TIPS FOR HIKING WITH YOUR DOG
Hiking with your dog can be one of the most rewarding and fulfilling activities for dogs. It can fulfill their natural need for physical exercise, mental stimulation, exploration and increase the bond between you and your dog! But how do we accomplish this and keep them and others safe on the trail? Here are a few of the most important areas to work on before hitting the trail:
Leash Skills: Passing other hikers, dogs, etc on tight singletrack trails can be tricky to say the least. The safest way to pass others is with your dog following at your side or right behind you. This is what we call your dog’s “safe spot”. Practice leash drills at home or on your neighborhood sidewalk where you guide your dog with the leash next to your side and/or behind you as if you were passing someone. Practice until this movement becomes second nature.
Recall: Whether your dog is on leash or off leash, recall is one of the most important skills to have from a safety perspective. Out on the trail, you may need to recall your dog away from other dogs, people, or even wildlife. All great recall starts ON LEASH! To practice, start in your backyard or a low distraction area with a short leash. Let your dog walk to the end of the leash, say their name and “Come!” and guide your dog back to you. Once they have gotten all the way to you, reward them with a calm chest rub, a treat or even just verbal praise like “good girl!”. Whichever your dog prefers most! Practice, practice, practice and do not rush the process. 100% recall takes time, patience and a whole lot of practice.
Off Leash follow: If you are hiking in an off leash area, it’s important that you can not only recall your dog but that they can also follow at your side or behind you in the “safe spot” while passing others on trail. As always, practice on leash first then progress to off leash.
Calmness at the trailhead: Trailhead parking lots can be busy with traffic, making it crucial that our dogs stay on leash and calm while getting out of the car and approaching the trailhead. This will help keep your dog safe in the parking lot while also setting them up for success on the trail. Practice asking your dog to wait for your cue and calmly exit the car. You can practice this at home first and then progress to the trailhead.
Overall it’s important to remember that hiking with your dog requires preparation, practice and patience. By practicing ahead of time, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable hike for both you, your dog and others. Remember to always follow leash laws, bring lots of water, a dog first aid kit for long hikes and practice Leave No Trace principles to preserve our beautiful local trails!
