Hitting the hiking trail is not just something that you alone can enjoy. As a dog owner, one of the best ways to bond with your hound, while getting them active and also allowing them the opportunity to get into nature, is to take them on the hike with you.

Dogs are the very best companions and they make a great hiking team mate. Watching them scamper along the trail with you, stopping here and there to sniff the path and rummage through the plants is so incredibly enjoyable that many hikers simply won’t go hiking unless they can take their pup with them.

But while you might be one of those looking to bring your dog along, you might want to refresh your dog training skills and keep these helpful tips in mind, so that both you and your dog have a great time.

Hiking Etiquette

To start with, it is important to remember that not all hiking trails are pet friendly. There are different rules for different trails and before you make your booking, you should double check that the trail will allow you to bring your dog along.

When you find the trail that is pet friendly, you should still make a point of following other rules that will help to ensure the integrity of the trail’s ecosystem, while also ensuring that both your dog and fellow hikers stay safe on the trail.

To do this you can follow the B.A.R.K rule, which stands for Bag your pet’s waste, Always keep your pet on a leash, Respect the wildlife, and Know where you are allowed to go.

As for the pet training, you should try to train your dog in such a way that the dog will know when to be quiet, when to leave certain things alone, and when to slow down.

Hiking Equipment

Believe it or not, there are some additional hiking things that you should bring along when you are walking with your favourite companion. You should be sure to pack a poop bag, a reliable walking leash that is at least 2 meters long, a good enough water supply and a water bowl, some snacks or dog food, a pet insect repellent and a pet first aid kit, and dog shoes if you are taking on rocky terrain.

Hiking Safety

Along with the basics of making sure your dog has enough food and water throughout the trail, there are some other safety concerns that you should know about. For starters, especially on those hotter days, you should not push your dog too hard, because by doing so you could exhaust them. You should also make sure that your dog is able to handle the type of trail you are planning to take on.

Is 2022 the year you plan on getting out there and hiking more, with or without your dog? Then why not make Bermanzi the first stop of the year? While our trails are not open to those wanting to hike with dogs, we are still a great place for an outdoor adventure.