Hiking With Your Dog

By Kathryn Howell

Hiking with your dog is a wonderful way to take your dog on the "walk" of their life. It is a terrific way to bond with your best friend and give him a chance to get some great exercise while enjoying the beauty of the great outdoors. Visiting new locations also helps to relieve boredom which may set in for a dog that has a usual routine walk each day.

CAN ALL DOGS HIKE?

All dogs enjoy the new scents and sights of the trail, but some dogs are better suited to hiking than others. If you enjoy a long day of hiking its important to know that your K9 friend is able to keep up with you. Some dogs, such as border collies, can hike for an entire day and still want more. On the other hand, a bulldog will need lots of breaks throughout the day, and will likely be quite happy with a much shorter walk. However, all dogs totally love the experience, and being aware of your dog's limitations (and your own!) will make your return trip that much more enjoyable.

HOW TO PREPARE FOR A HIKE

There are a few simple common sense things to remember before heading out on an afternoon or a day hike with your pup. A full water bottle for you both, a blanket and towel for your car's protection against muddy paws, a leash, and some dog treats to help you with your recall from time to time on the trail to remind Fido that he still has to obey the rules. As well, knowing the weather and preparing accordingly with items such as sunscreen and a hat, or a toque and gloves. Remember, the weather at the hiking location may not be the same as it was at your house… if you're unsure of an item, bring it and leave it in your car if you don't need it once you arrive.
Fall is the perfect time of year to enjoy the outdoors with your pup! It brings with it stunning and colourful scenery and a pensive, relaxed feel which prepares you for the winter months which lie ahead. Cool mornings turn into warm days, and the falling leaves provide the perfect backdrop for an awesome day.

TRUSTING YOUR DOG

The beauty of taking your dog into a forest for a hike is not having to worry about the road and dangers of cars. This is the perfect time to try walking off leash with your dog. Start by taking his leash off and allowing him to sniff and explore with you thru the trail. With lots of treats in hand use your recall tactics to occasionally call him back so he knows that he must keep you within paws reach. The more you trust your dog to enjoy his off leash time, the more he will reward you with great behaviour. If you see any animals or people walking by simply put the leash back until you have passed by. Trusting your dog off leash can be scary at first, but if you try it a little bit each time, you will develop a new and wonderful trust and bond with your dog that you never dreamed possible.

If you are interested in getting out with fellow dog lovers and their pups you can choose from our great variety of hikes. We run our hikes each weekend in Spring & Fall… the two perfect hiking seasons! Your day will include a guided tour of the park, snack and juice breaks and a delicious buffet lunch, not to mention the camaraderie of becoming one large pack for the day with a group of fellow dog lovers! Hikes generally begin with a meet and greet at 10am with warm drinks and energy snacks, and wrap up at around 3:30pm with fresh fruit and warm memories. Please visit our website at www.dogpaddlingadventures.com for our detailed schedule or give us a call at 905-237-DOGS. Your dog will thank you!

Dog Paddling Adventures is Canada's first outdoor adventure company geared towards dogs and their people. Dog Paddling has a trip for every season! All Dog Paddling Adventures include camping accommodation, delicious meals, all equipment, park permits, lifejackets & backpacks for both people and dogs, & services of a wilderness guide. No experience needed for most of their trips! For more information, visit: www.dogpaddlingadventures.com.