Hiking with your dog is a fantastic way to enjoy the great outdoors, immerse yourself in nature, and strengthen your bond with your furry friend.
And here in Alberta, we have some of the best hiking trails in the world.
But it is not as simple as just heading to your nearest trailhead and walking up the trail.
Ensuring both you and your buddy’s safety and happiness requires some preparation and awareness.
Here are our best practices for hiking with dogs to make your adventures enjoyable and safe.
1. Keep Your Dog on a Leash
Regardless of how well-trained your dog is, always keep them on a non-retractable leash.
Off-leash dogs can disturb wildlife, trample sensitive plants, and potentially attract dangerous animals like bears. A leash ensures your dog stays close and out of trouble.
Studies have shown that nearly 50% of bear attacks on humans involved dogs, most of which were off-leash.
Most porcupine encounters happen when dogs are off-leash or on a retractable leash. Worse, these encounters mostly occur on weekends, which means a trip to an expensive all-hours emergency vet!
In Canadian National and Alberta Provincial Parks, leashes are a legal requirement with hefty fines for non-compliance.
We recommend using a harness on your dog to protect it from choking when it pulls to chase a squirrel.
Always attach the leash to your belt or pack belt because a dog can easily pull the leash out of your hand if it sees something it wants to chase.
We like doggie hiking gear from Calgary’s Rocky Mountain Dog, but any highly-rated gear will work if used properly.
2. Pick Up After Your Dog
Always pick up your dog’s waste and pack it out.
You might be thinking, “Why should I pick up my dog’s poo when the trail already has bear or coyote poop on it?”
But with more and more people and dogs on the trail, the problem gets amplified.
Dog poop is unsightly, smelly, and can take a long time to decompose, especially in colder climates.
It can also attract wildlife like bears, which might associate humans and dogs with food sources.
Use sturdy, double bags or a dedicated “poop tube” to carry waste until you can dispose of it properly (some people use tennis ball or Pringle’s chips containers to hold poop bags in their packs).
3. Respect Other Hikers
Not everyone loves dogs, and some people might be fearful or have unfriendly dogs with them. Just because your dog is a friendly goof, the other dog may not be.
Yield to other hikers, keep your dog close and ask if it’s okay for dogs to meet.
Give other hikers plenty of space to pass on narrow or challenging trails.
A well-mannered dog makes the trail experience pleasant for everyone.
4. Plan for the Heat
With summers getting hotter and hotter, we need to ensure that our dogs do not suffer heat stress.
Dogs overheat more quickly than humans, especially in hot and humid conditions.
Avoid hiking during the hottest parts of the day and choose well-shaded trails.
Always carry plenty of water and a collapsible trail bowl to keep your dog hydrated.
5. Bring the Right Gear
Equip your dog with a well-fitted backpack to carry their supplies, but keep the supplies manageable in weight.
Before hitting the trails, train your dog appropriately to accept a pack.
Ensure your dog is protected from the elements with items like Musher’s Secret for paw protection and a reflective jacket or a collar light for visibility in low-light conditions.
6. Carry Essential Supplies
Pack extra water, dog treats, and a pet first aid kit. Bring poop bags and a sealable container for waste.
A bear bell can help alert wildlife to your presence and reduce the risk of surprise encounters. Avoid any trails that have active bear warnings.
If hiking in tick-prone areas, check your dog thoroughly after your hike.
7. Prepare Your Dog Physically
Before tackling long or challenging hikes, gradually build your dog’s stamina with shorter, more leisurely walks.
Consult with your vet to ensure your dog is fit for hiking, especially if it is very young, old, obese, or has health issues.
Practice trail commands like “leave it” and “wait” to help navigate tricky sections and maintain control.
8. Know When to Leave Your Dog at Home
On sweltering days, or if the trail conditions are unsuitable, leaving your dog at home might be best.
Always prioritize their well-being over your desire to hike.
Watch your dog for signs of fatigue or stress. If you see any signs that your dog is not thrilled by the hike, turn back.
You and your dog can enjoy many safe and memorable hikes by following these best practices.
We want to see only happy tails on the trails!
