3 reasons why you shouldn't hike with your dog (and why I still do)
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 25 เม.ย. 2018
- Hiking with your dog sounds like the best thing ever but when I took my dog to her first ever overnight hike with me I immediately understood that it’s not so great and wonderful as I first thought. Here are my 3 reasons why you shouldn’t hike with your dog (and why I still do).
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I would *NEVER* hike without my dog, she is a labrador and she sleeps with me in my hammock =P
same here, ULTIMATE COMPANION
Don't you worry about ticks?! Or is this just an american problem?
I hike with my dog, have since he was 7 months old (a 25km overnighter, thankfully he is a Jack Russell so wasn't too difficult to carry when he was tired). This video is spot on.
Me too
I just had to carry my dog up a huge hill. He’s 100 pounds. I got my workout today lol.
My doggie weighs 68lbs. So carrying doesn't really work for me.
The more often you hike with you dog the better the dogs endurance will be. Of course all dogs are different so some will be better at it than others.
I have a beagle and he does amazing hiking when he is in the forest he is so happy. He feels at home and just have a blast with him.
Some dogs like to to go out on hike and some are not for the trail . Before heading out on the trail take into consideration your dogs abilities. Does your dog have proper obedience for a safe and stress free trek, can your dog do the miles, is she or he able to carry pack, are they able to be in the company with strangers and other dogs , are they horse friendly in areas where trail riders and horse packers are present , does your dog have a fear of thunder and lighting and can they handle adverse weather conditions. Theses are just a few potential obstacles of concern.The more you take into consideration for the safety and abilities the better the trek . Unfortunately I've witness dog fights , sick and injured dogs on the trail , and let's face it people it's never anywhere near a road or town when this happens . It's a very rewarding feeling to know you can take your dog into the back country without any problems and be an ambassador of a the " best damn hiking dog " on the trail. Your dogs behavior is your responsibility not your dogs so be the pack leader . Happy Tails = Happy Trails , a good and happy dog is a good and tired dog.☮️
Everything you said I agree 200%!
Me too
Exactly, this lady gives all reasons that are mainly her fault, a good well prepared dog will be fine on most trails
I just went hiking with my dog within the last weeks for the first time in 9 years. I started with only short hikes and extended them slowly. Luckily she is a jack Russel mix and I can carry her when she is getting tired. She is a quick learner and on the 3rd hike she knew that she needed to handle her power reservoir differently. On normal walks she is running around sniffing everywhere and digging holes wherever she can. But if she gets that it’s going to be a hiking day she is way calmer and more focused. That is so amazing to see and I will definitely continue going on hikes as long as she is comfortable going with me. Thank you for the great video! I really like the way you are being honest and not judgmental 🤗
Wow. Your dog is very smart! I think you both are doing the right thing. I start slowly and work myself and my dog up to a longer hike too.
I have 3 70 lbs dogs I take hiking about 3 times a week. It is a struggle let me tell you lol. But I agree, if you're planning on a long, scenic hike, taking dogs can be a huge pain. I only take them to get them exercised. I also wish more people would respect leash laws. Just because your dog is nice doesnt mean mine are! Also, some people are genuinely afraid of dogs so its very inconsiderate
Your dog's must have a pretty miserable life being attached to a rope everywhere they go
Thank you for the great video! I appreciate the balanced approach you took in sharing. Our dogs definitely enrich our hiking adventuring lives!
Luna is very fortunate to have a Mom like you. We are getting ready to do a hike with our dogs..we have two and it’s very helpful to have uploads such as yours. Thank you so much! 😊
Such great advise! Not all dogs (or pet parents) are made for hiking together.
Loved seeing the memories of Luna, especially the "Mud Monster" scene. Thanks for sharing. Stay happy.
That was my favorite, too :)
This was so helpful! Thanks for sharing!
Love the honesty! Great vid!
Lots of hard work but at the end every bit is worth it. I've been training my dog for a few months now. your advice is honest and true. thanks for the advice!
Depends on the breed. I have an Australian Cattle Dog (Blue Heeler) that is bread to work all day long in harsh outdoor climates that swing from hot to cold daily, rugged ground conditions, etc. 15+ miles of walking a day is literally a walk in the park for him. A well trained dog can be your companion, your alarm, your scout, etc.
Good point, I have a collie/German shepherd mix that runs about 12 miles a week.. we did an overnight hike for the first time and he enjoyed it and didn’t have any issues with the dog not wanting to proceed. We also had elevation changes to about 3500 feet and yes we rested but the working dogs make good hiking partners.
a lot of good information in this video, thank you for sharing!
Best video on this topic!
Blessings to you and Luna...................
