May 11
27
Hiking With Your Best Friend
Where Do We Go Now?
Taking your best friend hiking has become a pastime that many of us enjoy. I know I wouldn’t think about taking a hike without bringing our dog, Ginger along.
There haven’t been many hikes where we don’t encounter other hikers with their dogs and we stop and chat for a moment while dogs do what they do to introduce themselves.
Ginger knows when we’re getting ready for a hike as we start gathering all of our hiking gear and finally her harness and backpack. She starts whining and if we’re not fast enough she goes over and nuzzles her harness and pack as if to say “come on you guys, lets go.” This exuberance is hard to ignore and it reminds me of how much fun it is to hike with your dog.
She has been hiking with us for all of her life and is very used to the rigors of climbing mountains. We have even taken her along on some Colorado fourteeners when we know the trail will be safe for her.
Before you decide to bring you dog along there are a few things to consider. First, bring a leash just in case even if it’s not required. A leash can help you in case your dog encounter another not so friendly dog and if there is wildlife around it can keep both you and your dog safe.
Bring something to pick up after your buddy. Nobody likes to see dog piles along the trail. I know, it’s no fun but we gotta do it.
Make sure you bud is up to the task. Just like you, dogs need to be in the right shape to tackle a mountain trail. Start out by walking your dog on a nice flat trail and increase your distance a little at a time and work in some hills. This will bet you both ready.
Lastly, bring extra water. There are lots of times when there is no water on the trail and if you don’t bring enough for both of you, well, enough said.
Most trails that I’ve been on here in Colorado allow dogs but a few don’t like Rocky Mountain National Park so check to see if there are restrictions before you head out.
