How to Hike with Kids and Dogs

You're ready to hit the great outdoors with your whole brood, to pack the kids and the dogs in the car and take a walk up into the mountains. The hardest part of the hike is always the first few minutes, when the entire group is raring to go and running off in opposite directions. But once you're on the path and the dogs wear out their initial exuberant energy, you can focus on the beauty of the surroundings and all the little things your kids will point out to you. A mountain hike is a great way to get exercise, spend time exploring with the kids and give the dogs a place to burn off some steam and be out with the family.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Have the kids each take a bottle of water and put a leash on the dogs.
2. Pack everyone in the car and take your ride up to the mountain. Pick a hiking trail that you know is dog-friendly and not too steep for your kids.
3. Keep the dogs on their leashes until you are a few steps onto the hiking path. If they're well-behaved dogs and you trust them, then unhook their leashes and let them go!
4. The dogs will probably leap forward and disappear for awhile. Let the kids lead the way while you follow their exploring path on your hike. The dogs will come back to find you, tongues hanging out.
5. Let your kids pause to explore if there's something worth looking at. Dogs will usually accompany any straggler or anyone who heads off in a new direction. Your kids might enjoy running and calling the dogs along with them to explore a place. Dogs might give them courage to look in a slightly "scary" area!
6. Relax, and enjoy the time out in the wilderness with your human and animal family.

Tips & Warnings

• If you've never had your dogs off-leash before and you're nervous, take them to a dog park before taking them on the trail. You'll see how they do in a large, enclosed area where they have the freedom to run and come back to you.