Thank you! :)
My 10 month F1bb type GD has been conditioning and training a whole lot, And can't wait for our first real hike.
I always trek with my two amstaffs they are really agile and have great energy , sometimes I have to carry them up big obstacles but I love trekking with dogs , cheers for ur videos keep up the good work
Thank you for another great Video. Enjoy your take on this, I think you are spot on. Keep up the good work on your videos. Thumbs UP!
Great insights. This was Very helpful!
great video and good information.
The Best; Well thought out, Dog in the wilderness advice I've seen!!! Learned these over a long time of B.W.C.A. camping with my dogs in Northern Minnesota (Canoes and Dogs are a whole separate topic!!!) Thanks!!!
A great video! I'm a dog lover and enjoy watching all your videos especial the ones with Luna in them. Thank you for being so positive, thoughtful and informative. Obviously, not all dogs are the same and all dogs will react differently but what you are saying in this video is to be aware and mindful of things so you AND your dog have a happy hike. You are clearly a dog lover!
This was one of the most well thoght out videos I have seen on the subject, and the editing was great.. Luna rocks, and so do you.
Thank you! :)
Great video. What you say is practical and so very true.
Thanks for the info.
Great video! Thank you! ☺
Maiu, another great video dear. Thank you. I really enjoyed all of your videos. Please, Take good care of yourself and Luna.
An outstanding and informativ video! Thank you so much for sharing your experiences!
Great video, practical & realistic
Thanks for sharing the kind advice and experience. I learned long ago that when you take your dog for a walk, that should be the exclusive purpose of your walk. Animals are family members, and should be treated as brothers and sisters. ... Cheers.
Thank you for this vid, well done.
I had a dog for15 years and did a lot of hiking with him. Looking back to this times, for me it was fun but today I have a different view on it. For my dog it was not always fun, in summer it was sometimes to hot for him-dogs can not manage the body temperature like humans. Some hikes were too long, in the mountains the paws could get sore by walking on rocks. If I will have a dog again, I would take him for a dayhike or maximum a weekend hike, but never on a longer hike. I learned my lesson.
If you ever own a dog again and take it hiking with you, you can buy shoes for the dog if you take it to the mountains so the paws won't be sore.
this is seriously the BEST video I've seen
ty for all the tips :)
Luna is the cutest
Good point about hiking your dog's hike. I always want to go far. My doggie sometimes wants to go far and sometimes wants to take it easy.
Your very wise and reasonable. I started this video not expecting much but you provide a great perspective
Very good topic and one that I don't see very much of on youtube. Very good advice and totally agree that not leashing your dog is very risky, wouldn't recommend it either. Happy Trails!
Looking forward to the dog backpack and gear, video.
Good video :) Especially the first point is something one really has to consider. Your dog (hopefully) loves you and sees you as the pack leader and will try to please you even if it has some discomfort or gets tired. I used to have a small dog (Papillon) and he was such a bundle of energy, would accompany me on shorter hikes and even up mountains :) So I really had to pace myself because he never wanted to stop.
Great video. A lot of things I didn’t really think much about. Plan on hiking with Todd soon, thanks for the vid!
A leash around a tree or post - yeah that’s my dog. I practice the length of walk with the dog at home before taking it to the countryside. We are getting fit together. But there is walks I will be aiming for that she will not be able to do. She comes first. Everything is different when your on your own and on a walk/Holliday even simple things like nipping in s shop. But she is worth any “hassle”. Great video as always. Thanks.
Been hiking with my terrier mix for 3 years and he loves it. He usually does 2-3x the distance because he walks ahead and back to me trying to get me to move faster. LOL
With Luna or without her I always enjoy whatever you are doing you have a great channel and have a great day
Great Video!
Hiker.... looking forward to your videos on hiking with a dog. Very nice and lots of information. Good video!! Ax
We agree with all of what you said...the last 2 and a half minutes of your video is our exact same feelings. Thank you for some great information and we love Luna.
This is so true. Mine is coming with me for a car camping holiday, doing shorter circular walks. He will stay with friends when I do my through hike.
An excellent video and oh so true. Luna stopping and laying down in the water and mud...Priceless! My dog use to do the same thing :-(
The dogs laying down in the grass made me smile.
Hi Hiker: you sure have opened my eyes to a lot of thought. Thanks Brian 77
Great information and advice. Thank you. D Wisconsin, USA
We've been going on small hike (3 to 5 miles) with our corgi, first time she was so excited and was pulling but now she knows when we go for hikes to pace herself. We are getting a dog carrying backpack to try out this Saturday to go on a longer hike so she can rest up. Our goal is to go backpacking with her for a weekend trip. 😊
Such a nice content. Hello from Brazil!
