Summer activities may be winding down, but walking your dog knows no season. Hiking – or just long walks in the woods – can go on almost year round, so why not combine the two and hit the trail with your dog? Just do it safely.
Daniel Boone National Forest gives these tips and a lot of other good advice for taking your dog to the wilderness:
· Make sure he’s physically ready.
· Get him vaccinated – ask your vet about a Lyme disease shot in case of contact with ticks.
· Bring a leash. Yes, it’s nice to let dogs run free, but there will be times when you have to keep yours close to you. The leash should be short and sturdy. It may be safer to use one that attaches to a harness, not the dog’s collar.
· But, of course, he should wear his collar, with up-to-date ID tags.
· Realize that, as the Park site says, “Many dogs have no concept of heights, and they can slip under railings.” Cliffs, ravines, etc., may be good places to put your dog on the leash.
· Bring plastic bags. Yes, you have to clean up after your dog in the woods, too.
· Keep him fairly quiet. Barking can disturb wild animals (also people who don’t like dogs, though they’re less likely to attack physically).
· You may want to bring water for the dog (not just yourself) if you’re going to be out there for a while.
· On a really long hike or a camping trip with a dog, you should pack a first aid kit for him, too. (I’ll come back to that in a later article.)
A few preparations will help both of you relax and enjoy the wilderness.
