Hiking With Your Dog: How Do I Prepare My Dog for Hiking?

But the length of your hikes is often the first question to ponder when planning a hike with your dog – from what type of dog can keep up, to what to pack for the trek. Planning ahead is essential if you want you and your pup to be perfect trail buddies.

Hiking is more strenuous than just walking, with uneven terrain and sometimes steep climbs. If your dog is most used to relaxing on the couch, or just casual strolls around the block, then a 10-mile hike is not going to be fun for either one of you – unless of course you enjoy carrying your pup!

Make an honest assessment of your dog’s fitness level to be sure he can go the length and level of hike you’re wanting to go on.

Before embarking on your first long trek, practice by taking small hikes ahead of time and build up to longer trips. Just like you wouldn’t go from being completely sedentary to running a 10k, neither should your dog.

Not only will this training help you monitor your dog’s response to the activity, but it can help toughen up his paws or get her ready to wear doggie hiking booties. And, if you plan on having your pup carry his supplies in a dogpack, use these training sessions to know which pack fits the best and how much he can carry.

Knowing your dog – and yourself – will provide you with the best information to say how long you and your companion can hike safely without being completely sore the next day. Ten miles is a lot for most people and dogs, but some push it to 15-20 miles a day.

She needs to know easy commands such as heel, sit, stay, and come – and be more interested in staying with you than chasing squirrels. It’s not safe for either you or your pup to trek rugged trails tethered to a leash the entire time, so you’ll need to be certain he’s able to be trusted off the leash at times – but please follow your local trail’s leash rules.

And, if you’re hitting a busy trail, you’ll be close to other people and pets, so being friendly, sociable and not prone to barking is a must.

Assuming your dog is physically fit and well-mannered, almost any size of dog should be good with hiking. With proper conditioning, smaller dogs may do just as well as larger dogs.

Do keep in mind, though, that smaller dogs will have to move their legs a lot more to keep up than a larger dog will, and they’ll also possibly need a lift up/down steeper terrain.

There are options for carrying your pup instead so make sure to check out our list of the top 5 dog carriers for hiking...

This should also be taken into account when thinking how far and long your dog can hike in a day. Dogs under a year old can have a hard time keeping up, but might be ok with hikes shorter than one hour to start.

It’s also probably a good idea to wait until your puppy has received all her shots before hitting the trails. And, with their bodies still maturing, too much stress could cause lasting joint issues on their developing bodies.

The same applies in reverse with older dogs. If your sidekick has shown signs of slowing down, has trouble getting up and down stairs and furniture, then it might be time to consider leaving him at home for your next hike.

It’s normal for dogs to pant a little and breathe a little heavier than usual – just like we do during a workout (or is that just me?).

But, there are signs to watch for to know when enough is too much.

Keep in mind, a lot of dogs will keep going and going whether they are tired or not. It’s up to you to say enough is enough.

Heat and terrain are the two biggest factors in how far your dog can go – the hotter it is and/or the steeper the terrain, the less distance you’ll be able to safely trek.

Your dog’s paws are extremely delicate – this is especially true for dogs who spend most of their time indoors.

If you plan on hiking over rocks that could be sharp, in super cold snow, or in temperatures above 70°F, it might be best to invest in a pair of doggie booties to protect their paws from cuts and scrapes.

Look for a boot that will snugly fit the paw. Something too small will cut off circulation, but too large could rub the paw and cause sores.

Allow your pup some time to adjust to wearing the boots before going out on a long hike. Some dogs are resistant.

If you don’t have boots, or your dog won’t tolerate them being on, start small with your hikes. Their paws will toughen over time.

While hiking, be sure to stop and check their paws regularly for cuts, scrapes, bruises or rocks stuck between their toes. If you notice any cuts, keep it clean with water, disinfectant and gauze from the first aid pack, then watch for signs of infection once you get home.

While you want your dog to have tough paws, you don’t want them to get too dry or they will be more susceptible to cracking, peeling and cuts.

Consider moisturizing your dog’s pads daily, especially in hot weather, to help prevent injuries and burns. Look for a treatment that is safe for dogs to lick.

Paw wax is another treatment to protect your pup from rough or hot surfaces.

If you know you love to hit the trails, and are looking for a forever friend, here are just a few of the breeds most suited for hiking.

Big and strong, these dogs can help carry their own supplies, and do great in cooler to cold climates. But, be cautious in warmer climates.

They’re also very bonded with their family and naturally well-mannered with strangers, so they make a dream hiking dog.

Powerfully built with lively spirits, these dogs are always ready for adventure. Huskies are perfect for the colder weather, but won’t do so well in extreme heat.

They are very focused work partners with loads of endurance, and are gentle and loving when it comes time to rest. They do love to run, though, so be wary about letting her off her leash.

Intelligent and adventurous with boundless energy equals are perfect breed for long hikes. And, their agility will do well over most moderate climbing trails.

They’re also well-suited for most climates, except the absolute extremes.

With great endurance and strength, Vizslas make excellent hiking partners, especially since they require plenty of physical exercise and attention.

They are stubborn and independent, though, so proper training is essential.

America’s favorite dog breed is smart, trainable, strong and hard working, which equals a perfect hiking partner. Plus, labs perform well in most climates, as long as they aren’t too extreme.

They can also carry some gear and will be happy to help – and will make plenty of friends along the trail.

Whether by a mountain lake or a rushing river or a small creek, your affectionate and adventurous Portuguese Water Dog will love hiking along the water and other trails.

Similar to labs, only slightly more difficult to train, but with even more energy (how is that possible!).

They do have a very strong prey drive, though, so woodland creatures like rabbits and squirrels may send them off on a rush.

Originally bred to hunt lions, these dogs are fearless protectors, so if you don’t like to follow trails, your four-legged friend will protect you from any outdoor threats.

This breed lives to work, so don’t worry about giving your friend some tasks along the way – have him carry supplies, retrieve a stick, etc.

They’re the smartest dogs in the world and have boundless energy. They’re especially great for overnight camping hikes, and can even be trained to collect you firewood.

No matter how long you plan to hike, this trusty companion will keep up with you just fine.

If your best friend is a rescue and you’re not quite sure his full heritage – he’s probably still a great hiking companion.

Keep in mind his energy and strength levels to keep up, and make sure he’s trained well enough to obey your simple commands – especially coming to you with distractions around. Also keep in mind genetic makeup.

Just because your dog may be small doesn’t mean he can’t be a good hiking partner. But dogs with short, stubby legs will tire out faster than others, as will dogs with short snouts that can’t breathe as well when exerted.

While he’s the smallest on our list, he’s full of energy and if trained well, will work hard and won’t stray too far from your side the entire trek.

Not a great guard dog for protection of wildlife, but they will alert you of upcoming dangers with their bark.

Very similar to the Jack Russell, except without the strong bark. Bred to hunt rodents, don’t be shocked if she takes off after a small treat.

Small, but sturdy and strong who love to explore, learn and be with their people and new friends.

Their nose leads their moves, so keep in mind your dog’s obedience level before trusting him on a hike.

There is nothing like the experience of being outdoors to refresh you mind and body. Our pups get the same enjoyment we do and bringing them along for this journey will only strengthen your bond.

Make sure your best friend is up for the challenge before [em]barking on your trail adventure. Take the necessary precautions to ensure both of you come back home safely and excited to do this all over again!

Have you already been on some memorable hikes with your dog? Let us know how your experience has been in the comments below...