Hiking Trail Etiquette for Canines

In the past I have written about proper dog park etiquette, but I have yet to write about the do's and don'ts of hiking trails. If you and your dog are not properly armed with knowledge, training and equipment for hiking on a trail, bad things can happen. Before I list out the etiquette portion of this blog, I will first list out the preparations you need to make before you hit the wild.

First and Foremost-- Is your dog even capable to hike a trail?

• Age: It is highly advised to take your dog's age into consideration. Puppies should hike for less than an hour. Elderly dogs joints, health and stamina should be considered. If you are going to take an elderly dog or puppy on a hike, please check with your veterinarian first and follow their guidelines.
• Dogs with a high prey drive or are highly exciteable: It is recommended that these dogs do not take hikes without a leash and have gone through rigorous obedience training. The wilderness offers a lot of stimulus-- wild life smells and the new terrain can cause your sensitive pup to go into overdrive. Remember: a dog's senses are way more acute than a human's!
• Train, train, train: Even the best trained dogs can struggle with keeping to the rules on a trail. It is advised that you take your dog on short "training hikes" before proceeding to a long hike.
• Up to date on all vaccinations: Please make sure your dog is up to date on all shots. It is also recommended that your dog is vaccinated for Leptospirosis which is a pathogen found in wildlife urine. 
• Short-Muzzled Dogs: It is recommended that dogs with short muzzles-- bulldogs, pugs, etc...--- do not go on strenuous, long hikes. Due to the air constriction of their muzzles, these dogs just aren't made for endurance and are at high risk for heat exhaustion and exercise intolerance. 
• Are my dog's paws preppped? Before you take your dog on an epic, long hike, take them on short hikes first and gradually work up the time duration. Your dog's paws will thank you.

Before you go, do your homework:

•  Pack a First Aid Kit: Not sure what should go into a first aid kit for your dog? ---->Click here. ***Extra helpful tip: pack it with you on the hike. You don't want to be in an emergency situation on a trail and have your first aid kit in the car. 
• 6' Leash: You don't want an extra long leash that gets tangled on everything-- No zipline leashes! But, you also don't want a super short leash that makes your dog feel trapped. Even if your dog is off leash trained, you need to have a leash on hand.
• Bring water and food: Just like for yourself, your dog may need extra calories and certainly will need water! Please bring a collapsable bowl with you and don't just rely on the ol' pour water into your dog's mouth from a water bottle method-- let them drink how they are build to drink. Also, don't rely on natural waterways for your dog's thirst. These may contain pathogens that will make your dog sick.
• Be picky about your location: Choose a location that is easy on paws. Avoid rough terrain, massive drop offs, hot surfaces and sharp rocks. If the trail is epic for mountain bikes and horses, it's probably not best for dogs.  
• Care for the paws: Bring a pair of booties for your dog as well as some paw salve.  

Trail Etiquette!!

• Your dog should be under control at all times both on and off leash.
• Your dog should be within sight at all times and close enough for commands.
• Recall training with a whistle that can be heard from 400 yards away is a must. 
• Yield to other hikers with your dog heeling by your side when others approach. 
• Communicate proactively with other hikers. Please let other hikers know your dog's temperament before they approach. This will also give other hikers a chance to let you know their dog's temperament or their feelings about dogs-- not all people are dog lovers! Respect that: You don't know their history. This can help reduce the risk of dog fights, startlement and basic bad things happening. 
• Don't try to manage more than one dog at a time. If you have more than one dog, bring a friend to help out. Remember, even the best trained dogs can get overstimulated in the wild! Plus, there is just a lot of things that can happen on a trail that you have absolutely no control over. 
• Leave no trace. Pick up your dog poop and pack it out with you. Yes, I know that bears poop in the wilderness, but dog feces is toxic to the environment. (read here for the scoop on poop.)
• Protect the wildlife. Please don't let your dog go barreling off trail through the brush. Protect the natural flora and fauna: keep your dog to the trail. Dogs marking off trail can cause distress to the natural territorial animals in the area. Finally, proceed with caution on letting your dog enter water-- remember feces can disrupt waterways.

Caution while hiking:

• Be aware of temperatures. Try to avoid temperature extremes. Too cold and your dog risks hypothermia or frostbite. Too hot and your dog risks heat stroke. Keep out of the midday heat and sun. Pack extra water. 
• Check your dog for over exertion. Take frequent breaks and if your dog does not recover during those breaks, your pushing too hard.
• Check for paw injuries frequently.
• Be aware of dangerous plants, animals and unstable terrain: ticks, snakes, porcupines, poison ivy, cactus, giant drop offs-- research your terrain before you adventure into unfamiliar areas.
• Be wary of letting your dog drink from the water: there are pathogens that will make your dog sick in some waters, especially areas near campgrounds or cattle. Signs of water poisoning: diahrrea, vomiting, lethargy.

As you can see, it takes a lot of preparation to be a responsible, trail hiking dog owner! There is commitment involved for the safety of all involved. But with the right time put in, it's well worth the adventure outdoors. 🌲