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The sun is shining, the wind blowing through your puppy\u2019s hair. <\/span><\/p>\n It\u2019s time to go on another exciting adventure! <\/span><\/p>\n For many outdoor-loving pet parents, hiking with your dog opens up a whole new world of fun for you and your pup. Luckily for all parties, our dogs make excellent companions in the wilderness! <\/span><\/p>\n While getting outdoors and exploring nature with your dog sounds great, you shouldn\u2019t grab a leash and hit the trails too spontaneously. Hiking can be a fun, but a strenuous adventure for you and your pup. If you forget to pack essential safety items, your fun adventure may end with a trip to the vet. Proper planning is the easiest way to make sure you and your dog both have an excellent experience!<\/span><\/p>\n Maria Shultz,\u00a0<\/span>Professional Dog Trainer and avid adventurer<\/span><\/a>, is <\/span>skilled in many outdoor sports, including skiing, mountain biking, stand up paddleboarding (SUP), scuba diving, rock climbing, and hiking!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cMy dogs and I have hiked all over the East Coast, but our favorite trails are close to home,\u201d Maria Shultz shares. \u201c<\/span>White Oak Canyon<\/span> and <\/span>Mary\u2019s Rock<\/span> are two of our favorite hiking trails.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n We asked Maria to help us create the ultimate guide to hiking with your dog!<\/span><\/p>\n Before attempting a hike with your dog, it\u2019s essential to plan accordingly. <\/span><\/p>\n \u201cConsider the age and condition of your dog, and the type of hike you plan to do,\u201d Maria recommends. \u201cPuppies and older dogs might not be able to handle a lot of mileage, so introduce hiking gradually and add distance over time.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n Map Out Your Adventure<\/strong><\/p>\n First, make sure the trail you\u2019re planning to visit is safe and dog-friendly. <\/span><\/p>\n Then, map out your hike, planning the distance you aim to cover. Don\u2019t divert off this path when traveling with your dog. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Pack Snacks and Fresh Water<\/strong><\/p>\n When packing fresh water and snacks for a hike, pet parents should lean towards high protein treats and food. High-protein treats help replace their calories lost during exercise. Rewarding your dog on your hike encourages them to continue good walking behavior, and small treats make for great training tools. <\/span><\/p>\n \u201cI always carry treats with me on every hike so I can continually mark and reward good behavior,\u201d Maria says. \u201cMost of the time I keep <\/span>small training treats<\/span> like Redbarn Protein Puffs<\/a> in my pants pocket or the hip pocket of my backpack for easy access.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Confirm Vaccinations<\/strong><\/p>\n Vaccinations are a personal choice for every pet parent, but make sure your dog is current on the vaccines on those you choose to give your dog. To protect your pet from contagious viruses and diseases, it\u2019s essential to keep vaccines current. Vaccinating your pet can go a long way toward protecting them from potentially fatal illnesses.<\/span><\/p>\n Watch their paws!<\/strong><\/p>\n Your dog\u2019s paws are incredibly delicate. If you plan on hiking over rocks or snow, or in 70+ degree temperature, it might be wise to invest in a pair of booties to protect their paws from cuts and scrapes. No boots at home? Periodically check your dog over for any sores, pain, bruises, or rocks between the toes. If your dog is wearing a backpack or a harness, make sure it\u2019s not rubbing or causing discomfort. You may want to consider a pair of boots like the <\/span>Ruffwear Grip Trex<\/a>, for additional support<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n If you see any cuts on their pads, take them to a vet after the hike to prevent any infections. If your dog ever shows signs of pain or slowing down on the trail, stop and help them.<\/span><\/p>\n Have your dog carry a pack!<\/strong><\/p>\n Between your sunscreen, your dog\u2019s food and a camera to capture all the scenic vistas, your backpack is probably full!\u00a0<\/span>Getting a pack for your dog to carry will help alleviate what you have to carry, and most packs do not bother dogs at all.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Leave No Trace and the Center for Outdoor Ethics<\/a> have seven well-established principles hikers should follow. <\/span>Principle Number Three<\/span> is to Dispose of Waste Properly<\/a>. <\/span><\/p>\n Hm, I wonder what they could be referring to! <\/span><\/p>\n Pick up their poop!<\/strong><\/p>\n While you might be tempted to leave your dog\u2019s poop \u2018out in the wild,\u2019 some poop bags and a Ziplock bag (for your nose!) will earn you lots of trail karma points.\u00a0<\/span>Dog poop contains diseases that could contaminate water sources, so it\u2019s always wise to bag it and trash it. The Center for Outdoor Ethics encourages outdoor enthusiasts to consider the impact they leave behind, which will undoubtedly affect other people, water, and wildlife.<\/span><\/p>\n Re-hydrate! <\/strong><\/p>\n It\u2019s important to hydrate after a hike. <\/span>\u201cI always keep a Hydro Flask of cool water in my car for the end of a hike.\u201d Maria points out. \u201cWhen we get back to my vehicle I offer my dogs a bowl of cool water.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n Check for ticks and poison ivy!<\/strong><\/p>\n Your dog\u2019s health is priority number one. Stopping to check the trail ahead of time for Poison Ivy and poisonous plants will help your dog stay safe and injury-free.\u00a0<\/span>Make sure to check for ticks both during and after the hike.\u00a0<\/span>\u201cAfter I\u2019ve made sure my dogs are well hydrated, I remove their gear, towel them off, and check them over for any sores, ticks, and bites before we head home,\u201d Maria says. <\/span><\/p>\n What You Need to Know Before Going On a Hike with Your Dog <\/strong><\/p>\n All data and information provided on this site is for informational purposes only and reflect the views of the authors alone, and do not necessarily reflect those of the organization. <\/em><\/p>\n Redbarn.com makes no representations as to accuracy, completeness, timeliness, suitability, or validity of any information on this site and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use. <\/em><\/p>\n All information is provided on an as-is basis. Please note that each situation is different, and you should always consult your veterinarian should you have any questions about your pet\u2019s health.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" The sun is shining, the wind blowing through your puppy\u2019s hair. It\u2019s time to go on another exciting adventure! For many outdoor-loving pet parents, hiking with your dog opens up a whole new world of fun for you and your pup. Luckily for all parties, our dogs make excellent companions in the wilderness! While getting […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":290105,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[2634,1780,2059,425],"dealstore":[],"offerexpiration":[],"class_list":["post-290104","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized","tag-dog","tag-essential","tag-guide","tag-hiking"],"yoast_head":"\nWhat should you do before hiking with your dog?<\/h4>\n
What should you do during a hike with your dog?<\/h4>\n
<\/span><\/p>\nWhat should you do after a hike with your dog?<\/h4>\n
Hiking Essentials Checklist<\/span><\/h4>\n
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Do you love to hike with your dog? What\u2019s your favorite outdoor trail?<\/h4>\n
Let us know in the comments below!<\/h4>\n