Hi Maiu, after the hiking with dog series could you make a video on top 3 (or 5, or 10) day hike destinations in Estonia. Asking for a friend who is planning his summer holidays. =)
This topic has been on my list for months, I'll tackle it then after the dog videos ;)
Hei great channel ☺ Keep it up!
Great advice I have a 3 year old Staffordshire Bull Terrier that's a puller but he loves a hike we together did 40 miles in 4 days start 6-7am every morning then I would tie him to a tree while I fix camp I don't mind the extra weight of kibble and water for 2 of us plus he will have some of my cooked food
Thank you for the video. Thank you for talking about other dogs not being tethered. I have a small dachshund and when I walk on the street or in a local populated area, he is always on a leash. Unfortunately, I have to always pick him up to keep "big" dogs from hurting him. Not all dogs want to hurt him (obviously) but some do. For some reason a lot of people who own bigger dogs do not see the need to keep their dogs tethered. It is rally frustrating.... Thanks again. Also, I like to have my dog. Yes. even a little one, (but also have two "Monster" dogs, a lab mix, and a brit). They do some how make one feel a little safer in the bush. But, being in Alaska, I always "always" carry a side arm. and most of the time have a can of bear mace in my backpack. As I have encountered several bear and moose while in the bush. For those who think that is silly to carry. If you look at the statistics of people being attacked, hurt or killed by a wild animal is very few. However, someone "every year" in my state, gets hurt, or killed by a wild animal. I call it the "lottery". You may not win (ever) but someone does every year. So that is why I carry.
I'm with you. Read "Four Seconds to Impact". There are more encounters than people are led to believe.
Honestly I feel like if people are going to keep their dogs off leash especially big dogs they need to train them so they don't go after other dogs or animals. We have this problem alot as a service dog team and tbh I wouldn't hesitate to taser a dog, normally the sound is enough to stop most dogs in their tracks but I'm waiting for the day some random dog is big and bad enough to try me. Then when the owners get mad because I tased their dog I'll just ask for their name number and lawyer's name so I can sue them for endangering my life. I recommend carrying a taser on you as well.
If it's not allowed to keep your dog loose it's generally for a good reason. If you do keep the dog off leash, as mentioned in the video, have a damn near perfect recall. But even then, dogs can panic because of some animal or aggressive dog and bolt. I lost my dog for 3 days in southern Spain because a donkey spooked her... Wouldn't wish that on anyone
I’ve got a 6yr old beagle. She loves the trails and she sleeps well in the hammock and tent. Often my beagle blazes the trail with me behind (on a leash of course).
Having said that, I usually don’t do multiple day hikes during the summer and during the heat part of summer, day hikes only. I don’t take risks on her getting a heatstroke. Some dogs maybe can, but beagles will keep going until they literally fall down. So I avoid anything too hot, and I carry plenty of water on me and she also carries more with her (not too heavy).
Why our dogs might be tired earlier than us during a hike : I put dog activity trackers on my 4 legged friends. I was flabbergasted to read that, on average, when off the lead, because they are sniffing around, walking and trotting, the dogs were covering 3 times more distance than I was. So let's say if I was walking 10 km , they were walking/trotting 30 km. Another thing: We tend to walk consistently, meanwhile, I have noticed that dogs pause. They walk , they pause, they trot, they pause, etc. They never just walk or trot endlessly. Now, if we don't know that, we might push them to exhaustion. Finally and as may people mentioned here. a dog, like a human being, needs practice and training. A couch potato will not become an athlete without a bit of work. A trick is to take the dog on a hike, off the lead so she goes her pace, and see when she's appy to go back to the car. If she refuses, it means that she still can carry on. Your dog will tell you how much she can take. Moreover, if you prepare a trek over several days, take the dogs on hikes every day. Preparation + respect of a dog pace (vs human) and you'll get there ;)
I hike with my friend‘s Labrador for one year 2 to 4 times a month. I know he can’t endure the heat so much, so iwaited for colder weather to make a one week trip with him (240 km over the mountains). I rather be cold myself than seeing him suffering in the heat. I know he will be tired like myself, i will rarely have to take him on a leash and we will enjoy. I‘m able to stop him when we’ll cross our way with wildlife but the leash will still always be ready to use.
Another thing to consider is the temperature. Some dogs can't take the heat, and some hate the cold. My golden retriever loved it when snow was on the ground and he just couldn't take the heat. So, when it warmed up, he stayed home.
That is very true, thanks for bringing that up!
