Hiking is one of the most rewarding activities you can do with your dog! Time spent on trails provides much needed exercise and enrichment. To get the most out of hiking, we encourage you to keep these “trail manners” in mind:

1. Be Respectful

• Follow Leash Rules – Rules around keeping dogs on leash exist for a reason. Unfortunately, not everyone has well-trained dogs and not everyone is respectful when hiking. If you’re in an area that requires dogs to be leashed, it is best to follow the rules. If you’re in an area that allows off leash dogs, or does not have any specific rules, it is best to keep your dog in close range (within eyesight at all times) and on trail. If you see or hear another person or dog on trail, immediately recall your dog and leash them or put them in a stationary position (sit or down) at the edge of the trail. If your dog does not recall or hold positions reliably (with other dogs walking by and barking at them, people passing in close range and trying to pet them, etc.), it is always best to leash them. If you must call your dog more than once, their recall is not reliable, and they should be leashed at all times.
• Tread Lightly – Diverging from the designated trail causes damage to vegetation. It might not seem like a big deal, but when everyone does it, the damage accumulates. It is best to stick to the trail as much as possible, including when the trail is muddy. If you are creating space for another person or dog to pass, keep to the edge of the trail or backtrack to a wider spot when possible.
• Pack Out Waste – This one speaks for itself – always come prepared to pack out your dog’s waste. Don’t be rude and selfish, if your dog poops on the trail it is your responsibility to pack out that poop. If you are worried about odor, consider a smell proof sack, pack out bag, or a Dog Doo Tube.
• Respect Wildlife – If you come across any wildlife on your hike, make sure to keep your dog under control. If they’re off leash, recall them immediately. Do not allow your dog to chase, bark at, or otherwise bother wildlife.

 2. Be Prepared 

• When you take your dog on a hike, you are solely responsible for their health and well-being. They didn’t choose to go on the hike, they have no concept of the distance they’re going to have to cover, they don’t know that they need to pace themselves, and they’re unable to communicate their needs.
  • Make sure to choose a dog-friendly trail. National Parks, in particular, often have trails that do not allow dogs. Do your research ahead of time and make sure dogs are allowed on the trail you intend to hike.
  • Check and re-check the weather forecast. Skip the hike if it’s too warm, dress your dog appropriately if it’s going to be cold, and stay home if there are storms in the forecast.
  • Choose a hike that is appropriate for your dog’s fitness level. Unless your dog is small enough to be carried, make sure they’re physically capable of hiking the trail you’ve picked out. Consider milage, difficulty, elevation gain, etc.

• We will be outlining items that you should pack for hikes in an upcoming blog post, but here are the essentials we believe you should always carry for your dog (not including the 10-essentials you should carry for yourself):
  • More than enough water and a bowl to drink it from.
  • A dog-specific first aid kit (including vet wrap, styptic powder, etc.).
  • A rescue harness in case of injury.

3. Be An Advocate 
No matter your dog’s temperament, the best way to protect their experience is to advocate for their space. On leash greetings are rarely beneficial, and socializing with unknown dogs off leash is a mixed bag. When you see another dog approaching, a subtle but effective way to communicate that you don’t want your dog to socialize is to put your dog in a sit or down stay at the edge of your trail and put your body in between them and the approaching dog. Turn your back to the trail, but remain aware of where the approaching dog is at all times. Be ready to yell to the oncoming hiker, asking them to recall and regain control of their dog. No one wants to have a confrontation with a dog, but it is always best to sacrifice your own body should a dog approach with aggression and intent. Use your physical presence to apply spatial pressure and guard your dog. This will teach your dog that they do not have to defend themselves – you will be their advocate and protector.

4. Be Polite 
The most polite option when hiking with a dog is to always yield the right of way. Step to the edge of the trail (as far as is safe and will not cause damage to vegetation), place your body between your dog and the trail, and allow others to pass. If someone else yields the right of way to you, make sure to leash up your dog and pass with your dog in a heel command, giving them as much space as possible as you pass. If your dog knows a switch command, switch them to your right side to create space for them.

5. Be Vigilant 
While it’s easy to zone out, we encourage you to stay vigilant on trails. Don’t put headphones in, listen for approaching hikers and other dogs, and keep an eye out for wildlife on and around the trail.

Keeping these trail manners in mind will ensure you have the best possible experience hiking with your dog. Want to learn how to responsibly hike off leash with your dog? Check out our in-person training programs and online courses!