When you’re out on the trail with your pup, there are a few things you should keep in mind to help preserve the area you are in. The National Parks B.A.R.K rules are a great guideline to follow to ensure you and your furry friend have a safe and fun time. You want to make sure to Bag your pet’s waste, Always leash your pet, Respect wildlife, and Know where you can go. It’s also a good idea to check out the hiking trails or campground you’re interested in to make sure that they are dog friendly.
If you’re on the trail with your dog there’s a few things you’ll want to make sure you have to keep your companion comfortable. Depending on the trail you may want to consider some shoes so that your dogs paws don’t get cut up on the path and aren’t exposed to the weather. On typical pavement, 75 degree air temperature can equate to 125 degrees on your pet’s paws so it’s important to keep this in mind when they accompany you. If it is a bit colder, there are cold weather booties that can be great to protect their sensitive paws. You might also consider checking out some rain jackets or coats if the temperature will be lower. When you’re on longer hikes, your pup will be very grateful to have a portable bowl and some water for the longer treks. Bringing some snacks is great to help them refuel and can be used to help them follow commands while in new and potentially overstimulating environments. Depending on where you are, it may be worthwhile to get some tick medication prior to taking your pup out. You should also make sure that they have ID tags on their collar so they can be easily identified no if they get away from you.
Most importantly, have fun! Your dog will love you for bringing them along with you. This can also help strengthen their bond with you and improve their command following abilities. If you have any other must-have’s for your trips with your furry friend, leave them in the comment section below!
In Tents. 