There is nothing better than taking a hike in the lap of nature. Getting away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and enjoying life in its natural state, we should all opt for hiking from time to time. Of course, regular walks also help us stay fit. The best companion for a walk is your pet dog.
Dogs may have been domesticated by man, but they are still better than us when it comes to the harsh life of the jungle. You will have a loyal ally by your side if you take your dog with you. There are many cases in which dogs save the lives of their owners after mishaps during a walk.
There are a few things to keep in mind when taking your pet dog on hiking trips. The most important factors are listed below:
o Make sure your pet dog is healthy enough to accompany you on the hiking trip. Take your pet dog to your vet and have him checked out. Never take a sick dog on a trip like this. You will face numerous problems if your dog falls seriously ill.
o Make sure your dog is acclimated for the walk. We take many precautions to protect our feet and other body parts from overexertion during the trek. You can’t get shoes for your pet dog. The next best thing is to make sure the dog is used to stress.
o The best way to condition your dog is to take him for long walks daily. Start with a short distance and keep increasing the distance until you are sure the pet is ready for the walk.
o You can also use activities like jogging, fetching a tennis ball, and swimming to get your dog in good shape.
o After conditioning your pet’s heart, be careful to stiffen the toes. Your dog’s paw pads must be able to withstand the stress. A dog with a bleeding paw pad can become a heavy burden on the walk.
o Prepare your dog’s ID tag and license and make sure the rabies shot is up to date. Ask your vet to insert a microchip to make sure your pet dog can be found very easily.
o Never forget the fact that trail restrictions are for your safety. Ignore them at your own risk. If the trail requires the dog to be leashed, obey the rule. Also, be sure to clean up the mess caused by your dog along the way.
Keep track of your dog after you arrive at your hiking site
Please respect the “No Dogs Allowed” sign. Don’t insist on bringing your dog inside. The smartest way to get out is to simply find a dog park. These parks allow dogs under voice control to take off their leashes.
Do not take your dog to such a park unless you have trained him well to obey your commands. If you have a puppy, use a ten foot leash to train him to come back to you when called. If the puppy refuses to obey, use the leash to keep him under control.