Tips for Backpacking With Your Dog
Four-legged hiking partners are some of the finest.
Before you let your dog loose on a trail, consider whether they're really ready to spend the night outdoors. Are they well-behaved and physically capable of making the journey? Consider how your dog could impact the experiences of other campers.
If you've determined that your dog is ready, follow these guidelines to ensure that both you and your canine friend have a lifetime of stargazing adventures.
1. Review the local rules and regulations.
Make sure your dog is permitted to accompany you on the trail. Our national parks, for example, are home to a variety of fragile habitats, so the rules for where your dog should go vary accordingly. Most national parks allow leashed dogs in designated areas, but trails and wilderness areas are often prohibited. Dogs are not permitted in some parks, while others have access to campgrounds and established areas. State and local parks have different rules.
2. Get in some training walks
Your dog may be able to tear around the house or stroll around the neighborhood for an hour, but that doesn't mean they're ready for serious mileage. Much like humans, animals need to build up to distance and elevation, so take your pet on some training walks and day hikes before doing something too strenuous. Furthermore, dogs can not let you know they're tired until it's too late, so keep an eye on their breathing and actions while you're out, particularly in the sun. Excessive panting or drooling, glazed eyes, or lethargy are all signs to look for.
3. Test their obedience
Your dog may have perfect recall in your backyard, but that doesn't mean they'll listen on the trail when a deer dashes by. Make sure you understand how your dog will react to commands in different situations.
4. Test gear at home
You may be used to sleeping in a tent, but your dog sees it as a potentially dangerous, flappy object that they don't want to be around. Before you hit the trail, introduce your dog to the gear they'll be sleeping in, wearing, or carrying. Set up your tent in the backyard or living room and allow your dog to explore the interior at his or her leisure. Do you want your dog to wear a pack on the trail? Allow Fido to wear their pack inside for a few minutes as you feed them, then gradually increase the time they spend wearing it on daily walks before going on a hike. Make sure the pack isn't overloaded. Dogs can only bear about 10% of their body weight.
5. Protect their paws
Some trail surfaces, such as lava rock or shale, are too rough for a dog's exposed pads or become too hot. Most dogs struggle to adapt to dog booties, so expect a long period of adjustment before going to terrain where they're needed. Patience is important, as are treats. Musher's Secret, a pad protector, can also help.
Related: Gardening With Dogs: 5 Tips To Keep Your Pup Safe
6. Managing waste
Dog waste, like human waste, should be packed out in poop bags or hidden in cat holes (oh, the irony) according to Leave No Trace principles. Don't leave poop bags on the trail with the intention of picking them up later. They're an eyesore for other hikers, and they're likely to go unnoticed.
7. Backcountry grooming
Bring a second camp towel to wash dirty paws and bellies down. Small scissors and a brush will help you deal with trail debris if your dog has a longer coat. Still look for thorns and sticky things between the pads.
We hope you have a memorable trip with your dogs!
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