Who enjoys being in the great outdoors just as much we do? Dogs that hike, of course! Our canine friends share a love for fresh air, beautiful scenery, & the chance to connect with nature. Deep down, dogs are wild animals at heart & what better way to be in their natural element than out on the trails? It is a place of sensory overload with sights, sounds, & smells so different from the city life that we are all used to. Dogs make great hiking companions as they don’t disrupt the peace & mainly keep to themselves, exploring their surroundings in silent awe. In addition to improving overall health & well-being, spending time together outdoors can strengthen the emotional bond between you & your pet. Read on to find out how to prepare your dog for a safe adventure & reviews on some of Yogi’s favorite hiking gear!

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Ruffwear, Performance Dog Gear

Yogi is still a young pup & like a child, he tends to wander off into his own little world. Your dog should be well equipped with a sturdy harness that will give you better control over his movements & allow you to easily lift him up when needed. I personally recommend Ruffwear dog gear for their durability & performance when hiking. I also love that their products come in bright, eye-catching colors & are designed with the dog’s comfort in mind.

The Ruffwear Front Range Harness is perfect for everyday outings with its padded straps & ease of accessibility. But for extended hours of exploring, we prefer to use the Ruffwear Approach Dog Pack as it comes with side pockets where Yogi can store his toys & adventure necessities. Its integrated harness is lightweight & made with water-resistant materials. The dual saddlebags are adjustable for easier load carrying & pack stability. Before you put the Ruffwear pack to use, allow your dog to familiarize himself with it. Be sure to distribute the weight equally on both sides & that he does not carry more than 25% of his own body weight.

Puppy Training for Hikes

Just like toddlers, you don’t want to take your puppy out onto the trails unless you’re prepared to carry him. If he is too young to walk long distances on his own, invest in a reliable backpack carrier.

As soon as Yogi was ready to experience the real outdoors, we began by taking him on regular hikes using the Outward Hound Pooch Pouch Front Carrier. This durable bag features a padded bottom & breathable mesh fabric that provides a comfortable ride for your little one. The carrier buckles securely around your midsection & its padded air mesh straps protect your shoulders from the weight of your dog. It also comes with an interior safety harness clip & a drawstring top to keep your dog from bouncing around in the bag.

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Once your dog is able to walk for extended periods on his own, you should condition his body by gradually exposing him to various terrains. Work your way up towards longer hikes as it will eventually toughen his paws & help build his endurance. Take your dog’s size into consideration & how many steps he would be taking. Due to their shorter stride, small dogs have to put in more effort than a larger breed just to cover the same distance. This can be quickly become exhausting.

Before hitting the trails, train your dog to understand basic verbal commands including sit & stay. It may even be a good idea to introduce him to other dogs & humans through socialization classes or a local dog park. This will allow you to observe your dog’s behaviors when exposed to an exciting new environment.

Choose a Pup-Friendly Trail

It is important to research trail regulations in advance & find one that is pet-friendly. Many National Parks, as well as State Parks, do not allow dogs on their trail systems. Stay away from areas that tend to be congested with horseback riders or mountain bikers.

You also want to make sure the trail is safe for your dog’s feet. Avoid paths with sharp, jagged rocks, steep inclines, or open desert-like terrain. If the weather forecast predicts hot temperatures, check how much tree cover is provided on the trail.

A lot of the local trails here in Southern California are not well shaded & to be constantly exposed to the heat can be detrimental for any dog (or even human!). Our furry friends are more at risk for heat exhaustion due to their coat, inability to sweat, & naturally high core body temperature. Certain brachycephalic breeds that have short muzzles & breathing complications, such as pugs or bulldogs, are especially prone to heat-related issues. It is probably best to take these breeds on short nature walks instead of the remote backcountry that can be too challenging for them.

Pack a Dog First-Aid Kit

As a professional nurse, I always carry first-aid essentials with me wherever I go. You just never know when you will find yourself in an emergency situation that requires medical attention. When preparing for the wilderness, I make sure to pack the following:

• First aid kit
• Band-aids
• Athletic tape
• Gauze dressing
• Antibiotic ointment
• Tweezers
• Acetaminophen
• Anti-histamine
• Bug spray

Before trekking out, you should assess your dog’s skin & feet for any open wounds. Whatever you encounter on the trails could potentially worsen existing wounds & lead to a serious infection. Miracle Care Qwik Stop Stypic Powder is an amazing product that can help control bleeding from minor superficial cuts. I have used it on occasion after nail trimming mishaps as it eases the pain & itching.

In addition to first aid, you also want to ensure your dog is current with his canine vaccinations. Don’t forget to protect your furry friend with flea & tick prevention too!

Keep Your Dog Leashed

One of my biggest pet peeves on the trails is running into a rampant dog without its leash. A loose dog can become an easy distraction to others who are trying to stay focused on their path. Even well trained dogs can become unpredictable when encountering a small critter & even worse, a deer or a bear! Also keep in mind that not everyone is fond of dogs & some might be allergic to them. It is simply trail etiquette to keep your dog leashed & under control at all times to avoid altercations. Additionally, make sure your dog is wearing current ID tags in case he breaks free & you become separated from him.

Food & Hydration

About an hour before the hike, feed your dog a small amount of food so he has enough energy. You wouldn’t want him to hike on an empty stomach or get nauseous after a full meal either. I pack Yogi’s collapsible dog bowls along with a ziploc bag of his regular kibble & treats in his Ruffwear pack. It might not be a good idea to try out new food while on a long hike.

I always carry my trusty CamelBak on my hikes with enough water to sustain both my dog & I. During the hot summer months, I like to add a couple ice cubes into the reservoir to keep the water cold & to provide extra fluid as it melts. If you don’t have a hydration pack, you can purchase a portable dog water bottle that also serves as a dish. Take frequent breaks & offer water often even if your dog doesn’t appear thirsty.

Keep a close eye on your dog so he doesn’t drink from any rivers or streams that could be contaminated with harmful parasites. Also, watch out for the random things he might find appetizing. Yogi loves to munch on flowers & leaves so I am constantly diverting his attention away from the bushes! There are a lot of unmarked poisonous plants in the backcountry, especially wild berries & mushrooms, so be mindful of what your dog might get himself into.

Scoop His Poop

Another huge pet peeve of mine is coming across dog poop on the trails. What frustrates me even more are the owners that take the effort to clean up after their dogs, but leave the pet waste bags behind. Remember that the Leave No Trace principles apply to your canine companions as well. Take responsibility for your pet & do your due diligence by helping to keep our public lands clean. If you forget to bring a bag with you, bury the waste in a cathole 6-8″ deep & at least 200 feet away from any water source.