Canine Hiking 101

As the temps (finally!) begin to cool, are you thinking about having fun in the public lands around Tucson - with your pooch? Getting outdoors with your dog can be safe and rewarding if you plan ahead. Here's how to get started:

Assess your dog's readiness.

If you or your dog are new to hiking, start with a visit to your vet. They can assess your dog's fitness level, help you strategize to manage any medical concerns, and suggest appropriate vaccines or preventative measures for common hazards in your region (see our post about rattlesnake bites).

A trainer can help your dog prepare behaviorally. Before taking your dog on trails, they should have a solid recall and not reactive to people, wild animals, horses, or other dogs.

Build up to a big hike by taking your dog out on flatter, shorter, less remote hikes first. This gives your dog a chance to acclimate and you a chance to assess their individual stamina and needs.

Make a daypack for your dog, too.

At a minimum, you will need:

• A collapsible bowl and extra water for your dog. Each day, a dog will need between 0.5 to 1.5 ounces per pound of body weight. Some people let their dogs drink out of creeks and puddles, but dogs can get sick from water-borne pathogens just like people can. Bodies of water in arid regions like Arizona may also be seasonal, so don't count on it to be there when you need it. Some people train their dogs to drink directly out of a bottle.

• Snacks/treats. Your dog may be hungrier after expending a lot of energy, just like you! Treats can also be used to reinforce good behavior, which is essential when you're hiking together.

• Poop bags. More about trail etiquette below.

• Towel. Plan for muddy paws.

• First aid kit. Many vets provide guidance on canine first aid kits and treatment, including this post from Veterinary Specialty Center Tucson and another from East Valley Animal Hospital in Gilbert. Bandages, tweezers, and antiseptic are the bare minimum.

Depending on the terrain/weather, also consider:

• A cooling collar or other way to regulate temperature (see our post on heat stress).

• Booties to protect from sharp rocks and extremely hot or cold surfaces.

• Musher's Secret paw balm as a preventative against cracked paws and fine cuts due to rough terrain.

Leave no trace.

Be Sanitary. Domesticated dogs are not a part of the native fauna of Arizona. It's up to all of us to keep our trails pristine and our ecosystems protected. No matter where you hike, be sure to bag your dog's poop and carry it out with you! Don't leave it on the trail for later pickup. For overnight trips, use the same rules as people: pee away from bodies of water, and bury solid waste away from trails, at least 6 inches deep.

Know the Rules. Taking your dog on public lands is a privilege, not a right. There are some places dogs aren't allowed or must be leashed, so check ahead of time and pay attention to signs at trailheads.

Keep your dog nearby, (usually) on a leash.

Leash laws may exist in more crowded areas for the safety of people, dogs, equestrians, and wildlife/plants. If an uncontrolled dog runs up to a reactive dog on a leash, chaos ensues. Hikers with dogs should yield to other trail users. Your dog must be on a short leash and able to remain calm when children, other dogs, and horses pass by.

Staying leashed may also be safest for your dog. There are many dangers in the backcountry surrounding Tucson, including javelina, snakes, poisonous plants, mountain lions, and cacti. Even if your dog follows your voice commands in calm, familiar situations, are you sure they won't run off if their instinct tells them to chase a deer or a lizard? Consider professional training to help your dog walk on a leash and respond calmly in overstimulating or stressful situations.

All prepared? Now have fun!

Once you've considered your dog's preparedness, checked regulations, and stocked your doggy-daypack, you're ready to hit the trails! This is a great opportunity to reinforce obedience and have fun together.

Want to take the next step? Reach out today if you're interested in our Camping Basics course. We'll go in-depth about topics like gear setup, fire safety, canine first aid, navigation/mapping, and desert plants/animals. At the end we'll take a real-life camping trip to build community and practice new skills!