Rather than a simple outdoor activity, hiking with dogs is more like an adventure, about health, activity and trust between dog and human. Facing the adventure, we conclude text here for no matter seasoned hikers with dog or beginners. From preparation to dog care after hiking, this comprehensive guide will cover everything you need to know.
1. Knowing About Your Dog
Best Dog Types for Hiking
Our Teki, a Golden Retriever, is a good hiker. Other dogs highly suitable for hiking are Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherds, Siberian Huskies. Then, Beagles, Rottweilers, Dachshunds are moderately okay to go hiking.
Differing from Teki, however, for bulldogs and Poodles, hiking is not an easy thing. Their low stamina and inability to regulate body temperature make them unsuitable for strenuous activities. Besides, Dachshunds are not ideal for rugged or extended hikes due to their short legs and elongated spine. Over-hiking can even lead to their physical strain.
Dogs Like Going Hiking
Teki seems very gentle, but it is really like hiking. Actually, in addition to Teki, the whole species of dog tend to like this activity. This can be traced back to their ancestral roots. For example, wolves and early wild canids displayed behaviors that align closely with a modern dog’s instincts. Wolves and wild dogs’ survival depended on exploring new areas, and identifying potential threats or opportunities for hunting. And they often travel 20–30 miles a day to hunt or patrol their territory. And the place they evolved to thrive can be forests, mountains and deserts.
Besides, physical exercise and new experiences help dogs release pent-up energy and stress. And successfully navigating a trail or reaching the summit of a hill can give dogs a sense of achievement. This greatly benefits its mental health.
Checking its Physically Readiness
Though Teki is crazy about going hiking, as its calm owner, we did remember checking its physical status before departing.
- Paws and Pads: Look for any cuts, cracks, sores, thorns or debris. And ensure a safe length of nails.
- Fur and Skin: Inspect the coat for matting, burrs, or debris, because a healthy coat protects against environmental elements.
- Joints and Muscles: Observe for stiffness, swelling, or discomfort in the legs, hips, and elbows. Flex and extend the limbs gently to check for pain.
- Tails: Golden Retrievers use their tails for balance, and any discomfort can affect their movement, so don’t forget to check their tail.
- Vaccinations and Flea/Tick Protection: Ensure the dog is up-to-date on vaccinations and has flea/tick preventative.
2. Preparing Hiking with Dogs
First, our Teki has a good understanding of commands like “come”, “stay”, “heel” and “leave”. So train your dog as our Teki to ensure control on the trail. Then, we are going to prepare hiking gear for Teki. A leash, food, water, waste bag and first aid kit are necessary. If the dog adapts protective boots and the mountain is rough, we can prepare a sets of protective boots. For better security and fun, Taki wears Dog Collar Camera and Dog GPS Tracker during this hiking journey.
3. Enjoying Hiking with Dog
Our enjoyment is promoted by IoT and AI technology during this hiking.
We See the Things from Teki’s vision.
With the collar camera and the app on my phone, I saw how Teki running via real-time video. To be honest, I felt a little bit of seasickness when I was “strapped” in the dog collar since our Teki runs so fast. And, another funny thing is that Teki likes tree branches so much. It always runs along the path filled with trees and branches.
We Set Him Free under the Monitor of AI Device.
Teki enjoys free running in the mountains but it is really hard for us to catch it up on foot. So we take off its leash and equip him with the GPS tracker. For we human group, it was time to cook our sandwiches and set our picnic mats well. For the dog, Teki does not have to handle this work. It just needs to take the responsibility of mountain adventure. See its satellite positioning in the app on our smartphone. It must be a busy task because Teki moves so fast and zigzag in the e-map. Good boy isn’t it?
We Phone Teki to Go Back When It Goes Too Far.
When Teki enjoys its free running in the mountains, we enjoy food preparation and resting. Unconsciously, it’s lunchtime and all the food is ready. There is sandwiches, luncheon meat, bread, cherry tomato and absolutely dry dog food.
We are going to tell Teki. This time, things became easier during this hiking than before. With telecommunication and the speaker in the dog tracker, we phone Teki with our smartphone.
“ Hey Teki what are you doing? Come back and your food is ready.”
