Dog owners are 34% more likely than non-owners to get the exercise they need according to The Journal of Physical Activity and Health. There is something almost primal about hiking with your four legged best friend. Some days flopping on the couch seems more appealing than get out for a walk.... then those big pleading eyes look up at you and you can't say no.
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Dogs are almost the perfect companion while hiking and I don’t enjoy my walks half as much without my trusty side kick, Lami. Dogs are never happier than when they are on their walkies. Meandering along sniffing at everything seemingly enjoying the forest at least as much as we are. The more obedient and cooperative a dog is the more enjoyable their company is.
What are the main factors in maximizing both your enjoyment and pooch’s.
1. Fit Doggies = Fit Humans
Pooch needs to be as fit as you are. I started walking 4 to 5 km per day with my canine, Lami, from 8 weeks old and we have maintained a regular habit of walking around 30 km per week for 6 years. If we don’t walk for a week I notice both of us can feel the difference.
2. Size doesn't matter
Pooch needs to be as fit as you are. I started walking 4 to 5 km per day with my canine, Lami, from 8 weeks old and we have maintained a regular habit of walking around 30 km per week for 6 years. If we don’t walk for a week I notice both of us can feel the difference.
3. Obedient doggies are safe doggies
Fido needs to have basic obedience. It is both unsafe and not fun to walk with an unruly canine. It is also irresponsible to allow your pet to chase the wildlife. Your furry companion should stay close, stay quiet and behave as respectfully as any other hiker. Fido should be polite to other dogs and human hikers. Aggression and barking at strangers is not acceptable from other hikers and not from hiking hounds.
4. Off leash is way more fun
Off leash is more fun than on WHERE POSSIBLE. Dogs like to stop a lot and then run off at speed. Humans walk at a constant pace. It is not comfortable for a dog to walk at the same pace for hours. Plus there are all those fascinating smells that need to be thoroughly appreciated before moving on. Off leash is only safe for all involved if your dog obeys basic commands. Traffic, wildlife and other hazards are minimized if pooch does what they are told when they are told. Train for off leash while still on leash so the transition is safe. I walk Lami off leash 90% of the time as we live in a semi rural area and traffic is sparse. When cars approach have pooch sit and wait until instructed to move on.
5. Work up to longer hikes
If planning a long hike or a through hike pooch needs to be eased into the experience of walking distance, being away from familiar places, be used to unfamiliar sounds and smells and learn respect for wildlife. Pups feet need to get conditioned to natural surfaces. Know your dogs limitations. Know how long and how far they can walk in various conditions. If you own a 140 lb dog and find out pooch is only good for 10 km when you are 5 km from your car, be prepared to do some serious lifting to get Fido out.
6. Dress for the weather
Doggies vary widely in their tolerance for climates. Some short haired dogs feel the cold so appropriate “clothing” to supplement the lack of fur. Other doggies are well endowed with fuzz and feel the heat. In warmer weather hikes in shady areas or where swimming holes are accessible to dogs are preferable or leave Fido at home. Of course, always pack plenty of water and a drinking bowl for your furry friend. There are plenty of cheap, light bowls for dogs. There are dog water bottles with attached bowl and even doggy backpacks so pooch can carry his own food & water.
7. Dogs and hiking poles DO mix
I’ve been Nordic hiking with my dog for 6 years now. It took a while to fathom how to simply keep my dog on a leash while my hands are fully occupied with my hiking poles. When I hike with my dog, Lami, I always wear either a fanny pack (bum bag) or my backpack. Clip the extendable leash through the waist band so the leash can only be removed from the waist band by unclipping the pack. If our dog is off leash tuck the end of the lead into your pocket. If the dog slows down to sniff something he has time to investigate the fascinating item while you walk twice the full length of lead until pressure is applied to the collar as you move away. If you come to a busy road most leashes allow you to keep pooch on a short lead while you cross. The hiking poles can also offer some protection against dogs or animals that threaten your canine friend.
7. Respect the environment
I’ve been Nordic hiking with my dog for 6 years now. It took a while to fathom how to simply keep my dog on a leash while my hands are fully occupied with my hiking poles. When I hike with my dog, Lami, I always wear either a fanny pack (bum bag) or my backpack. Clip the extendable leash through the waist band so the leash can only be removed from the waist band by unclipping the pack. If our dog is off leash tuck the end of the lead into your pocket. If the dog slows down to sniff something he has time to investigate the fascinating item while you walk twice the full length of lead until pressure is applied to the collar as you move away. If you come to a busy road most leashes allow you to keep pooch on a short lead while you cross. The hiking poles can also offer some protection against dogs or animals that threaten your canine friend.
Dogs make hiking even more enjoyable. They put you in the moment while you walk as you watch them and discover the things they smell and see that we humans don't always notice. They don't chatter away about their problems. They are always in the moment. Their walks are a special time for them . Allow them to enjoy hikes in their own way and at their own pace.
