#Middlebury #Dog #Hiking
DEAR PAW’S CORNER: My 1-year-old puppy, Corky, is an energetic mutt who loves to be outside. I started hiking last year, before I adopted Corky, and I plan to do lots more hiking trips when the weather gets warmer. I want to bring Corky along, but I’ve read mixed advice about dogs on trails and at campsites. What’s your take? – Ellen in Boulder, Colorado
DEAR ELLEN: You can definitely take Corky along! Preparation is key: You must prepare Corky for the hike, and you need to research the trails before departing to find out important information, including:
- Are dogs allowed on the trail?
- What are other rules about pets on the trail?
- How long is the hike you’re planning?
- How far can Corky reasonably walk?
- Is water available along the trail, or will you need to carry extra for your dog?
- How good is Corky’s behavior training – will he come to you as soon as you call?
When I’m on a hike, I follow Leave No Trace rules – which also apply to dogs, so be prepared to carry out his poop – and another set of rules I call “Annoy No Other Hikers.”” Included in this personal set of rules are a few dog-specific ones:
- Keep my dog on a leash during the hike, especially on popular trails.
- Clean up after my dog.
- Make sure to carry adequate water, food, first aid and safety gear (such as booties and vest).
- Keep my dog under control when greeting oncoming hikers. Not everyone is thrilled by dogs, and a jumping, out-of-control dog does the community no favors.
Find more training and hiking tips at the American Hiking Society (americanhiking.org/resources/hiking-with-dogs). Pick up dog gear advice at Reckless Roaming (recklessroaming.com/how-to-hike-with-your-dog). And Chewy has some good all-around tips as well.
See you on the trail!
Send your tips, comments or questions to ask@pawscorner.com.
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