Activities For A Climber With Dogs
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Prepare for unexpected vet bills
Introduction
Are you an avid climber? If you are on this site then it is clear that you are also an avid dog lover. Time to combine those two passions! Sure, your dog may not be able to scale cliffs the way you do but there are plenty of activities you can do with your dog that will revolve around your love for climbing. No need to keep your dog and your life as a climber separate any longer! With the right equipment, training, and prep you and your climber extraordinaire will scale the hills at the very least!
Gear Up
Popular
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Any Day
Moderate
Easy
1 hr
Items needed
Dog Coat
Dog Bowl and Water
Collar
Leash
Dog Backpack
Dog Bed
Activity description
If you are planning on going on a climbing excursion, you should definitely consider bringing your dog. Plan a long weekend of climbing with your dog by your side. You will need to get some equipment for your dog in order to keep them comfortable and happy while you climb. Things you should keep in mind when looking for dog climbing equipment are how long you will be going for, how much you are able to spend, and what your dog really needs to be a true climbing partner. These few things will help your dog on the trip and keep them involved and safe while you climb.
Step
1
Collapsible dog bowl
Investing in a collapsible dog bowl is one of the best things you can purchase for your dog. When your pup accompanies you on a climb, they will surely get thirsty. It can be tough to hike or travel with a regular dog bowl so you will need one that easily fits in your bag. The collapsible ones are the easiest to use and open up to be a good size. Your pup will never get thirsty when they have a nice dog bowl just for their climbing trips!
Step
2
Dog backpack
While you likely fill your pack with climbing gear, your dog can fill theirs with treats, water bottles or nothing at all. It has been shown that giving a dog a backpack also gives them a sense of purpose, a "job" which makes them more focused and happier. Let your dog feel like the climbing trip is geared toward them by letting them carry their very own pack.
Step
3
Dog bed
Whether your dog is taking a rest at the bottom of a rock wall you are climbing or spending the night in a chilly tent, they deserve a little comfort. Normal dog beds are much too bulky to travel with but a specially designed, compact dog bed designed for camping and hiking is something you need for your dog. No one wants to lay on the hard ground, your dog included! A nice compact dog bed is a much needed item when you will be frequently bringing your dog climbing.
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Training
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Any Day
Cheap
Normal
1 hr
Items needed
Treats
Activity description
Whether you are a beginner climber or a professional, you need to workout in order to keep yourself in top climbing shape. From developing arm strength to keeping yourself lean and limber, exercising will greatly improve your climbing. Know who can help you workout? Your dog! Your pup is your perfect workout partner and while it will just be nice to have your dog by your side, your dog can also join in on the exercise as well! Easily done at home and for free, staying in tip-top shape is a must. Not only will you be getting in better shape to climb but your dog will also be getting out some of their energy - a win win!
Step
1
Jump up
Work those leg muscles by jumping up and down a platform - it sound simple but you will find how hard it is when your leg muscles start to burn. Get a flat platform at least one foot high and jump up and then down. Encourage your dog to do the same. You go up, they go up. You jump down, your dog jumps down. You will both grow tired surprisingly fast!
Step
2
Push ups
Doing lots of push ups are a straightforward way to develop muscles in your arms which are definitely needed for climbing. Train your dog to do push ups as well. When you lower your chin to the ground, say "down" and have your pup lie down. When you command "up", your dog can stand up. Up and down you go and up and down goes your dog! You are both getting quite strong now!
Step
3
Running
In order to keep your body nice and lean for easier climbing, you should incorporate running into your exercise routine. Of course, you should never leave your dog behind! Grab your pup's leash and take them for a run with you. Your dog will love being outside and it is more fun to run when you don't have to run alone.
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Extreme Hikes
Popular
0 Votes
Sunny Day
Cheap
Hard
1 hr
Items needed
Collar
Leash
Water
Climbing Harness
Dog Waste bags
Activity description
While it is hard to imagine your dog climbing with you on a rock wall or out in nature up a steep cliff, you can probably picture your dog at your side on a hike. Why not ramp up the difficulty of those hikes to be more in line with your love for the extreme sport of climbing? When you plan difficult hikes, you can still be physically challenged while also doing something your dog can enjoy and participate in as well. You don't need to be upside down on a rock wall in order to "climb"! Stay on your two feet and bring your dog a place where their four paws will suffice as well.
Step
1
Trail search
Look in your local area for trails that will challenge both you and your dog. Steep mountainsides with hiking trails, parks with steep hills, and neighborhood paths that weave up and around high peaks are all ideal. Read reviews of various trails to gauge the difficulty and to also see if anyone else has brought their dog to the area to hike. Pick a trail and then get ready to go!
Step
2
Pack
Get everything ready for your challenging hike with your dog. Bring some fresh water and a dog bowl, a map if needed, your dog's leash and their collar. If you think you may need a climbing harness (for when the trail gets too steep and you need to help your dog up a ledge), grab that as well. Bring comfy climbing shoes for yourself, too!
Step
3
Go up and over
Time to hike! Let your dog set the pace and keep an eye on them when you get to the difficult parts of the trail. Help your dog as needed and if they seem to be struggling, be sure to respond to their needs. Make sure the hike is sufficient for you by wandering off the beaten path to quickly climb a rock or go up a steeper part of the trail. You and your dog will be tired by the end of the trail for sure!
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More Fun Ideas...
Dog Climbers
See if your local climbing gym will let your pup give some of the easier walls a try. Encourage your dog to safely try to go up on the equipment and climb as high as they can!
Climbing Wall
Get a climbing wall in your backyard for your dog. A flat, wooden A-frame structure is all you need along with a few treats to coax your pup over the first few times. They'll be jumping over in no time!
Conclusion
Dogs can't quite climb the way humans can since their four paws and no thumbs pose quite the problem. However, don't let that stop you from encouraging our dog to go on climbing adventures with you. Dogs love exercising in new ways and also enjoy being challenged, so keep your pup by your side as you pursue your passion for climbing. Who knows, maybe your dog will be an excellent climber as well, able to scale walls just like you!