Hiking with your dog
You and your dog are a team on the trail – this is an opportunity for bonding and working together on the trail.
You have to know the rules, (your dog doesn’t care)
Dogs are not allowed on the trail in National Parks or Monuments. Rules vary from state to state and local municipalities - familiarize yourself with the rules before your hike.
I’m attached to my Dog - Always keep dogs on a leash, for their protection and the protection of wildlife, plants, and other visitors. A lost dog in the wilderness is hard to find and makes for a very sad friend.
Safety
Is your dog in condition for the trip?
Have you and your dog been working out together? Jogging and hiking on a regular basis? Or has he been left at home on the couch?
Before you take your dog into the wilderness or out of your back yard, consider its physical condition and the difficulty level of the outing. Start out with a short hike then work up to longer, more strenuous hikes.
Water, water, water – Bring plenty of water for you and your dog. Your dog’s body temperature is higher than humans and often overheats before yours will. Heat stoke and exhaustion can be fatal. Water on the trail is no substitute for clean drinking water from home.
“Don’t leave me in the car” - Temperatures inside a car quickly soar to dangerous levels, even on an overcast day. If you can’t take your dog on the hike then they are safer left at home.
-Izzy
P.S.- Please pick up poop!