How To Hike With Your Dog

Thinking about hitting the trails with your furry friend? Whether you’re training a new puppy or planning longer adventures, knowing how to hike with your dog safely is key.

In SHORT…

What essential gear should you pack for your dog? Learn about must-haves like leads, collapsible bowls, first aid kits, and protective wear to keep your dog comfortable and safe.
How can you respect wildlife and other trail users? Discover etiquette tips to control your dog around livestock, pick up waste responsibly, and stay mindful of wildlife restrictions.
What special considerations apply for different dogs and terrains? Find guidance on hiking with puppies, seniors, reactive dogs, and tackling various landscapes while ensuring your dog’s health and happiness.

Have you just acquired a small, fuzzy, noisy distributor of feces and chaos commonly referred to as a puppy? Fancy knowing how to hike with your dog? Or taking them out for some longer walks? If you’ve answered either of those questions with ‘yes’, this blog is for you.
Below are some of our best tips on how to hike with your dog and keep your furry companion safe on your outdoor adventures. 

What to take on a hike with your dog?

Lead and collar

In the UK you’re required by law to have all dogs microchipped. A collar with a tag makes it much easier for someone to just give you a call.
This usually happens when you get separated from your dog during your hike. You may find a harness is more beneficial on a hike though.
It will help you assist your dog in getting over obstacles and also helps control them around livestock and wildlife if they’re not fully trained yet. 

How to hike with your dog ? Pack a Flatpack bowl

This one isn’t always necessary depending on the time of year, where you’re walking and how far you’re going. For the size and weight of it, you might as well just bung it in your pack.
A flatpack bowl doesn’t take up much room compared to a full-sized traditional dog bowl. It is really handy if you’re far away from drinkable water sources.

Mini first aid kit

Not just essential for you, but a lot of bits in there can be transferred to your dog if you need to.
Tweezers can help with thorns, grass seeds and bee stings. A cut-up old sock with some tape can be added to make an impromptu tubi-grip.

Poo bags

Some places are okay with the ‘stick and flick’ rule but many public places and trails require you to take your dog waste with you. You should dispose it properly. Take spare bags just in case. It’s worth noting that despite some owners’ insistence on bagging their dog’s poo and hanging it from a tree (not sure on the logic here). This is not correct etiquette. The poo will decompose, the bag will not.

Spare food/treats

A small bag of treats are always appreciated. If you’re out for an especially long hike it may be a good idea to take a packed lunch for your dog. They need the energy too!

An old towel

An old towel has saved my car’s floor mats from Spaniel muck on multiple occasions.
If you’re just out for a day, leaving it in the car’s boot is a good idea.
If you’re camping, find a smaller, more packable towel and just pop it in one of the outer pockets of your rucksack. You can then dry them off before they inflict havoc on the inside of your tent. 

A coat (and possibly boots)

Our dogs get cold too, and it can get particularly bad on snowy days.
Ice and snow can build up on the dog’s paws and undersides causing ice balls. These ice balls can be painful and annoying to your dog. There are loads of tips and tricks to keep this from happening, but the main two that come up are:
Keep the fur between your dog’s toes trimmed and, before you go out, spray a bit of vegetable cooking oil underneath their feet (yes really).
Then, when you get home. Check if you can find some ice balls on their paws and simply melt them away with a hairdryer (on the lowest setting). You can also achieve the same result by putting them in some lukewarm water. We stock a load of jackets, boots and accessories from Ruffwear.
You can use them if you’re in a particularly cold part of the country or own a short-haired dog that requires a bit more warmth. 

Hiking with dog- General Etiquette

Pick up after your four-footed friend

We’ve already covered this one above, but it’s worth mentioning again.
Stick and flick can be fine, but use some common sense when doing so.
Is there livestock in the same area that could potentially ingest it?
Is it right on a public footpath? If in doubt, just pop it in a bag and take it with you.

