A Guide to Hiking With Your Dog: Tips, Tricks, and Advice to Make the Most of Your Adventure

Hiking with your dog is one of the most fun, and usually most easily accessible outdoor adventures you can have together. There's no one size fits all trail either. From simple walks in the neighborhood park to conquering rugged nature trails, there are all sorts of places to go hiking together! This activity allows you and your pup to spend quality time together, explore the outdoors, and get some amazing exercise, in one incredible experience.

Just make sure you and your pup are prepared with the right equipment, training, and know-how so that you can enjoy all the benefits that hiking with your dog comes with. Our hiking guide will take you through the benefits, preparation tips, safety precautions, and best practices. So get ready to embark on an unforgettable adventure together in the great outdoors!

Always consult your physician and veterinarian before any strenuous and/or high-risk activities. This content is not medical advice and should not replace consultation with a physician or veterinarian.

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Benefits of Hiking With Your Dog

Taking your dog on a hike not only betters their overall health and well-being but also strengthens the bond between you. Here's just a few reasons why you should hit the trails with your pup:

Exercise	Stretch your legs Breathe in fresh air Reduced stress levels.
Exploration	​Escape the familiar Enter nature Uncover hidden plants, rocks, and intriguing wildlife in your backyard
Adventure	Navigate challenging trails Find the perfect spot for a picnic Every hike becomes an adventure with your pup by your side
​Socialization	​Meet new friends on the trail Can help your dog become more confident in different environments
Mental Stimulation	​ Stimulation helps keep our minds active and healthy Discover new and interesting stimuli on the trail Can improve mood and reduce boredom
​Bonding	Connect on a deeper level Fosters a stronger sense of trust

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Prep Tips for Hiking With Your Dog

Getting ready for a safe and enjoyable hike with your dog is paramount. We've laid out a list of preparation tips to best ensure you and your dog have a safe, and fun, hike together. Always consult with your vet to ensure your dog is healthy enough for the hike and that their vaccinations are up-to-date. Gather the necessary supplies such as water, snacks, waste bags, and a first aid kit. Always check the weather forecast to see if it's safe to hike; needless to say, you should avoid hiking when there's lightning present. Lastly, research dog-friendly trails beforehand to find one suitable for your pet's age and abilities as some have varying difficulties or wildlife encounters. Lastly, review safety tips and precautions to ensure a fun, safe adventure.

Essential Gear for Hiking With Your Dog

• Dog ID - make sure it's firmly attached and possibly have a secondary ID like a microchip

• Water, Snacks, and Food - I cannot stress this enough, pack enough water and food for both of you

• Sunblock - yes some dogs do need sunblock. But also don't forget yours.

• First Aid Kit

• Harness/Leash - should be comfortable enough for longer wear durations. Leash should also be comfortable in your hands and should be strong enough to hold your dog on the trials; you never know when a rabbit is going to cross the trail in front of you!

• Poop Bags

• Cell Phone

• Weather Check - Assembling your gear list is another good reason to check the weather to see if there are any other items you need to bring and for any weather that you may encounter

If your dog is large enough, in good shape, and healthy, you can look into options for them to carry some of this gear for themselves. I don't make my Jack Russell mix carry as he's pretty small and a small water bottle would bog him down! I do use a doggy day pack from Ruff Wear for my Golden Retriever mix.

Finding a Dog-Friendly Hiking Trail

The Search: Finding a dog-friendly trail may seem difficult, but with the right resources, it can be somewhat easy. Check out your local trail websites or use an app that specialize in finding pet-friendly areas such as BringFido or AllTrails. You can also check for nearby state parks or national forests with hiking trails that allow dogs, just make sure to research and follow any rules or restrictions they may have. Joining outdoor adventure communities or groups can also be a great way to find new trails and connect with other dog owners.

Research: No two hiking trails are the same and there are some important considerations you need to take into account before taking your dog hiking. Once you find some dog-friendly hiking trails in your area, you'll have to choose the appropriate difficulty level for your pet’s age and ability. Some trails are flat while others can be very steep and rough. Some trails may have streams that you'll have to cross over and some may even have wildlife that you should be aware of. One of our dog's has a very high prey drive and whenever a rabbit crosses our path she tries to dart after it. Knowing your dog's instincts/reactions and what kind of wildlife is present will help keep you ready for those eventual encounters.

Check the Reviews: It may be helpful to look into reviews from other dog owners who have done the same route. Whether you’re looking for other people’s thoughts on a trail’s difficulty, terrain type, or overall dog-friendliness, reviews can be a great way to get an idea of what to expect from the hike. We love to use BringFido's enormous database of dog-friendly hiking trails to find new spots and also read reviews from their millions of users. And best of all, you can use their site to find other dog-friendly locations across the United States, Canada, and Mexico!

San Diegans: If you're local to San Diego, check out our other adventure blogs that review dog-friendly hiking trails in and around San Diego County. The links are provided below in the "Learn More" section.

