Tips for Hiking with Your Dog
August 31, 2009
Tips For Hiking With Your Dog
You know what happens when you say those words! To borrow from Lewis Carroll’s
Jabberwocky (or in this instance, Jabberwalkies)
Oh frabjous day! Callooh! Callay!
How about a really, really long walk? Even better. A hike, perhaps? A trek out into the
wilds? Carrying the necessities, food, water, basic first aid supplies. Overnight?
Sleeping bag and yes, I’m going to go there, a pup tent?
To make it even more of a buddy trip, and less of a load on your back, why not let
Buddy carry some of his own gear — within reason, of course?
The sizes, configurations and capacities of outdoor gear for dogs are very nearly as
varied as they are for us bipeds, and there are as many variables to consider when
making gear choices.
First and foremost, size matters. Make sure the pack, whether it’s a full out backpack or
a saddlebag style outfit are the right size for your dog. It should be snug enough not to
slip but not tight enough to be uncomfortable or hamper your dog in any way — well,
other than by the very fact that he’s carrying something and not running around nekkid.
The harness should keep it from sliding around without being cinched too tightly, the
back panel should be a strong but lightweight, breathable material, like mesh, and there
should be adequate padding at any points where the pack could conceivably rub
against your dog.
A feature that is extremely handy is a handle on the back that allows you to grab hold of
your dog quickly and securely should the need arise. For a small dog, one that allows
you to literally pick the dog up like a suitcase is ideal. On a larger dog, it needs to be
easy to snag if a situation arises where you need to have close control over your dog.
Removable packs are a useful component. That lets you unburden your dog for a quick
romp or rest, or if there’s a trip through some water ahead.
Color is more than an expression of your personal taste. If you’re going out into the
environment, you want your dog to be easily visible to you and recognizable as a
responsibly owned pet to anyone you might encounter on your trip. Choose something
bright that catches your eye. Don’t go for the camo look. Reflective tape is always an
appropriate accessorizing touch, especially if it is applied in a pattern readily identifiable
as a non-random, human design.
Much of the gear you’ll want to take along for your dog can be carried by your dog. One
of the most basic needs is water. You can’t take the risk of getting out in the middle of
your trip and not finding water available for your dog, so it’s always imperative to take
some with you. Lightweight collapsible bladder type containers make it easy to pack
your dog’s water supply right in his very own backpack!
Food is another necessity, of course, as well as some high energy snacks for both of
you. That can be packed in your dog’s saddlebags as well, but it might be a good idea
to keep that in your own backpack. One obvious reason is to keep your dog from
wanting to stop and try to get into his pack; another is that if he knows you are carrying
the goodies, he’s going to be less likely to allow himself to be separated from you.
You’ll want to pack a basic first aid kit as well, an extra emergency leash, in case the
main one breaks or you might need a shorter or longer one. Some kind of bedding is a
definite need for an overnight trip, unless you’re going to be sharing a sleeping bag.
Items that often get overlooked are boots and an overcoat, either to protect against cold
if you’re going to be in a chilly climate or to repel water. A wet, soggy layer of fur is not
only uncomfortable, it can be heavy, plus, if you’re camping overnight it’s better not to
be sharing that sleeping bag with a wet dog. The boots will protect your dog’s feet from
cold as well as rough terrain that might cut pads. If you’re going to be walking on
surfaces — like sand — that have the potential to become hot, they’re also a good
precaution.
One thing about heading out with your dog: he’s not going to complain about your camp
cooking, nor is he going to fuss because you’re making him miss his favorite TV show
or because he doesn’t get a signal on his blackberry.
Provided by Kristina Collens of www.pet-super-store.com: Where you can find all the Dog Kennels and Dog Training Collars.