Backpacking with Dogs.

[JC785]

I was wondering how many people take there 4 leged friend along on the trail.

I have a 5 month old lab named Dakota and was wondering at what age there bones were developed enough to hit the trail with a little doggie pack.

[runninglate]

 I would recommend that you put an empty pack or no pack at all on your Dog and watch closely for fatique. The dog is still developing and should not be pushed beyond its limits. You can add weight to your dog as it gets closer to full size, approx 18mo.

 I took a one yr Shepard out and after a few miles of running all around me as I hiked she actually layed down in front of me blocking the trail. I took this as a hint and went ahead and took a lunch break right there.

 Happy Hiking with the Dog

 

[Joshua Szulecki]

I hike and bushwhack with my dog, a skinny but slightly larger than normal 6.5-7lb Chihuahua. No backpacking yet. Fishing through past posts you'll see that he has bushwhacked and done at least 7 miles of trail hiking in one day. However, he waited until he was probably 6-10 months old before he even went in the woods, and nearly 2 years before I let him on the trail. And, he occasionally needs carrying over obstacles and water.

My advice would be:

- Wait until the dog is a little older before taking it into the woods. Puppies are distractable, have less developed bones and muscles, and their immune systems are not quite fully developed. It isn't worth the risks of a lost dog, carrying a tired dog (if even possible), or getting the dog sick.
- Wait until the dog is done growing to do any long distance hiking. I'd stick to under a mile or so at a time until fully grown and stamina-proven.
- Wait until the dog is done growing to put a pack on it. Not worth developmental problems.
- Don't view the dog as a packmule. Ask your vet how much is too much weight for a fully grown lab.
- Use a leash. If I catch you on the trail without a leash, I may chastize you.
- Remember that leashes tangle in understory. Trail hiking is much easier with a dog than bushwhacking. Extendable leashes are much worse about tangles.
- Flea and tick treatment before heading out. Expect some bites regardless, and keep a can of house spray that is safe for use around pet bedding, because the dog WILL carry in fleas despite the treatment.

[JC785]

She is pretty good about staying near you I am in the process of whistle training her and she responds very well. I wasn't planning on letting her hit a major trail anytime soon. She loves to run and follow me while I ride my bike, but I never go more than a couple hundred yards with her at a time. I want her to get some exercise but not hurt anything since she is still developing. When she gets of age to hit the trails the only thing she would tote would be her food and collapsible bowls nothing to heavy.

[Uncle Wayne]

A word of advice: don't assume that everyone you meet on the trail loves your dog as much as you do.   Once on the AT in a shelter in Virginia, we were over run by mice and a lady and her dog came in late, asked if we minded if the dog shared the shelter with us.  I said "as long as he sleeps by you and not by me" She assured me he would and they settled down quietly.  After the dog entered the shelter, the mice disappeared.  Thats he only time I've ever been happy to sleep with a dog.   

[Joshua Szulecki]

A word of advice: don't assume that everyone you meet on the trail loves your dog as much as you do.   Once on the AT in a shelter in Virginia, we were over run by mice and a lady and her dog came in late, asked if we minded if the dog shared the shelter with us.  I said "as long as he sleeps by you and not by me" She assured me he would and they settled down quietly.  After the dog entered the shelter, the mice disappeared.  Thats he only time I've ever been happy to sleep with a dog.   

That is excellent advice.

Keep your dog on a leash, keep your dog under some measure of control, and don't expect to use facilities or structures with the dog.



My advice to parents... Keep your kids away from my dog. He is friendly, but he is not a toy. He also has no attachment to your child. Your child is a fast-moving, funny smelling, loud creature lunging at him. Teach your kid to ask before they pet, and actually WAIT for a response.

[Pathfinder]

My son, Casey, took me to the woods this afternoon in the Bankhead Forest.  He brought along his 5 month old bull terrier.  It was great.  I believe the dog was born to be in the forest.  He looked to be enjoying this experience more than my son and me.  When we got back to the vehicle and headed home, the bull terrier slept till we got him home.  Apparently two miles of woodland exploring was all the pup could handle for one day.  I look forward to taking him with us some more.

[Cuffs]

That is excellent advice.

Keep your dog on a leash, keep your dog under some measure of control, and don't expect to use facilities or structures with the dog.



My advice to parents... Keep your kids away from my dog. He is friendly, but he is not a toy. He also has no attachment to your child. Your child is a fast-moving, funny smelling, loud creature lunging at him. Teach your kid to ask before they pet, and actually WAIT for a response.




AMEN!!!

