Hitting the Trail

This week we are talking about hitting the trail with your dog. Remember this is about your dog and not you.

Picking a Trail:

The first step is picking your trail. We always start with considering your dog’s physical abilities. Don’t expect your dog to jump off the couch and go 15 miles. They need to train just as much as anyone else.

Think about picking a trail with no elevation gain, or even starting with walks around the neighborhood. Also consider your dog's speed, you will need to go at their pace.

How much time are you planning to spend on the trail and how much trail time has your dog had? Does your dog go for a walk every night? Does that mean you can go for the same distance or amount of time?

Always evaluate your dogs actual tail experience.

Weather Considerations:

How is the weather going to be, and how will that affect your dog? What is your no go temperature? For us, if it will be over 80 degrees at any point during the day it is a no go.

Also consider that even if the air is cool, the sun might be hot enough to be dangerous. Your dog could overheat even hiking in the snow.

Heat stroke is no joke! Make sure you are prepared and don’t go if it’s to warm.

Plan when you will go. Have an idea of how long you will be out there. Check the hourly expected temperatures so you know the benchmarks of when you need to head back.

What do we pack?

First most important thing to take… Water!

Don’t skimp on the water. Always carry plenty, carry more than you need.

Make sure you always carry enough that you won’t run out. We carry typically 10 liters for ourselves, and the dogs. Carry more water than you think you need.

Snacks - Bring snacks for yourself and the dogs.

Shade - bring something to make a shade in case of emergency.

Leash and a collar - always have a leash. It shouldn’t have to be said, but a collar as well with tags for identification.

First Aid Kit - this is something you should always carry as a person adventuring. But when going with your dog there are additional items which should be included. (reference ASPCA)

• Dog Bowl
• Self-adhesive Wrap
• Non-sick Absorbent Pads
• Instant Ice Pack
• Towel
• Veterinarian's Contact Information

A few things to carry in the car:

• Saline Solution (carried in car)
• Hydrogen Peroxide (to induce vomiting)
• Oral Syringe for giving water or hydrogen peroxide

Dog Packs:

Does your dog need to carry their own daypack?

We have packs for both Terra and Jasper. But we look at them as a safety item and not a way to make them carry their own weight.

Terra carries a backpack for several reasons.

1. Visibility - the bright orange backpack makes her more visible.
2. Bigger - The pack makes Terra bigger and not as likely to be prey.
3. Slowing her down - wearing a pack makes her think more. This isn’t from weight, but just a change in her shape.
4. Safety items Terra would carry in her pack:

Convenience, they can carry their own stuff, right?

Things to consider:

1. Your dog shouldn’t carry more than 10-15% of their weight.
2. Picking the right backpack
3. Practice with the pack before hitting the trail
4. Be prepared to carry it yourself if needed

At the Trailhead:

Check your bags to make sure everything is inside.

• Check your Dog’s leash and collar
• Check your map, make sure it’s downloaded if it is on your phone if you aren’t carrying a paper map
• Check any notice boards or signs