“ woof woof woof woof”
Then after a few minutes, we saw Teki running back just like a happy kid back from the school playground, with happy barks.
3. Resting the Dog During Hiking
Clean water for drinking is necessary. Nearing our picnic mat, we found a proper resting place for Teki to go through lunchtime. And we put enough and dry food there. Please notice that lawn can be a nice surface for comforting and protecting dogs’ paws. Midday heat or long stretches on challenging terrain are not recommended.
4. Avoiding Hazards During Hiking with Dogs
During hiking, we mainly keep eyes on our Teki via the collar camera to ensure its safety. Although danger seldom occurs, we have to notice
- Whether the camera reveals potential risky place or not,
- Whether the camera detects fierce wildlife or not, such as snakes,
- Whether the camera shows the abnormal behavior of pets or not.
5. Caring Dog After Hiking
After spending a happy afternoon in the mountains, we went home with a good mood. By the way, caring ourselves and the dog is an important job after the one-day outdoor activities. A light meal and fresh water help replenish fluids lost on the trail. Then, we check Teki’s paw and remove thorns in it. Last but not least, we give a mild bath for Teki from allergens picked up outdoors.
If there is a minor injury, don’t worry too much. For minor cuts or scrapes, we just clean with antiseptic and apply a dog-safe ointment. Even, we can use a bandage if needed to protect the area. For sore joints or muscles, we suggest gently massage sore areas. If our pets suffer limping, swelling, or deep cuts after hiking, please consult a veterinarian promptly.
6. Recommended Place for Hiking with Dog
| Location | Trail Sightseeing | Hiking Time | Hiking Difficulty for Dog | Suitable Dog Type | |
| Acadia National Park | Maine | Beautiful ocean views and woodland trails along the Atlantic coast | 3 hours | Moderate | Various dogs |
| Great Smoky Mountains National Park | Tennessee and North Carolina | Soft waterfalls and lush woodlands | Under half of a day | Easy, Moderate | Medium and Large dogs |
| Sedona | Arizona | Canyons of red granite and a captivating desert | 2 to 4 hours | Moderate | Various dogs |
| Redwood National and State Park | California | Large old trees and areas that are pet-friendly | 1 to 3 hours | Easy, Moderate | Various dogs |
| Shenandoah National Park | Virginia | The Blue Ridge Mountains, rolling mountains, tumbling waterfalls, areas that allow pets | 2 to 5 hours | Easy, Moderate | Medium and large dogs |
| Lake District | Northwest England | Gentle hills and glistening lakes | Under 1 day | Easy, Moderate | Small and medium-sized dogs |
| Peak District National Park | Central England | Beautiful villages, limestone dales, and rolling moors | 2 to 4 hours | Easy, Moderate | Various dogs |
Acadia National Park, located in Maine, provides moderate trails for small to large dogs, with scenic ocean views and forested paths along the Atlantic coast. It usually takes three hours to finish the popular routes with a gentle difficulty level. Moreover, there is varied terrain, including rocky shores and carriage roads. So don’t forget to take care of the paw of pets.
Top 2 is Great Smoky Mountains National Park which accommodates medium to large dogs on its pet-accessible paths. It spans Tennessee and North Carolina with a good view of gentle waterfalls and lush forests.
If you like special sightseeing, Sedona in Arizona is highly recommended to hiking with dogs except for heavier or older dogs. It features its red rock canyons and mesmerizing desert landscapes.
Takeaway
Hiking with our dog Teki is a fulfilling activity that keeps us both active and involved while strengthening our relationship. Before hiking, a comprehensive plan importantly ensures fun and safety. It includes determining Teki’s level of fitness, packing necessary equipment, and selecting dog-friendly terrain. To keep Teki’s healthy, post-hike care is equally significant. This includes checking their paws, brushing their coat, and keeping an eye on their health.
When we respect their boundaries, stay hydrated, and prepare ahead, hiking can be an enjoyable and exploratory experience in the memory of dogs and us. If you have any questions on how to go hiking with dog or any questions on the device mentioned above, please feel free to contact us for free professional consulting. Together, embrace nature and make priceless memories while hiking! Happy travels to you and the dog.
