use a harness because I think it’s safer than a collar. One with a handle on the back is also great for simple assists over rough terrain, or to grab your dog close if needed. (this is the harness I use). A light can also be attached to a harness for better visibility in rain/low light. Ruffwear’s The Beacon is a rechargeable and waterproof clip on light that has three color modes that can be set to solid or blinking.
It can be good to have a small towel to wipe dog’s feet if they’re muddy before getting in the car. Not exactly hiking related but I love having a hammock seat cover in my car to protect from muddy messes.
Must haves/must dos…
Always clean up after your pet! Dog poop is not only unsightly to see on a trail but could also spread bacteria and parasites and negatively affect the ecosystem over time. What to do once the poop is cleaned up? There are poop bag dispensers with a clip to hold a bag so you don’t have to. You could even clip it to the middle of the leash if it has multiple handles or your dog’s harness. There are also poop bag holders that can be clipped to a pack or waist (like this one). Try to use biodegradable bags. Here’s some other interesting info about poop pickup.
While you should be carrying a first aid kit for yourself, it can be good to have some things for your dog as well. You can buy a pet specific first aid kit or make up your own. One thing I found useful to potentially have is one or two of the disposable rubber booties. If your dog cuts their paw this can be a good way to keep it clean and dry. Dog booties or at the least paw wax could be a consideration to protect your dog’s paws if on rockier terrain. Try not to walk on hot asphalt or sand if paws are left bare. Pay attention to your dog’s body language and take rests if needed.
Don’t forget to check yourself and your dog for any ticks after your hike! If you want to use a repellent make sure it’s safe for dogs!
Hope these tips help you get outside, safely, with your pup! Have fun!
