Hiking with Your Dog

Few things compare to the freedom of heading out on a hike with your dog. Leaving behind the routines of everyday life and stepping straight into nature creates a sense of adventure and presence that’s hard to find anywhere else.

A Day Hike

For a day hike, a reasonable distance can range between 7 and 20 kilometers, depending on your and your dog's fitness level and the terrain. If you're a beginner, it's wise to start at the lower end of this range (or even shorter) and gradually increase the distance. If you and your dog are already in good shape and accustomed to long walks, you can aim for longer distances. Dogs can often handle far more than we expect! However, always consider the difficulty of the terrain – 10 kilometers on flat ground is not the same as 10 kilometers in mountainous or uneven terrain. Big difference.

• Assess Your Own Capacity
  Knowing your own body is crucial. How much are you used to walking? If you rarely walk long distances, start with shorter hikes and gradually extend them. A long hike can be physically demanding, and if you're unprepared, fatigue can make the experience less enjoyable. Make sure to build your endurance step by step.

• Consider Your Dog’s Breed, Age, and Fitness
  Your dog's physical condition plays a major role in how far you can go. Size, breed, and age all affect their stamina. Some breeds are built for long distances and rough terrain, while others tire more quickly. Adjust the hike's length and difficulty to your dog's needs and capacity. That said, as mentioned earlier, dogs often have more endurance than we do.

• Proper Clothing and Gear
  Have you broken in your hiking boots, or are they brand new? A simple blister can ruin the entire experience. Do you have a backpack that fits well and is properly adjusted for you?

• Weather Considerations
  Weather can play a major role. Hot or extremely cold days affect both your and your dog's energy levels and hydration needs. Adjust your hiking distance according to the weather to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Packing for Your Dog

What your dog needs depends on whether you’re going for a day hike or a multi-day trek. For a day hike, a backpack of around 20-40 liters is recommended for you and your dog’s gear—20-30 liters in summer and around 40 liters in winter. This will give you space for a small gas stove, food, extra clothing, and season-specific equipment.

For a day hike, consider bringing:

• Water and a bowl
• A coat or jacket depending on the weather
• A dog pack – if your dog has been trained to carry one
• Dog boots – if hiking in tough conditions such as rocky terrain, sharp snow, etc., and if your dog is accustomed to them
• A first aid kit – and make sure you know how to use it
• A tick remover and insect repellent for dogs
• An insulating mat for breaks, depending on the season

Packing for Yourself

Your own packing depends on the terrain and season. No matter the time of year, consider taping your heels with Leukoplast or similar in advance to prevent blisters. Here are some essentials to bring, assuming no extreme weather conditions:

• Downloaded map on your phone and a printed waterproof map
• First aid kit for you and your dog
• Sunglasses
• Cap or sun hat and sunscreen
• Rain gear and rain cover for your pack
• Water bottle and possibly a thermos
• Food or a camping stove and suitable meal supplies
• Extra socks
• Insulating clothing depending on weather and season
• Sit pad
• For bathroom needs: a small shovel, toilet paper, wet wipes, and hand sanitizer
• Waste bags for dog waste
• Insect repellent