Tips for hiking and camping with your dog!

Java and I have now been hiking and camping together for over 6 years and we’ve had quite a steep learning curve together. Before I adopted Java I had never been hiking or camping with a dog before. Actually, I had very little hiking and camping experience at all. I grew up outside NYC and I had never gone hiking until I move out of NY. I knew very little about the outdoors until about 2011. Shortly after moving to this new state I adopted the pup that would be the one to go explore a whole new world that I never thought much about – The great outdoors. Going down this new outdoor journey together of figuring out how to read maps and trail blazes I was happy to have Java by my side, as I often got lost and encountered some unique wildlife. I had never seen wild turkeys, bears, coyotes, or even chipmunks until moving to CT. No matter what wildlife we encountered Java and I learned quickly how best to react and stay safe.

 Tips I wish I had known about hiking and camping with dogs.

1. Food and water. Always make sure to pack enough + extra water and treats for your pup.
2. They need their Giardia shot – Dogs can get Giardia from water and anything else that they eat that has been infected with feces.
3. Put tags on your dogs – Even if your dog never leaves your side do it for both your safety. I met a hiker who had a dog that slipt off an edge of the mountain and the poor pup was lost for days with no ID tag for anyone to identify who its owner is.
4. A Dog first aid kit – Tweezers (especially for tick removal), Wrap, Benedryll – you never know what your dog will encounter and what it could be allergic to.
5. Poop bags or make sure to bring a shovel to dispose of your dog’s waste properly. No one likes seeing poop on the trail so be courteous and cover it up and remove it from sight as best as possible.

Optional things to think about for hiking with your dog:

1. Boots for the paws – If you’re planning a long hike check on your pup’s paws. Dogs paws can often get cut up on the trail and especially the rocky sections.  My pup refuses to wear dog boots but if you know your pup has soft pads you may want to look into buying a pair.
2.  Water and a food container – Try to make it as easy as possible for you to stop and feed/hydrate your pup. Quick release water bottle or easily accessible treats will help your pup stay motivated.
3. Jacket/clothing – Not all dogs handle all weather conditions well. If your pup easily gets cold you may want to bring a jacket or sweater for them.
4. Towel – If your pup is anything like mine, a towel might be a good idea to wipe them off from mud or in case they roll in something they shouldn’t have.
5. Reflective Vest. If you’re in a hunting area you may want to put your pup in a reflective vest so that any hunters around will be well aware of your pup.
6. Backpack – I like making Java carry some of his own supplies in his pack. I started with just some treats in it and now he carries his food and water. It’s especially helpful on backpacking trips where we all have to carry our own weight.
7. Headlamp – This one has helped Java and me quite a few times. I always carry an extra headlamp and tie it around Javas neck if we get stuck hiking after sunset together. It also allows me to see where he is as well as the trail under him.
8. Bandana – Java is often wearing a bandana on our summer hikes as I use it to try to keep him cool by dipping it in water and letting the damp cloth press against his chest. In the cooler months, I spray organic/environmentally friendly bug spray on his bandannas to try to keep the bugs away from him.

Some more optional items for backpacking with your pup

Java sleeps in my tent with me but depending on if we are car camping or backpacking depends on how much extra stuff I bring.

1. His puppy sleeping pad so he’s comfy. A kid’s sleeping pad.
2. His sleeping Bag. Again, just a kids bag that is square not mummy style.
3. Extra Towel.
4. His shampoo in case he roles in something.

One thing hiking has taught me is no matter how prepared you think you are you, mother nature reminds you that you will never fully be. I’ve had to improvise on many things and we learn together what works for us and what doesn’t. Overall it’s just about enjoying the outdoors and take it slow. It should be relaxing for both of you and a great time. Things will happen and can’t control everything but it always makes for some great stories. Lastly, start small and work your way up together.