For many people, dogs have lost their status as a chain guard, becoming true loyal friends and family members. Therefore, when going on a hike, many dog breeders think about whether they should take their pet with them. On the one hand, I want to share with a friend the joy of reuniting with nature, and on the other hand, it’s scary that the dog will bring a lot of problems.
It is recommended that you consult with your veterinarian before deciding whether to take your dog with you or leave it at home. Especially if you are planning a long hike for 1-2 weeks. The veterinarian will assess the dog's health and give all the necessary recommendations, including nutritional advice during the hike
If the veterinarian has issued a conclusion that the pet is healthy and able to withstand prolonged physical exertion, then, before making a final decision, it is worth considering the pros and cons of a joint trip.
Pros of walking your dog
- You don't have to look for someone to leave the dog with. Not all dog owners have close friends or relatives who are happy to welcome a shaggy guest. And staying in hotels for animals, firstly, is very expensive, and secondly, it can cause severe stress in the dog, which negatively affects health. Paid overexposure, although it makes it possible for pets to live in a more home environment, does not exclude improper treatment.
- The positive effect of prolonged physical activity on the dog's health. A multi-day hike allows your pet to run freely, learn new smells, wallow in the grass, etc. After such an active walk, dogs usually have no strength for dirty tricks, therefore, upon returning home, for several more days they will be content to sleep without hind legs.
- The opportunity to visit the dog in the elements familiar to her. Dogs, even living in large and noisy metropolitan areas, always feel harmonious in nature. They do not need special training in the form of equipment and safety instructions. They find themselves in their natural environment, know how to behave, and can see dangers on their own. There are exceptions, though.
- Strengthening the bond between the owner and his pet. In everyday life, a person does not always manage to spend several days in a row in close communication with his pet. The hike gives you the opportunity to enjoy nature together, explore the area, bask by the fire or sleep in an embrace in the same tent. All this leads to better relationships and increased trust in each other.
- The dog can become a personal assistant on a hike. Some experienced dog breeders use their pets as helpers. For example, they put on a special backpack and transfer part of the load there. For some, dogs help to climb the mountains with the help of a special harness and a leash. But for this, only dogs of large and hardy breeds are suitable.
Cons of hiking with dogs
- Unpredictable dog behavior. In field conditions, from an overabundance of emotions and increased activity, even an obedient dog can begin to behave badly: bark at all oncoming tourists, chase birds and squirrels, steal someone else's food, stop responding to commands. Therefore, it is important to be patient and ready for anything.
- Difficulties in transportation to the launch site. If you have to get to the starting point by public transport, then there may be problems with transporting the dog. Some transporters require that the dog be transported in special carriers. And this is an extra load in an already heavy backpack.
- Nutritional problems for your dog on camping trips. Taking dog food for a couple of days is not that difficult. But for a week is another matter. In addition, lovers of natural food will have to puzzle for a long time over how and in what form they will have to carry with them a week's supply of meat and offal for the dog.
- The need to help the dog overcome obstacles. Not all dogs can cross a stream or a thin bridge, jump over a boulder or climb a rock. Therefore, the owner will have to help, which will require additional physical costs. Therefore, you should not forget about this and calculate your strength.
- The need to carry the dog in your arms. Some small breed dogs, even if they are too active in everyday life, do not always cope with prolonged physical activity. Therefore, the owners, during long hikes, have to carry them on their hands, or in special slings or backpacks.
- Not all participants in the hike can happily accept a shaggy comrade into the team. Someone is afraid of dogs, someone suffers from allergies, and someone simply does not like them. If at least one group member is against a dog on a hike, then it is better to leave it at home. Increased physical activity and accumulated fatigue will exacerbate discontent, leading to conflict in the group.
If the owner nevertheless decided to take the dog with him on the hike, it is recommended to start training the dog a few days before the start. For example, try to walk more and more distance each time while walking, or go with her for a long walk in the forest or in the field, or have a picnic in nature. So the owner will be able to assess her physical capabilities and analyze her behavior, which will allow her to make a final decision.
