Hiking and backpacking with your dog can be fun, but it requires planning and preparation on your part. First, make sure your dog is healthy enough and fit enough to enjoy your planned activities. You can practice by making shorter excursions from your home. When you plan your hiking trip, check out the area where you plan to go. Are dogs allowed? Will there be other dogs? Or, dangerous situations or predators? Be prepared.

Your dog should be on a leash or harness while hiking. A free-roaming dog, even if you are near, can be shot by ranchers, if he is perceived as a threat to their livestock. You will also need to control your pet when there are other people nearby. Hard as it may be to believe, not everyone loves dogs.

Of course, you need food and water for your dog. And, if you are going over rough, rocky terrain, you may want foot protective shoes. Depending on his size and strength, you dog may also be able to carry a pack with his and some of your provisions. If using a dog pack, it is important to place the weight which your dog will carry over the shoulder blade (withers) area, and not in the middle of the back.  The shoulders are built to carry the weight - the spine is not.

You can order a backpack from Dog Scouts of America that is a non-restrictive, adjustable, light-weight with removable saddlebags in your choice of colors.

More Dog Hiking And Backpack Tips

Posted by Barbara.