Safety Tips and Considerations When Hiking With Your Dog

​Make sure your dog is properly secured on a leash or harness.	​Make sure your dog is up to date on vaccinations and healthy enough for activity
​Keeping your pup hydrated and fed before, during, and after. Bring extra water and snacks for both you and your pup.	​Check the weather - expected inclement weather or extreme temperatures may warrant a postponement
​Monitor their behavior and taking frequent breaks	​Being aware of potential hazards (e.g., cliffs, wildlife, rolling rocks, etc.)
​Limit the distance based on your dog's abilities (Dogs can overheat easily)	​Be aware of other potential dangers such as ticks, foxtails, etc…

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Training Tips for Hiking With Your Dog

It's important to ensure that your dog is trained and knows basic commands before venturing out on a hike. Keeping your dog under control is essential for everyone’s safety while navigating trails, crossing streams, or encountering wildlife.

Basic Commands

Start the training process at home by teaching them how to walk with a leash and recall when called. And use plenty of treats to reward good behavior. Consider enrolling in positive reinforcement dog training classes to give you both extra confidence while exploring outdoors.

Trail Etiquette

This includes things like staying on the designated trail, not approaching other hikers or dogs without permission, and not disturbing wildlife. Teaching your dog these behaviors not only ensures a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone involved, but it also helps to preserve the natural environment.

Application of Agility Training

With some creative thinking, you can use common obstacles on your hike to grant them a greater challenge and more fun than with everyday at-home training. Encourage them to jump over logs or weave through trees. This can be a great way to take your pup's skills to the next level while having a fantastic time on your next hike together!

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Getting the Most Out of Hiking with Your Dog

With all of the preparation out of the way, now comes the time for the fun part: actually going on a hike with your dog! Here are some tips to help ensure your adventure is one to remember!

Explore, sniff, and simply enjoy each other's company		​Whether it's a short or long hike, focus on having fun
	​Bring along some toys for an interactive game of fetch
Take a moment to appreciate the unique foliage of the area you're exploring​		Keep an eye out for fish in the creeks and ponds​
	Don't forget to capture the special moments by taking photos of your journey​
​You can even create a social media page or blog dedicated to showcasing your adventures		​Sharing these memories with others can also inspire them to get out and explore with their own dogs

Exploring new areas while hiking is a fun way to build a stronger bond with your dog. Take the time to observe their behavior and learn more about their natural instincts. And most importantly, remember to have fun and enjoy the beauty of nature with your best friend by your side.

At the end of your hike, be sure to clean up after yourself and your pet before heading home. Back at home, reward your pup with a bath to clean off dirt and mud from your adventure. And of course, don’t forget to upload those gorgeous pictures you took during your hike!

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Try Hiking With Your Dog Today!

Whether it's a short stroll around the block or an adventurous trek through the wilderness, hiking with your dog can provide incredible memories that will last a lifetime. With proper planning and preparation, you’ll be ready to make the most of your outdoor adventures together. So come on – let's go fetch some sun!

Learn More About Hiking With Your Dog

Podcast

Download and listen to our Fetch The Sun podcast episode on hiking. It's available on Spotify, Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio, or wherever you get your podcasts from.

Listen on Spotify

For San Diegans

Check out our local reviews of dog friendly hiking trail locations in and around San Diego County.

​A Guide to 15 Amazing Dog-Friendly Day Hikes in San Diego County	​READ
​Doggie Adventures, Episode 2: Los Penasquitos Canyon Preserve	READ

Look Amazing and Coordinate on Your Next Hiking Adventure

Check out our Tails on the Trails line of matching hiking shirts for dogs and people! Made from organic cotton, these shirts are perfect for your next adventure together. And while they are matching, our shirts can also be worn alone - super soft, comfy, and machine washable - they're the perfect everyday shirt.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Hiking With Your Dog

​Q: Can I let my dog off-leash while hiking?	​A: It depends on the trail and the rules of the area you're hiking in. Some trails allow dogs to be off-leash, while others require them to be leashed at all times.
​Q: What should I do if my dog gets injured during a hike?	​A: If your dog is seriously injured, seek immediate medical attention from a veterinarian. For minor injuries, you can use a first aid kit to treat them and then carefully make your way back to your car or a nearby vet if necessary.
​Q: What are some good hiking spots that allow dogs?	​A: Many national parks and local trails allow dogs, but research beforehand to make sure it's dog-friendly. Also check with local hiking groups or websites for recommendations.
​Q: My dog doesn't have a lot of endurance, is it safe to take them on a hike?	A: It’s best to start with shorter hikes and gradually build up your dog's endurance. Just like humans, dogs need time to adapt to new physical activities.
Q: How should I prepare my dog for a longer hike?	A: Before going on a long hike, make sure your dog's in good physical condition and has had enough training. Plan the route accordingly based on their abilities.
Q: Can I go hiking with my puppy?	​A: It's best to wait until your puppy is at least 6-8 months old (sometimes longer depending on bone development) and has had all their necessary vaccinations before taking them on a hike. Young puppies are still developing.

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Check Out Our Adventure Guide for More

We hope you enjoyed our Adventure Guide on Hiking With Your Dog. Check out even more fun, outdoor activities you can do with your dog at our Fetch The Sun Adventure Guide homepage.

Adventure Guide