Hiking with dogs transforms trail experiences into shared adventures with your four-legged companion. Dogs thrive on outdoor exercise and new scents, but responsible dog hiking requires preparation for their safety and consideration for other trail users and wildlife.
Trail Selection
Not all trails allow dogs, and regulations vary significantly between public lands. National Parks largely prohibit dogs on trails while National Forests typically welcome leashed dogs. State and local parks have varying policies. Research regulations before arriving to avoid turning around at trailheads.
Match trail difficulty to your dogs fitness level and experience. Just like humans, dogs need conditioning before tackling challenging terrain. Start with shorter, easier hikes and gradually increase distance and elevation gain as your dog builds endurance.
Avoid trails with dangerous wildlife concentrations, extreme temperatures, or hazardous terrain beyond your dogs capability. Hot rocks and sand burn paw pads quickly. Steep scrambling sections that pose no problem for humans may be impassable or dangerous for dogs.
Leash Requirements
Most trails require leashes for good reason. Even well-trained dogs may chase wildlife, harass other hikers, or run into dangerous situations when off-leash. Leashes protect your dog, other trail users, and wildlife from preventable encounters.
Six-foot leashes provide reasonable control while allowing dogs some freedom to explore. Retractable leashes work poorly on trails because they provide insufficient control and can tangle in vegetation. Consider hands-free waist leashes for longer hikes where holding a leash becomes tiring.
Paw Protection
Dog paws require attention on trail surfaces ranging from sharp rocks to hot pavement to icy snow. Inspect paws regularly during hikes for cuts, abrasions, or debris caught between pads. Carry tweezers for removing thorns and splinters.
Dog boots protect paws in extreme conditions but require conditioning to wear comfortably. Start with short practice sessions at home before expecting your dog to hike miles in unfamiliar footwear. Mushers Secret and similar paw waxes provide moderate protection without the adjustment period boots require.
Hot surfaces burn paws quickly on sunny days. If pavement is too hot for your palm held against it for five seconds, it is too hot for your dogs paws. Hike during cooler morning hours in summer or stick to shaded trails.
Hydration and Nutrition
Dogs need water frequently during exercise, often more than you expect. Carry at least one liter per dog for every two hours of hiking in moderate temperatures. Collapsible bowls weigh almost nothing and make drinking easier than trying to pour water into a dogs mouth.
Bring extra food for dogs on longer hikes. Their caloric needs increase significantly during sustained exercise. High-protein treats provide energy without excessive bulk. Avoid feeding large meals immediately before or after strenuous hiking to prevent digestive issues.
Wildlife Encounters
Dogs and wildlife create unpredictable situations. Dogs may trigger defensive responses from animals that would otherwise avoid humans. Keep dogs close and under control in areas with bear, moose, or mountain lion activity. Never let dogs chase wildlife even if they have good recall under normal circumstances.
Snakes pose particular danger to curious dogs who investigate with their noses. Learn to recognize venomous snakes in your hiking area and keep dogs on short leashes in snake-prone terrain.
Trail Etiquette
Yield to other hikers by stepping aside with your dog under control. Not everyone enjoys dogs, and some people fear them. Keep dogs from jumping on or approaching other hikers without permission. Clean up waste and pack it out on all trails, even remote backcountry routes.
Excessive barking disturbs other hikers and wildlife. If your dog barks persistently on trails, work on training before future hiking trips. The wilderness deserves peaceful appreciation for all visitors.
