The heat is breaking, the skies are clearing, and the leaves are exploding into a firework display of oranges and yellows.
Yup, it’s definitely fall. A great time to take your dog for hike.
Here are some tips you can follow to make sure you and your doggy have a fun and safe time.
Before the hike:
1. Always have control of your dog. If you can’t walk down the street without Fido attacking every pedestrian you pass, hiking may not be a very good option.
2. Find a trail that allows dogs. There’s no fun in having to turn around.
3. Make sure your dog is up for strenuous physical activity. Don’t just yank him off his dog bed or away from the video games and expect him to happily sprint up a mountain.
What to bring:
-leash (duh)
-poop bag
-tagged collar
-lots of water
-water dish
-food
-treats
-towel
-first aid kit
On the trail:
1. Collar and leash your dog BEFORE exiting the car. He’s in better shape than you. No one wants to sprint up a cliff. Except your loose dog.
2. Stick to the trail. You may have those awesome new hiking boots you’ve been dying to wear in public but your dog has soft paws. Four wheel drive is only good if you have off-road tires.
3. Keep your dog to your right. No one wants a dog/bicycle collision. Especially when some idiots brakes fail coming down the trail.
4. Be aware of your surroundings. Though your dog may seem like they know where they’re going, they just want to go, not lead. Watch out for other animals, people and the occasional Big Foot.
5. Do not let your dog approach other hikers without their consent. A sudden wet nose to the crotch can be quite startling when trying to take in nature’s beauty.
6. ALWAYS clean up your dogs doo-doo. Other than dog poo being unsanitary and smelly someone could slip and fall off a cliff or something.
7. Bring a camera. It’s always nice to get that one candid shot of your pooch just sitting on the top of a mountain, looking at the sunset, wondering how many treats you have left in your pocket.
So remember these tips and you and your furry friend will be safe and have fun.
Get out there and get your hike on!
[Image via WENN.]