Sharing the pleasures of the great outdoors with your puppy can be one of life’s great joys…especially hiking. But are you doubting you’re able to? And what dog hiking gear will you need? Learn all about hiking with your puppy here.
In this article we’ll cover if you should go hiking with your puppy, the best dogs for hiking, essential dog hiking gear you will need and training your dog to hike with you.
While you’re here, have you downloaded the Zigzag app? It offers a full training programme for your puppy and comes complete with its own team of qualified puppy coaches to help you along the way.
Should you take your puppy hiking?
Yes, but you need to be careful about the amount of exercise they do at such a young age. The general rule for puppy exercise is 5 minutes per month of age no more than twice per day and never in one long walk.
Puppies make for tricky hiking companions; their joints and growth plates are still developing, and high impact activity like hiking can impact this development and cause issues further down the line.
It can be wise to wait until your puppy is fully developed, usually around 1 to 2 years, and then you can enjoy hiking with your best friend. In the meantime, though, you can use a puppy hiking backpack and carry your pooch if you can’t wait to hit the trails.
Are you just beginning your puppy journey? Check out our training for beginners here!
Can my dog breed hike with me?
Hopefully, yes! If you’re a keen hiker and are looking for a hiking partner then choose your breed of companion wisely, as some will be more suited to your hobby than others.
Which are the best dogs for hiking?
Endurance and working breeds such as Huskies, Pointers and Vizslas can make great hiking partners. Along with other working breeds such as Bernese Mountain Dogs, Australian Cattle Dogs and Weimaraners.
Less suited to long hikes are companion breeds such as Cavapoos or flat faced breeds and small breeds like French Bulldogs and Chihuahuas, but you can put them in a dog hiking bag if you need to!
If you’re keen to take your young pup on hikes before they are fully grown or if you have one of the lazier breeds we mentioned, (sorry Frenchies.) then a doggy backpack is ideal. They’re also useful for senior dogs who might want to come along for the ride, but can’t walk so much.
Training your puppy to hike with you
You’ll need to have a few things covered before you can take your dog hiking, or take your puppy in a puppy hiking backpack.
Vaccinations
Before your pup can venture out into the outside world, they will need to have completed their puppy vaccinations. If they can’t go on the ground yet, then use a hiking backpack or off-road puppy stroller to enjoy a hike.
Socialisation
You don’t know who you might encounter on your hike in terms of people, other dogs, farm animals and wildlife, so make sure your pup is well socialised before you go hiking.
Training
Your pup will need to have their basic obedience covered before you can take your dog hiking off lead. You should also make sure they have a bombproof recall, and can leave it and drop it.
Lead walking
Some places you hike with a puppy require you to have your dog on lead for safety reasons. To do this, your pup should also be good at loose lead walking and be trained to walk on a dog hiking harness or be carried in a puppy hiking backpack.
Hiking gear for your dog – what do you need?
There are a few essentials you will need if you are going hiking with a puppy or dog.
Harness
A good puppy hiking harness and lead are essential to have with you.
Choose the right harness for hiking with a puppy in our article all about puppy harnesses.
Collar
Your puppy or dog should also wear a collar with an ID tag when you go hiking, just in case the worst happens, and you get separated.
Learn more in our article about puppy collars.
Water
Safety first! Hiking with a puppy can get ho, so it’s vital to take some water aking, for both you and your dog. Dehydration can hit fast when you are hiking.
Food
Have some of your dog’s food with you, and some healthy treats to keep their energy up. You might want to take yourself some snacks too.
First Aid Kit
Have a human and a dog one, so if any accidents happen you can deal with them. Read our guide on essential puppy first aid, so you are well-prepared and know what your kit should contain.
Dog Bowl
A travel or collapsible dog bowl is essential when hiking to be able to give your dog a drink of fresh water,
Hazards when hiking with your dog
There are many potential dangers you may encounter with your dog when out hiking. You might want to enjoy the scenery around you but keep an eye out for the following:
- Farm Animals and Wildlife
- Heat Stroke
- Long grass that may contain ticks
- Water sources may contain blue algae and not be safe for your pup to drink or swim in
- Rocks and rough terrain can cut paws
FAQs
Can you overwalk a puppy?
Yes, whilst joints develop stick to the rule of 5 minutes exercise per month of life no more than twice per day.
Hiking with a 6 month old puppy?
Use a puppy hiking backpack. Long hikes with a 6 month old puppy is not advisable as their growth plates and joints will not be fully developed until 1 to 2 years old.
Can I carry my puppy on a hike?
Yes, if your puppy is too young to hike then carrying them in a puppy hiking backpack is a great option.
Download the Zigzag app today to get access to the best training programme for your puppy, and you’ll get access to a team of professional dog trainers, there to talk to you 24/7 via our in-app chat.