Thank you, Maiu. Your video may have saved hikers and their dogs alike from taking on more than either can comfotably manage. Hiking should be enjoyable for the hikers, whether they have two feet or four. Bird hunters spend many days training their dogs for the field. It make sense to train a dog for the trail and to know their abilities and limitations before heading out for a long hike. Best wishes and Happy Trails.
Bedankt
I have a rough collie/border collie mix and she is always super happy on a hike! She's so energetic so I'm always the one who's the most tired. She could go all day but we don't because I don't want to overwork her and I wouldn't be able to do that myself either. I honestly only hike because I get to do that with her. Without my dog I would have no reasons to hike. My mother has a small poodle mix and she (the dog) gets tired way faster and wouldn't be able to go as far and as long as my collie so I think the breed matters a lot in this case.
Luna’s a lucky doggy. Best wishes from Scotland. 🏴 🇪🇪
i have an 8 year old corgi! she’s old but will never lose energy (which is sometimes annoying) we go on 1-2 hour long hikes we never go while it’s raining or after it’s rained to prevent slipping. all the trails we go on are easy, so no climbing or leaning!
Panting vs sweating. Persistence hunting (links below). It turns out humans on two legs that cool by sweat are extremely efficient on long distances. Panting animals use the same body parts like muscles for running and cooling. They go faster than us but not over miles. There are even hunters who can run down game over miles by going fast enough to get it to gallop. This leads to the 4-leg over heating. It actually seems to make sense that the 4 legged pant-cooled dog would need more rest stops than a human.
Some links on persistence hunting:
th-cam.com/video/826HMLoiE_o/w-d-xo.html
th-cam.com/video/hGleeVGS8F8/w-d-xo.html
th-cam.com/video/bW7hWkOYwo8/w-d-xo.html
Bit of a late reply, but I find this fascinating, thank you for sharing! :)
I've only started hiking after getting my dog, so I actually searched "hiking without pets" to see what it would be like alone. You were the second result, but happy that you still go with your dog.
Depending on laws, try to find places where no leash is required. Changed both of our lives.
It is till a powerfull video,but we love our dogs,thank you
Nice video👍
I wouldn’t go out hiking without my dog. She is my best friend. And she warms up my sleeping bag then it’s cold. :)
We have farm dogs and when we are out in our acreage they have fun exploring, sniffing out critters and such but they are off lead. If we were to hike with them in public by law they would need to be leashed and that is not something they have been trained to do other than short ventures. When I lived in town I took dog training lessons with the dogs I had back then so the dogs would behave and be good on leash and have good manners around people. I would suggest lessons for you and Luna. You will both enjoy the program and she will be good on leash as long as you are consistent with using the training and have plenty of practice before hiking. My dogs are also on joint supplements as they are very active. It is the one supplement that we have used in the dogs and always see good results with the dogs and horses. My daughter has 2 little dogs who hike with her and they do fine. They are Boston Terrior/Chihuahua mix. They go out on a tandem connection on one leash and they do great, encouraging each other along like a team of tiny horses! They go out on leashed walks daily to reinforce their training skills. They never get tired. She does, they don't! Have fun and hope to see you on this side of the pond someday.
Every dog is different, but one thing they all like is hiking. It also is how they grow up and what did you teach a dog. My dog, a Rottweiler, is never on the leash, he is always near me and is never left me out of his side. Its not a hunting dog, only stand still and looks when he see an other animal. So for me never a problem and its great to have him with me.
I have a wolf hybrid and when I go to the forest to pick berries she is fine first half an hour but after that, she hates the forest and me.
I've never taken my dog hiking, but I do take her camping. I've got permission to camp in a wood, about a mile or so away. As soon as we arrive at the campsite, I let her off the lease and she's off the lease, till we are about to leave again. It's like a 1 or 2 day walk for her. I also feel more secure with her being there, plus the company and someone to talk to. lol
My thoughts, overland and have a camping spot near a hike that goes in a loop that your dog can manage. Then when finished move onto the next spot. I used to take my dog on long hikes unfortunately now he's got type 2 diabetes so I have to be very careful not to push him too hard.
I’m just now starting to hike with my 4 year old Doberman. He’s an athletic breed but he’s lived on the couch for the last 2 years other than a 2.5-3 mile walk a day. I’m hoping he enjoys hiking as much as me and his endurance builds quickly because I can’t carry all 80lbs of him back to camp when he gets tired lol
Ooops, and I forgot you would be a strong mentor. This shouts out to me, "teacher"!
Is it ok to hike with my boxer dog
My family went on a hiking teip in the middle of winter and we were supposed to go to the start with some sorth of boat thing but it was frozem so we walked about 6 kilometers in a forest and got lost twice. We also only got ONE pack of sausages we peft in the car. My dog started getting tired whwn we were close to the car and she slepth for like half an hour and was eunning on the walls again.
