Thinking about taking a mountain hike with your dog?
While it isn’t difficult, it’s also not quite as simple a hiking through flat terrain.
Once you’ve chosen some potential dog-friendly hiking trails, you’ll need to do a little prep work.
There are a few things you’ll need to do before you hit the hills, as well as while you’re on your hike!
Check out some great tips from our special guest, Mike, from Pooching Around!
Tips For Tackling A Mountain Hike With Your Dog
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Owning a dog opens you to a wide variety of opportunities for the kinds of things you can do with your canine pal. One of the best is taking a hike up a mountain. Most breeds of dogs, no matter their size, need exercise. Why not do it together?
Whether are bored of walking around the local dog park or area or just want something a bit different – a challenge or just want to see some stunning views.
There is more to taking a hike with your dog than just heading out in the car and hiking, you need to plan and prepare it properly beforehand.
With that in mind, the following post offers some helpful advice and tips for hiking up a mountain with your dog.
1. Training Before The Hike
One of the most important things you need to do before going on any hike is to make sure your dog has been trained sufficiently. Your canine buddy not only needs to handle the distance, but also the different terrain and obstacles you are likely to face.
You should also ensure that your dog is comfortable and happy socializing with other dogs and people. Remember, you are not likely to be the only human and canine hiking team taking to the mountainside.
Also, don’t forget your own training…although you don’t have to be the fittest person in the world, you need to prepare yourself for the challenge, and need to keep in mind – if things go wrong, you may be carrying your dog for part of the hike.
2. Find A Suitable Hike For Your Dog
You may already have a particular peak in mind that you want to tackle, but you need to check the suitability of it for your dog before you head out.
There are some routes that dogs are not permitted to use, whereas there are some that have special rules about keeping your four-legged friend on a leash
It’s not a race to the top and your dog will appreciate it if you remember that point.
3. Pack Enough Food, Water and Snacks For Both of You
If you have ever hiked on your own, you will know that you need to bring quite a lot of food and drink, so it is no surprise that when you decide to go hiking with your canine pal, you need to pack even more.
Take along your dog’s favorite brand of food
A collapsible water bowl
4. Some Gear No Hike Is Complete Without
Although much of the specific gear you take will depend on where you are going and when; there are some pieces of equipment and accessories that are always good to invest in. This includes:
- a robust leash
, even if you have one already you may want to buy a new and stronger one or look at some of the best harnesses with a handle, for increased safety.
- A weatherproof coat
may be worth purchasing too, even if you are hiking during spring or summer because the weather can change quickly on the side of a mountain so it’s best to be prepared for all conditions, even if the coat stays in your bag the whole time.
This post was written by Mike from PoochingAround.co.uk
Have you ever gone on a mountain hike with your dog? Share your tips!
