Want to take your dog along with you whilst hiking? Don’t leave your dog alone at home while you are on a holiday. Hiking with dogs can add a new aspect to the hiking holiday. Dogs help to boost your confidence when you are going through a tough trail. Some dogs enjoy the changed environment, but this is not the case with all the dogs. It is necessary to take various factors into consideration before backpacking and taking your dog hiking. Let’s have a look at them.

Suitability of your Dog

Be logical about your dogs. It is your key responsibility to analyse whether your dog is suitable for hiking and backpacking or not. Make your plans accordingly.

The breed of the dogs matters a lot because not all dogs feel comfortable hiking. For instance, British bulldogs and pugs are not able to adjust more than an hour around a park and that too at their convenience. There are a few dog breeds who love hiking that includes border collies, golden retrievers and German shepherds.

Make your plans with your dog only if you have a strong, energetic, trained, non-aggressive and obedient dog.

As much a dog’s breed is essential for taking a decision, dog’s age is equally important. If your dog is less than a year old, then it’s ideal to take it for short hikes, otherwise hiking along a long trail can put unnecessary pressure on its joints. Just check whether your dog is ready to hike the trail or not. If not, you can plan a short hiking trip.

Is leashing your dog really important?

Well, it would be great to allow your pet to roam independently while hiking, but it is extremely important to check whether your dog responds to any kind of sound like whistling or other dogs barking around. If it does, it is better to keep your dog leashed, otherwise there are high chances that it’ll run away.

Advantages of backpacking and hiking with your dog

Now, when you have finally analysed the above factors and decided to take your pet with you for hiking. Let’s see the positive side for taking a dog for hiking.

An Ideal Companion

No matter whether you are hiking alone or with your peer group, a dog is always a good companion who keeps your morale up during tough terrain.

Keeps you secure

Your dog will keep you feeling safe and secure during hiking and allows you to explore more. It will be good for you if you train your dog as it is going to safeguard you in case anything goes wrong.

Stay cosy at night

During camping in cold weather, your furry friend is there to keep you warm and cosy. Therefore, to stay warm hug your dog and enjoy a nice cosy deep sleep.

Keeps you entertained

People love dogs as they are very funny and entertaining. Your dog is always ready to pamper you and play with you. This way it keeps you happy and entertained.

Disadvantages of backpacking and hiking with your dog

Everything has a positive and negative side. Same is the case with taking your dog hiking. Now, let’s consider what is negative about it.

An extra backpack

When you decide to take your pet along with you then you need to carry the essentials of your dog as well. Though, many dogs are able to handle the doggie backpack with all their items, not all dogs can do the same. Therefore, you have to carry an additional bag with you.

No help on part of opinions

When you hike with a human friend, you have a choice to get an opinion on various heads. For instance, selecting a direction to hike. But, you are helpless on part of advice when you hike with a dog.

Smartly select the hiking path

You cannot take your pet on every trail as on some trails and national parks their entry is restricted due to various reasons like nesting wildlife, breeding, etc. Hence, you need to smartly select a hiking path that is ideal for a dog.

 

Availability of water resources and shelter

In order, to keep your pet and yourself hydrated, check the availability of water resources, and if you are going to source it from a river or spring make sure you have water sterilisation tablets with you. Drinking unhygienic water makes you ill and unhealthy.

To keep your dog comfortable, make sure to check if there is any shelter where you and your dog can take a rest when you both get tired.

 

 

What all need to be packed for your dog?

It can be very tricky to decide what will need to be packed for your dog when you are planning a backpacking? Don’t worry, just read on and pack accordingly.

Leashes

No matter how obedient your dog is, you never know what is going to happen while hiking. You can choose from a variety of leashes available like extendable, hands-free, rope and shock absorber leash.

A doggie Backpack

It is a great idea if your dog carries its essentials itself. For, this you can invest in a reusable doggie backpack in which you can keep water bottles and food for your dog. You should buy a backpack that fits tightly, comfortable, has enough compartments, light-weight, can be attached to a leash and waterproof.

Hiking boots for dogs

Keep your dog’s paws protected from cuts by making them wear hiking boots. You can buy ruffwear booties that gives maximum protection to your dog’s paws on tough and rocky terrain.

Other essentials

Apart from above items your dog will need a few more things such as protection wax for paws, cooling vest, collapsible bowl and water bottles, sleeping mat, towel, waterproof jacket and harness.

Make sure to carry a first aid kit in case, your dog gets injured. You can use it for immediate treatment.