[Mountain Dog]

I sometimes hike with my German Shepherd and sometimes with my Border Collie.  Each is entirely different and require different approaches.  But, the common factor is ME.  I'm the one that is responsible for their health and actions around other people.  1st, dogs do not store up water as do people.  They need to drink more often.  They will not tell you they are thirsty or tire.  YOU must make sure they drink frequently and YOU must make sure they do not overheat.  My GS will actually drink on command and lay in creeks untill he quits panting, a sign he has cooled off.  The BC is a different story. 2ond, I take PHYSICAL control over my dog whenever I encounter another hiker and I get off the trail.  I'm not going to tell you my dog does not bite.  He's a dog and you do not know either me or him.  I am responsible to make sure you feel safe, and words are not enough.  I'll warn you a half dozen times if you approach me, as I am standing out of the way, to pet my dog.  But, if you persist, I'll let you come close.  One last warning, please chain your dog while you sleep at night.  I was on the AT when cayotes killed two dogs left to rome around a camp site.  Dogs are not the problem on the trails, people not controlling their dogs are the problem.

[Lesley]

I agree that owners are the biggest factor in a successful trip. I started taking Jackson on car camping trips and easy overnighters and day hikes when he was quite young. I did this to get him accustomed to new environments, establishing that what mama and papa says..goes! Get your pup out early and often so he/she can learn proper trail behaviors before they get too big to handle. Jackson was challenging on occasion when he was 3/4 size, and while I knew he had never ever shown aggression, only playfulness, other people/dogs don't know that.

As far a packing your dog...always go by about 1/3 of their body weight. Jackson got his pack at 9 months; I made sure I got a pack that he could grow into and would fit him at that size as well. When he first got the pack he was 55-60 lbs, now he's 85 and he still uses the same pack as then. I started him off by carrying his own food, bowls, lead, and treats. He's upgraded to his own bedding, water bottles, and light gear. The hardest thing is getting his pack balanced just so.  And remember, sometimes your pup may not be able to carry his own.

We got way off a trail once and Jackson didn't show any more signs of fatigue than we did, but he hit his end after a rest period where we all had a snack and he promptly threw his back up. Without even thinking twice I grabbed his pack and slung it over my own and carried both until we got a ride back to our cars. At the Days Inn (thankfully, they take dogs) we gave him once over and let him sleep in the bed with us. He earned it.

[dogwood]

As a backpacker who doesn't own a dog, i'll put in my two-cents worth.  If a dog is friendly, well-trained, and listens well to his master, they are pretty fun to be around!  As a human, i consider my rights, and the rights of others, above that of any animal.  With that being said, it's up to you to control your dog on public lands - he and i don't share the trail as equals.  I'm someone who's usually liked by dogs and babies, but i've ran into a couple of times where i felt threatened by a loose dog(have NEVER felt that way by one on a leash).  Last year, coming out of West Bee Branch canyon, a couple of dogs ran up on my son and i - one growling, the other fairly friendly.  The growling dog stood it's ground in a threatening posture, so i held my hiking staff ready, in case he/she decided to charge.  The owner came up and apologized.  I smiled and laughed a little.  Just as Josh posted earlier, keeping a dog on a leash is best for other hikers(especially if they like to beg for dinner!).

[WolfVanZandt]

he and i don't share the trail as equals.

a couple of dogs ran up on my son and i - one growling, the other fairly friendly.

Heh. Sounds like those dogs agreed with you.



I don't have a dog (I live in an apartment that allows me to have no more than 10 pounds of pet and, even then, I have to pay a $100 deposit). When I'm camping, everybody else's dogs are mine. I like all animals - you just have to speak their language.

I was watching Animal Planet while I was on the treadmill at the Y today and it showed a guy in a truck being mauled by a leopard who was trying to climb in his window. He was trying to push it out. I would have been  beating the the spumoni out of it's nose. I never understood why humans only think of guarding themselves when a nonhuman animal is attacking them....instead of fighting back.

[Lostsheep]

For your pup, I'd wait a bit. Start with general walks around parks and trails. Try to associate him with people. As he gets older and picks up on his training, add an empty back. Over time, add small amounts to it to help him out. He'll get the hint, and you'll start to understand what he can/can't do. Soon enough he'll be carrying his own food, and will be able to walk with you pretty well.

I take my two pretty frequently. One is very well behaved, and the other is only moderately behaved. Something about "going outside to walk" makes her loose her training. Because of this, I have to watch her closely. She doesn't like strangers, so my first command is "DON'T PET MY DOG". I'm pretty certain she won't do anything, but I don't want that chance. After a few minutes of getting to know you, she'll be your best friend.

Also, leash them. The last thing someone wants is a wild dog running up on them and/or their kids. Your dog is liable to get a swift kick if it's threatening!

Bear bells are good on their collar. You'll hear them and so will other hikers.

Bring a tennis ball. They'll love nothing more than a quick game of fetch or just something familiar at camp too!