Activities For Dogs With Owners Who Like Hiking

Home
Dog Activities
Activities For Dogs With Owners Who Like Hiking

1k Views

0 Comments

0 Votes

Prepare for unexpected vet bills

Find pet insurance Find pet insurance

Introduction

So you like to hike? Well, guess what - your dog probably likes to hike, too! While you have probably already thought to bring your dog on a trail or two, you may want to consider a few other pup friendly activities for while you are out hiking together. Hiking doesn't have to just be walking straight up a trail, it can be much more fun and involved for you and your dog! So grab the leash (and maybe a few other things…) and get ready to hit the trails in a whole new way with your dog by your side!

Stairmaster

Popular

0 Votes

Any Day

Free

Normal

30 min

Items needed

Stairs

Ball or Toy

Activity description

While you and your dog both love to hike, sometimes the weather isn't suitable for hiking. What are you to do on these days? Why, stairs of course! A stair workout is a great way to get in your daily dose of climbing and it is also something your dog will be able to participate in as well (and a fun rainy day activity for your pup is always good to have under your belt).

Step

Get ready...

Take a good stretch before heading to your stairwell. If you live in an apartment, a hallway stairwell is just perfect as well (multiple floors!). Grab your pup and a bottle of water and then prepare to feel like you are climbing up the tallest mountain trail! A trail that never has to end….

Step

Up and down

Run up the stairs and call your dog so that they follow you as well. Then, turn around and go back down. Simple enough! You do not even necessarily have to run, a brisk walk will do! After a few flights or turns of going up and down, your legs will begin to burn just as if you were hiking and your dog will be panting as well.

Step

Keep going...

Continue going up and down as long as you'd like or until you feel as if you have hiked a mountain. If your dog is reluctant to follow you on the last few laps, grab their favorite ball and throw it up (or down) the stairs. Fetch and hiking on a rainy day? It doesn't get any better than that!

Add your dog's photo

Swim Fun

Popular

0 Votes

Sunny Day

Free

Easy

20 min

Items needed

Water Bowl

Water

Doggy Waste Bags

Towels

Activity description

Yes, we are talking about activities to do relating to hiking but have you ever climbed to the top of a trail just to find a glistening lake or steam? Well, there you go! Swimming is necessary! Adding a swim to your hike is a great way for you and your dog to cool off. Also, if you don't feel much like taking a dip, your dog still may, especially on hot days after a long hike. So sit by the stream and encourage your dog to go for a quick swim before heading back down the mountain. Hiking and swimming definitely go hand in hand!

Step

Map it

Plan your hike on a trail that has a lake, stream or river. When you find a hike that will suit your desire to swim with your pup, make sure the water is safe for swimming by looking on websites related to the area. The water should be clean and the area approved for swimming.

Step

Go!

Head out on the mountain or trail to your new swimming hole! Be sure to bring your suit and a towel for you and one for your pup. A change of collar may also be a good idea so your dog isn't stuck wearing an uncomfortable wet collar after their swim.

Step

Splash

Arrive at your destination and dive in (or walk in depending on the terrain!). Let your dog just dip their paws in by the edge or go for a full doggy paddle- whichever they prefer! Allow your dog to cool off in the water as long as they like before heading back home. Watch out for that wet dog shake!

Add your dog's photo

Backpacking

Popular

0 Votes

Sunny Day

Moderate

Easy

1 hr

Items needed

Bags to pick up waste

Water bottles

Doggy Backpack

Activity description

While hiking can be hard enough, give your dog an extra challenge by fitting them with a doggy backpack. This is an especially good activity to do with a dog who is already accustomed to hiking long distances. Having your dog wear a doggy backpack will not only add to the exercise they are getting on the trail but it also gives your dog a sense of purpose or a "job" which has been proven to make dogs thrive - everyone wants to feel like they have an important job! So grab a doggy backpack and add a whole new dimension to hiking with your dog (p.s. make your pooch carry the water bottles!).

Step

Perfect pack

Find the perfect doggy backpack for your dog. There are many different types of backpacks and you want to be sure the one you choose fits your dog well. Make sure it is not too tight or rubbing your pup somewhere that will be irritating. A backpack that is too loose may also be bothersome to your dog so proper fit is very important before heading onto a mountain.

Step

Get adjusted

Let your dog get use to wearing the backpack around the house or even for quick walks down the block. While your dog may be an expert hiker like you, adding a backpack may change the game. You want to make sure your dog is comfortable before going for a long hike.

Step

Hit the trail

Head out on a hike! Start with a trail that you and your dog are familiar with. After your dog is use to wearing their backpack, add a few water bottles for extra weight and, of course, hydration! The more weight in the backpack, the more your dog has to work so while this can be great for exercise, always keep your dog's safety in mind!

Add your dog's photo

More Fun Ideas...

Trail Tally

Keep track of all the trails you have climbed with your dog and try to reach a certain number. Celebrate with your dog after you have both hiked 20, 50, 100 trails!

Mountain Fetch

Bring your dog's favorite ball to play with while on your hike. This keeps your dog entertained and allows them to run rather than simply walking along.

Conclusion

Hiking is one of the best activities you can do with your pup. It is typically free, it gets you both out in the open air and it is something your dog will truly enjoy. So get off your tail and start planning your next hike to include some of these fun activities!