Luna good puppy.
It also helps when your dog is conditioned.. not pet weight or fat.
What kind of exercise did Luna do before hiking?
Did you build her endurance?
...
I just started hiking with her and looked when she got tired. Fortunately she is actually quite fit and our daily km tolerance was the same :)
Luna!! 🐕👍👏
Lol my dog does strikes sometimes while just walking around the block, never when we’re hiking though. I think he knows the difference but it’s always pretty funny. He’s a small dog so I pick up him every few miles and he will rest in my arms
What breed is it??
I have 2 dogs. My girl is super dog friendly and my boy is a bit timid and barky at dogs. So i understand having a less dog friendly dog. I find it more of a challenge balancing the needs of both my dogs when other dogs are around because Pablo gets so upset and loud. It stresses me out. On top of watching Lexi and other dogs around. I prefer taking them both to areas with just us, not other dogs. I try and be responsible and keep my dogs on lead. It scares me when others don't especially because Pablo is such a small and yappy timid boy. I really love dogs but i hate when other dogs owners don't respect that Pablo and I don't enjoy strangers or strangers dogs approaching us
Of course there are 3 important reason why you should hike with your dog.......Luna is gorgeous and awesome and funny xx
This video was so helpful, really good topics to consider!
My dream is to be able to hike with 3 kids and 2 dogs. Nothing too crazy but gradually build up and have a good wagon for kiddos
I'm sure you will some day to that! Just as you said, gradually build up to that :)
A doggy backpack is something we never see here in India!
Would be great to introduce that gradually...Maybe on a 2-3 hr hike
Excellent information. You saved me from a big mistake because I have a BIG dog. Thank you very much.
Dump your sleeping bag and luna's sleeping bag. Get a large/oversized quilt. Go Zero degrees F. That way, you only need 1 year round. Many ways to keep cool in warmer months. If luna is like most dogs, she's sleeping next to you anyway, share the blanket. That's why you get it oversized. My dog is much happier if I let her curl up on/under my quilt while she's laying next to me.
Thanks, Maiu, for a great rundown of the pros and cons of hiking with a dog. Personally, I don't think dogs should be brought along on a backpacking trip. Not only for all the reasons you gave, but, also for the effect dogs have on the wildlife in the back country. Wildlife will sense your dog long before you get to it and will leave the area. Deer and other small critters will be gone and you'll miss the thrill of seeing them in their natural habitat.
Your reasons for bringing a dog are also valid. But, it might be wiser to be more reliant on your wits and pay attention to your surroundings than to hope your dog will alert you.
Moron *facepalm*
I've been backpacking for 35 years with and without dogs. How about you?
galiu......What did you say to get that response??? I disagree about bringing dogs, as long as they controlled and on a lease they are fine. But you are entitled to your opinion
sheldon tucker. Hard to say. Some folks can't handle opposing opinions very well. And, some just can't put together a proper retort.
The reason people bring their dogs on hikes is to bond and to feel the quietness of the world. I'd rather bring my dog than some random human who'll complain the entire time.
You are right. What will you do if your dog is very large and heavy and becomes lame and there is no way to get the dog back to the car? This has happened to me.
It depends on the breed even a harriers could walk a deer to death which is why its illegal for them to stalk them even though they would only bark at it if they caught it, good point about obedience!
You must be strong, you pick up your dog with your backpack on. Impressive!
Hehe, thanks :) but i have to admit, at that point of the trek my bag was quite light because it was our last day on the trail.
First of all, I love dogs, although I don't have one at this moment. I forget many dogs spend most of their time staying at home. So they aren't exactly very fit for long hikes.
I remember when I cycled in Pamir Highway last year. I met a Taiwanese guy on a bicycle with a dog. That dog was a local, and it followed the Taiwanese since Murghab. They traveled together and doing 80-100 Km a day. I didn't realize 100km a day is a huge distance for a dog back then.....
Wow, that was one fit dog!
I loved hiking with my dog ironically he did better offleash with me. He would obey more than when he was on leash.
Any dog can learn to obey. And yes, dog will learn how to follow you and not pull on the leash etc. You can train your dog. But as Cesar Millan said once - it is not about training a dog, it is about training a human to be able to handle his/her best friend with paws.
You would make a wonderful school teacher. A mother's compassion with a father's clarity and consistency. Have you ever considered teaching?
Thank you for the compliment! Yes, I have thought about teaching, I love i! I started to offer and organize guided hikes here in Estonia so hopefully I can use my skills there :)