Tips for Hiking with your dog

As the trail clears out a little and the dogs have settled into their pace, Jenn and I decide it’s time to give them a little freedom. That certainly does not mean take the leash off and let them go tearing off the trail into the woods wherever they want to go. That means we will drop their leash and let them lead us up the trail 20-30 yards. This takes some time to train, but is so nice because it gives your dog a chance to run without you having to worry about what they are getting into. The way we trained this is to use a long line and let them drag it. Every time they would go too far or try to step off the trail we would give them a quick correction with the long line and remind them to stay on the trail. When they would get too far ahead we would step on the line and tell them to wait. Anytime we came to the top of a hill, creek, or tree across the trail we taught them to wait so that we could see what’s on the other side. And with practice and consistency, they started to understand. And it's also very important to keep an eye out for other people walking on the trail. If someone is approaching you should take hold of your dogs leash and walk them again, because not everyone is a dog lover.

With Eeyore leading the way, we make it to the top of the mountain. We make our way to our usual place to take in the view, and of course my favorite part, have a snack. Only in a place like this, sitting on top of a mountain with Jenn and my furry kids and a beautiful carpet of pines laid out before us stretching to the distant beginnings of the Appalachian Mountains, can you achieve a special contentment from life.

After taking a long break and enjoying the rewards of all the hard work, we pack up and prepare for our trek back to the car. Ruhni and I are thankful it’s all down hill. :)

Heading back down hill the dogs try to pick up the pace so we have to be diligent reminding them that we have 2 less feet on the ground so it takes us a little more time so we don’t hurt ourselves. Thankfully dogs are sure footed, having 4-paw drive, but things do happen on the mountain. Twisted elbows and shoulders, trips and falls, snake and insect bites, and for this you need to be prepared. You may not know dog first aid, but all these things are handled roughly the same as with people.

I will give you a few tips on transporting an injured dog. For joint issues or anything where your dog cannot walk easily you have a couple options. First is to carry your dog. This can be difficult with any weight dog, but if it is your only option try to carry your dog over one shoulder similar to a fireman’s carry. But there are easier options with a couple tools. If the injury is minimal you can make a makeshift sling using a shirt or jacket and this will keep most of your dog’s weight off the injured area. You do this by running the jacket under the dog’s chest or waist depending on the injury. Then you hold the sleeves and keep an upward pressure to lesson the amount of weight on the injured area.
If the injury is more severe, then you can make a sled to carry your dog. You use 2 hiking poles, or strong sticks, as a frame. You then run the two poles through a shirt with one pole out each sleeve and then lay the dog on the shirt. You can either hold just one end and pull with the back end dragging, or have a buddy hold the other end so you can carry your dog. I certainly hope you never need these not-so-perfect emergency measures, but it is good to have them in the back of your head.