Do you like to take your pooch with you on your hikes? How about on camping and backpacking trips?
I see more and more people taking their dogs with them into the backcountry, and it is a great way to spend quality time with your dog outdoors.
Check out my full list of recommendations of how to find dog friendly hiking and camping spots. Do you have other tips to share? Let me know!
Great tips, thanks Jessica!
Yes. I love to hike with my two minature Dachshunds!. My older one has been on backpacking trips with us. His longest day was 15 miles.
My biggest recommendation for taking your dog hiking is to start with shorter hikes and work your way up to longer, steeper ones. Dogs, like people, need to build up their fitness.
My dogs won’t wear boots so to help rotect their paws from the elements I use Musher’s Secret (helps with snow, rocks and hot asphalt). You can find a list of our must-take items in this blog post http://youdidwhatwithyourweiner.com/2011/01/25/chester-and-gretels-must-haves-for-the-adventurous-weiner/
Thanks for the tip, John! I agree – it really is important to make sure your hikes are suitable for your skill level and that of your dog.
Just be careful to not put your dog in too difficult a situation, especially when hiking cross-country.
And I bring a small plastic container with lid for watering the dog. If she doesn’t finish it all, I can put the lid on and put it back in my pack. (Important when water supplies are limited)