Dog-friendly hikes

Look for new DOG HIKE Listings: You, your dog, and friends will hike about 1-1 1/2 hour, approximately 2 miles. Dogs and you are encouraged to romp. Don’t you want to see you dog smile? All dogs and people must be friendly and dogs must be up to date on all required vaccinations. Dog owners assume sole responsibility for their dogs, including but not limited to; health, behavior, control, following all dog regulations and cleaning up after their pet.Call or email for details and more information.

see Maine and Trails pages for places to bring your dog hiking

Backpacking with your Dog

Before you go consult your veterinarian  they are the professionals.

There are many challenges to backpacking with a dog. All well worth it.

Extra gear  and other dog essentials- you will at sometime end up carrying this for your dog .

  1. health and vaccination records -most states require up to date rabies vaccinations with proof. I also carry a recent health certificate, all in a ziplock that is easy to find in my pack.
  2. the dogs medications and supplements - any vitamins, supplements, medications you and your dogs veterinarian decide on. I have the best homeopathic veterinarian. My dog and I both take glucosamine and fish oil along with homeopathic remedies and herbs when needed.
  3. dog booties and socks - I carry 6 dog booties and liner socks and have extras in my mail-drops. The dog wears through and loses them like crazy. We have tried so many different brands they all work to some degree. I get mine at dogbooties.com . they wear out fast, but you can’t beat the price. If we decided to hike the CDT in New Mexico again. I’d give ruffwears vibram booties a go. If you’ve found something you like, let me know.
  4. leash and carabiner
  5. dog food - When deciding on or changing your dog  food, talk your veterinarian . my dog eats canidae right now. It has 468 calories per cup. I have fed him others.
  6. bowls - plastic storage containers, gladware I think.
  7. pad - I carry an 1/2 old ridgerest.
  8. pack - My dog has never carried one. Many dogs do well with them.
  9. WATER - I carry the same amount of water if not more than I use myself.

SERIOUS  CONSIDERATIONS

  • your dogs age and condition - Is you dog FIT?  My exercise program includes my dog.
  • your dog may get injured - It’s pretty likely you’ll be seeing a vet. What will you do if he has to get off the trail?
  • sections of trails are closed to dogs - I’ll get into this more on the trail page. Here is another expense, dog boarding and or shuttling.
  • lodging difficulties - Dogs are not welcome everywhere. If they are allowed there is usually a fee.
  • people - some love them too much some loathe them. Some dog lovers want to help and fix everything . They sure know what is best for your dog and give you unsolicited advice. I guess I’m one of them. So, here is my advice; listen to what they say, is there truth or sound reasoning behind their observations? Is it a serious concern? Thank them either way. they really are trying to be helpful. If there is a problem fix it, if not you may need to keep your distance from them. Dog haters; let’s not give them anything to complain about. Keep your dog under control. This means no running up to people, no wet dogs in shelters, noisy dogs should camp away from others. Waste should be packed out or buried. Vicious , unpredictable dogs do not belong on hiking trails.
  • extra expenses - We’ve talked about most of them. lodging, boarding, veterinary bills, food, gear, travel expenses.
  • fleas and tics - and other parasites. discuss prevention with your vet.
  • wild animals - this should not be a problem if your dog is always under control. Those skunks and porcupines are not chasing your dog.