Are you an avid hiker who loves the idea of hiking with dogs along for the journey?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dogs can be excellent company in the outdoors, and exploring with your furry friend can be a wonderful bonding experience full of fun.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whether you venture out on an easy 1-mile trail or a more rugged 10-mile journey, your dog will love spending time outdoors with you \u2013 and will reap the benefits of the fresh air and exercise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But the length of your hikes is often the first question to ponder when planning a hiking with your dog \u2014 from what type of dog can keep up, what to pack for the trek, and how many miles can a dog hike to how to prepare your dog for hiking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Planning ahead is essential if you want you and your pup to be perfect trail buddies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hiking with Dogs: Is Your Dog Ready to Be Your Hiking Companion?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

How Physically Fit is Your Dog?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Hiking is more strenuous than just walking, with uneven terrain and sometimes steep climbs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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 of you \u2013 unless of course you enjoy carrying your pup!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Make an honest assessment of your dog\u2019s fitness<\/a> level to be sure he can go the length and level of hike you\u2019re wanting to go on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Before embarking on your first long trek, practice by taking small hikes ahead of time and build up to longer trips.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Just like you wouldn\u2019t go from being completely sedentary to running a 10k, neither should your dog.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Not only will this training help you monitor your dog\u2019s response to the activity, but it can help toughen up his paws or get her ready to wear doggie hiking booties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Don’t Miss: <\/strong><\/em>How to Camp With a Dog?<\/strong><\/em><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Knowing your dog \u2013 and yourself \u2013 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ten miles is a lot for most people and dogs, but some push it to 15-20 miles a day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How is Your Dog’s Behavior?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

She needs to know easy commands such as heel, sit, stay, and come \u2013 and be more interested in staying with you than chasing squirrels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s not safe for either you or your pup to trek rugged trails tethered to a leash the entire time, so you\u2019ll need to be certain he\u2019s able to be trusted off the leash at times \u2013 but please follow your local trail\u2019s leash rules.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And, if you\u2019re hitting a busy trail, you\u2019ll be close to other people and pets, so being friendly, sociable and not prone to barking is a must.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Big or Small is Your Dog?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Assuming your dog is physically fit and well-mannered, almost any size of dog should be good with hiking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With proper conditioning, smaller dogs may do just as well as larger dogs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019ll also possibly need a lift up\/down steeper terrain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are options for carrying your pup instead so make sure to check out our list of the top 5 dog carriers for hiking<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Old is Your Dog?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This should also be taken into account when thinking how far and long your dog can hike in a day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dogs under a year old can have a hard time keeping up, but might be ok with hikes shorter than one hour to start.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The same applies in reverse with older dogs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Signs You’ve Gone Too Far<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s normal for dogs to pant a little and breathe a little heavier than usual \u2013 just like we do during a workout (or is that just me?).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But, there are signs to watch for to know when enough is too much.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

• Excessive panting<\/strong> \u2013 often with a distended tongue.<\/li>
• Very heavy breathing<\/strong> \u2013 If your pup is breathing heavy along with heaving, or if her breathing doesn\u2019t go back to normal after a 15-minute break, then she\u2019s done for the day.<\/li>
• Walking slower<\/strong> \u2013 Most dogs want to be right beside their humans or a smidge in front. So, if your dog has fallen behind, then it\u2019s time to turn around or be on your way back.<\/li>
• Getting wobbly<\/strong> on their feet and possibly losing their balance.<\/li>
• Limping or Lameness <\/strong>\u2013 If your pup is limping, check their paws for any cuts, but it\u2019s possible they strained something from over-use.<\/li>
• Licking feet<\/strong> \u2013 are his pad\u2019s injured<\/a> or irritated?<\/li>
• A tucked tail<\/strong> \u2013 it might be time for a break if your pup\u2019s tail isn\u2019t up and wagging.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n

  Keep in mind, a lot of dogs will keep going and going whether they are tired or not. It\u2019s up to you to say enough is enough.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

  Heat and terrain are the two biggest factors in how far your dog can go \u2013 the hotter it is and\/or the steeper the terrain, the less distance you\u2019ll be able to safely trek.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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