Hiking With Dogs: 5 Things To Remember and Best Places To See
We’ve already established how beneficial hiking with dogs can be. It’s an excellent way to exercise and offers plenty of opportunities for your fur baby to get to know other people, discover new smells, and learn new things.
Benefits of hiking with dogs
1) Hiking with dogs lets you develop a stronger bond
Nothing will draw you and your fur baby closer together than shared experiences, and spending hours on end exploring the great outdoors does precisely just that.
2) Hiking with dogs can help prevent behavioral problems
Dogs’ behavioral problems often result from a lack of physical activities and mental stimulation. Regular exercise and mind activities can help prevent hyperactivity and excessive chewing. Social interaction is also important as it can help prevent dogs from developing aggressive behaviors.
3) Hiking with dogs is an excellent alternative to indoor training
After your dog has mastered basic commands and you’ve started leash training, you can start bringing your dog outside to take your obedience training to the next level.
Apart from dog parks, dog-friendly nature trails are the next best spots to train your dog, especially if you want him to learn to follow you amidst distractions like new sounds and smells.
Five things to remember when hiking with dogs
Before hiking with your canine, you need to remember a few things to keep both of you safe.
1) Consider your dog’s physical condition first
Not all dogs will make good hiking partners. Check with your fur baby’s veterinarian before planning to go hiking.
You need to be cautious, especially if you have a very young or old dog, as they may not be able to keep up with you on long and challenging hikes.
According to the American Kennel Club, dog breeds that make for an excellent hiking companion include Siberian Huskies, Bernese Mountain Dogs, and Alaskan Malamutes.
Yorkies, Pomeranians, Chihuahuas, Beagles, and Jack Russel Terriers are also excellent canine hiking companions.
Meanwhile, Bulldogs, Basset Hounds, Chow Chows, and Pugs may find it challenging to keep up with you. So unless you’re planning to go on long walks along the woods with plenty of stops, it’s best to stick to dog parks instead.
2) Do plenty of research
Don’t assume that the national parks and hiking trails near you are dog-friendly. Although there are a lot of canine-friendly nature parks in the country, most have specific restrictions and strict rules that fur parents and dogs need to follow.
Research pet rules and regulations before heading to any national park or hiking destination.
Once you’ve picked the park you will visit with your dog, you need to research and prepare for different terrain and weather. Remember that a trail’s elevation may affect your dog.
You need to pay attention to the humidity and heat as well. Hiking with dogs when the weather is too hot can damage their paws and lead to dehydration.
3) Pack essentials
Make sure you pack sunscreen and insect repellant, especially if you’re hiking with your dog during spring and summer.
Some other essentials you need to prepare before you hike include a spare leash, poop bags, a first-aid kit, plenty of water, and your dog’s bowl.
You may also need to bring a copy of your dog’s vaccination records and necessary identifications.
4) Be extra careful during the hunting season
You need extra precautions if you want to go hiking with dogs during hunting season. Get your dog bear bells and a reflective vest so he doesn’t get mistaken as the target.
Keep your dog on a leash to prevent him from wandering too far away from you. Make sure you also watch out for other hunting dogs.
5) Make sure your dog doesn’t disturb wildlife
Parks and hiking trails often restrict dogs as their presence can disturb the wildlife in the area. Keep your dog on a leash if he’s not disciplined enough to stop himself from chasing or baking at wildlife animals.
Make sure you know how to identify poisonous plants, too. Dogs are as susceptible as you to plant-based toxins. Watch out for poison ivy or oak, which can get on your dog’s coat.
What to do after hiking with dogs
What you do after your hike is as important as what you do before you head out. First, check your dog for any wounds he might have incurred while hiking.
Check your dog’s paws for any splinters or thorns. You must also check your dog’s fur for ticks or bugs.
Best places to go hiking with dogs
Texas and Chatanooga have some of the best dog-friendly hiking trails. Here are some you can check out with your Fido:
1) Enterprise South Nature Park
190 Still Hollow Loop, Chattanooga, Tennessee, 37416
Enterprise South Nature Park has a “Hidden Lake.” It offers breathtaking hiking, biking, and walking trails and excellent views of the water.
There’s a wildlife viewing platform on-site as well, where you can see whitetail deers and several bird species.
2) Katy Trails
2500 Victory Ave, Dallas, TX, US, 75205
Katy Trails is a historic destination in Dallas, Texas. It’s built on an old railroad line surrounded by lush greens and beautiful trees.
Fur parents love returning to this trail because friendly locals frequent it, which makes it a great place to meet new friends.
3) Renaissance Park
133 River St, Chattanooga, Tennessee, 37405
Imagine 28 acres of lush space set amidst wetlands and native grasses—that’s what Renaissance Park in Chattanooga has to offer.
This hiking destination was also designed with ecological restoration in mind. Apart from exploring the park grounds, you can also check out the outdoor pavilion or visit the park’s small amphitheater.
4) Acadia National Park
Don’t miss a chance to stop by Acadia National Park, too! There’s plenty of wildlife in the area, so make sure your dog doesn’t end up chasing them.
Dogs need to be on a leash when you visit this park. There are more than 100 miles of trails and 40 miles of carriage roads you can explore. You can also camp with your dog on-site.
5) Yellowstone National Park
If you’re in the mood for a relaxing picnic after a long hike, you can stop by Yellowstone National Park.
It’s also an excellent place for road trips. Just open your car window and let your fur baby enjoy the breeze amidst stunning views of Lamar Valley and Gibson Falls.
You can visit plenty of beautiful national parks with your fur baby. Make all the necessary preparations before heading out for your next adventure.
