Introduction
Rock climbing is one of those activities that truly gets the blood flowing and the adrenaline racing. With beautiful views, exhilarating challenges, and usually a great group of pals to spend time with, perhaps the only thing that would make this experience even better is a dog. Lots of climbers enjoy bringing their furry friend along with them, and as long as everyone involved knows what to expect when bringing a dog along on the journey, the potential is there for totally paw-some time! However, some climbers tend to waver on the other side of the fence, feeling that bringing a dog is more of an annoyance than a pleasure. The truth of the matter is that, whether or not everything goes smoothly totally depends on the dog and how much work the owner has invested in said dog. With lots of practice, a good temperament, and the patience to make sure your pup is comfortable on the crag, there is no reason why everyone shouldn't have a wonderful experience with a dog along for the climb. There are just a few things to keep in mind if you are considering a four-pawed companion tagging along on your next rock climbing excursion. We have taken the time to compile a list of activities that you can do to prepare your dog in order for them to be the best they can be while out in the mountains!
Conclusion
Overall, while some climbers may find that having a dog along on a trip is just bad luck, there are a lot of little things that can be taken care of in order to ensure that the climb is enjoyable for everyone. Keeping your dog on a leash if they can't fully be trusted off it helps remove any temptation that would otherwise exist; such as stealing a lunch or wandering off into some other climber's way. Properly socializing your pet is a huge as it reduces the chance of potential barking annoying others, or a nervous dog that may injure someone else accidentally. Although it may seem daunting at first to jump through the necessary hoops, ensuring that your dog is fit for climbing in all ways will make the experience one that you'll never forget; in the best way possible!