If you are a hiking enthusiast, there is no experience greater than hiking alongside your furry companion. It's crucial to commence teaching your dog at a young age since even though they are not initially skilled at hiking alongside you, they require guidance. To help your new puppy become comfortable with car rides and be exposed to other people and dogs, it's ideal to start bringing them along with you wherever you go. When taking short trips in the countryside or being away from others, make sure to bring your dog along while keeping them on a leash, particularly if they don't always respond to recall.
After a period of working with your dog, you may choose to visit a brief hiking trail that is not too difficult for you and allows you to keep your dog on a leash. The leash should provide sufficient length for exploration, without being too long that the dog becomes tangled when they venture too far. During the first brief walk with the leash, it is important to confirm that your dog's obedience to being called is strong and it always returns when instructed. By doing this, you can be sure that your pet will come back to you when called after releasing them while hiking.
It's important to consider that certain breeds are more suitable for hiking than others. If your plan is to go on hikes in the future and you are considering adopting a puppy, it's important to keep in mind that smaller dogs with fragile legs and feet may not perform as well as bigger breeds that are more agile. Dogs that are medium to large in size generally perform more effectively in hiking scenarios than dogs that are miniature or toy sized.
Depending on the hiking location, taking your dog hiking more often will improve their instincts on open or mountainous trails. Ensure in advance of your arrival at the hiking trails that dogs are permitted, as certain trails prohibit dogs from accessing them. Therefore, if you plan to go hiking, ensure that you are aware of the trails that permit dogs. It is important to pack a small portable drinking bowl and water for your dog to stay hydrated during the hike, particularly in the summer months.
To have your dog enjoy hiking with you, it is important to condition them properly for hiking especially if you enjoy hiking yourself. Ensure that you refrain from choosing to hike in extremely warm weather since it isn't beneficial for either your dog or yourself, as both are prone to overheating quickly. Hence, pick your hiking time wisely and gradually enhance your dog's endurance through collaboration with them, resulting in an ideal hiking companion for all your hiking expeditions.