How to Hike With Dogs

Hiking with dogs can be great fun, but it can also be scary, frustrating or illegal. This article discusses the skills your dog needs to have, what you (the human and the owner) need to watch for, and how to find good places to take dogs.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• dog(s)
• leash for each dog
• safety equipment appropriate to the length of your hike (map, compass, water, food, flashlight, etc).

1. The dog: before a dog can be off leash it must be trustworthy. Sometimes letting a dog off leash is compared to trusting a 16 year old with a car. You must know your dog's level of recall and what can tempt your dog. How will your dog respond if you meet another hiker with off leash dogs? How will your dog respond to wildlife or a person on a mountain bike or an ATV or a horse? Before going into the woods with an off leash dog lots of socialization - on leash and off leash is necessary. A dog park can be a good intermediate step; at the dog park your dog can be off leash but confined and you can good a solid idea of the level of recall you have.

2. The place: it isn't always easy to find places where dogs are allowed off leash. US Forest Service land is a good place to start - be sure to ask with your local office if off leash dogs are allowed. County and state land differs by area. Dogs are not allowed off leash anywhere on National Park lands. Once you know the regulations, it is also a good idea to get an idea of how heavily used the area is and the types of wildlife you are likely to encounter. For your first off leash walks it is a good idea to go to lesser used areas. The woods will stimulate your dog enough; lots of people could over stimulate.

3. The season: use of natural areas often changes seasonally. You may choose to only take your dog in the off season to avoid too many people or dogs. Keep in mind seasons that wildlife may be calving; this is a dangerous time for you and/or your dog to run into an elk, deer or other animal. Also, consider your dog's comfort - it is too hot or cold? Does she have access to enough water or do you need to carry water for her? In snow ice balls can form and get stuck in the pads of dogs feet making walking painful. If you see your dog limping immediately check out the paw.

4. This is a quick overview of things to consider when walking in the woods with a dog. Hiking with your dog can be a wonderful, enjoyable experience but it can also turn terrible in a flash. The link below give more information about what to consider. As always, as the human you are the leader - you are making the decisions and keeping the dog safe. In return you and your dog can contribute to each others lives.

Tips & Warnings

• Have a plan of where you are going. Know the area regulations and have an idea of what you expect to encounter.
• The same ways you take care of yourself - water, food, shelter - you also need to take care of for the dog.
• Start slow and small and build as you learn the capabilities of your dog and yourself.
• Be extremely careful during calving or birthing seasons of wildlife.
• Know the hunting seasons and regulations where you hike. If you decide to hike during hunting season it is advisable for you and your dog to wear blaze orange.
• Pay attention to your health and the health of the dog.

[GreenLeader]

on 4/23/2009 Great Tips, thx