There are many ways to go hiking, and here’s a selection of offers to explore trails in our country, especially if you lack experience or don’t know a specific area well.
Tips for Hiking with Your Dog
1. Always Plan Your Route
And take it seriously. You’ll need to know exactly where you’re going, and it’s a good idea to print a map of the area and mark key points to remember, as you never know what might happen in the mountains: pharmacies, petrol stations, water sources, vets...
It’s also worth checking whether the mountain you’re visiting is a protected area, as you risk a fine (some areas don’t allow dogs).
2. Your Dog’s Physical Condition
Especially at first, avoid routes that are too strenuous for your dog, particularly if they’re not used to walking in the countryside. Introduce this activity gradually: they’ll thank you for it, and you’ll both enjoy the experience even more.
3. Pack a Rucksack with Everything You Need
Remember, you’ll need to pack for two: yourself and your dog. Most importantly, bring plenty of water for both of you, and if the route is long, pack food too. It’s also wise to carry a small first-aid kit in case your pet steps on a thorn, gets scratched by bushes, or brushes against a poisonous plant...
Don’t forget poo bags for your dog’s waste. Respect the environment!
4. Estimate the Duration of the Hike
Depending on the route you and your companion choose, you’ll need to know how many hours it will take. If you look up hiking trails online, you’ll find linear and circular routes; for linear ones, the given time is usually one-way, so double it, while circular routes show the full loop duration.
5. Watch Their Behaviour During the Hike
If your dog is calm and well-behaved, and you trust them not to run off, you might not need a lead. But if they’re more mischievous, keep a close eye on them and use a lead, as you might encounter other dogs, hikers, wildlife, or even livestock in some areas.
6. Protect Your Dog’s Paws
During the hike, their paws could get injured by abrasive surfaces, rocks, or sharp stones. You can use special creams to protect their pads or buy neoprene booties to prevent scratches.
When you get home, check their paws for any injuries.
7. The Perfect Trails for Your Dog
- Take them to water areas: streams and lakes are ideal, as they can splash and cool off during the hike. They’ll love it.
- Shaded areas. Crucial in hotter months.
- Grass. Since dogs love to purge, walking through grassy areas lets them eat as much as they want.
- Avoid tarmac. Stick to softer terrain like sand or woodland, avoiding hard surfaces or rocky paths to protect their paws.