Control them around livestock

It’s an offence to allow your pet to bother any livestock.
It’s always good practice (and a legal requirement on open access land) to keep your dog on a short lead around farm animals and horses.
It is important for your own safety and for the welfare of the animals. Even a dog with a strong recall can chase a sheep, cow, fox, squirrel or any other creature without much second thought.

Be mindful of wildlife

Be vigilant and respect any signage that requires you to keep your dog on a lead.
The access rights that normally apply to open country and registered common land require dogs to be kept on a short lead between 1st March and 31st July. It helps to protect ground-nesting birds. At the coast, there may also be some local restrictions to require dogs to be kept on a short lead. During the bird breeding season prevent disturbance to flocks of resting and feeding birds.

How to hike with your dog ? Speaking of wildlife…

Long grass can be home to insects, parasites and adders. It’s important to check for ticks when you get home. Also, if your pooch is ever bitten by an adder, try not to let it move and consult a vet as soon as possible.
Be vigilant with grass seeds and thorns. Grass seeds can cause a lot of discomfort for your dog. They can be sharp and can become embedded in their skin; most commonly their paws, ears, tail, underarms and groin area.
Vets recommend daily checking your dog, especially after a walk.

Respect other visitors

Our trails are home to people partaking in a wide array of activities, from walking, biking and running to horse riding and even paragliding.
Just be courteous, basically. In most cases, we’re all equally permitted to be there.
Keep your dog a sensible distance away from you so you can control them quickly if a bike or horse comes around the corner.
Or equally another dog that may not have had much social experience. 

How to Hike With Your Dog- Extra Tips for Specific Scenarios

Hiking with a Puppy or Senior Dog

Little Explorers: If you’ve got a puppy, remember they’re still learning and building their stamina. Start with shorter, easier hikes, and give them lots of breaks. Since they’re new to all of this, they’ll need time to get used to the trail’s sights, sounds, and smells. And lead training is key—trust us, it’s a lot easier when they learn early!

For the Golden Oldies: Older dogs may not be ready to retire from hiking just yet, but they might need a little extra TLC. Shorter hikes with flat terrain are best and bring along something comfy to lie on when they take a break. Always watch how they’re doing—if they start slowing down or looking sore, it’s time to head home for a well-deserved rest.

Tackling Different Terrains

Rocky or Mountain Trails: If you’re hiking on rocky terrain or mountain trails, ensure your dog’s paws are ready for the challenge. Boots can help protect from sharp rocks or hot surfaces, and it’s important to guide them carefully over steep or uneven ground.

Water Trails & River Crossings: Does your dog love a good swim? Great! Just be mindful of currents in rivers or lakes, and make sure your dog is comfortable with water. If your dog is not the strongest swimmer, a life jacket can help keep it safe—and don’t forget to give it a rinse after any saltwater fun.

Desert or Sandy Trails: Sand can get hot, so check the ground temperature with your hand before setting out. Bring plenty of water and take breaks in the shade whenever you can. And keep an eye on those paws—sand can be tough on them!

Hiking with Reactive or Anxious Dogs

If your dog is reactive or anxious, hiking might seem daunting, but with the right strategies, it can still be a fun and rewarding experience for both of you! Start by choosing quieter trails where you’re less likely to encounter a lot of people, dogs, or wildlife that could trigger your dog’s anxiety. Early mornings or weekdays are usually good times to avoid crowds and give your dog a calmer environment to explore.

Use a Secure Lead & Harness

Keep your dog on a secure lead, ideally a non-retractable one that gives you good control and keeps them feeling safe. You might also want to consider a harness that’s designed for reactive dogs to prevent pulling and keep them close to you. It’s all about ensuring they feel secure and not overwhelmed by their surroundings.

Bring Treats & Toys for Distraction

Distraction techniques can be a real game-changer! Bring along their favourite treats, toys, or something that helps them focus on you rather than potential triggers. Reward them frequently when they respond well to cues or stay calm when passing other hikers or dogs. You can also practice positive reinforcement and training exercises while on the trail, like sit-stay commands or recall, to help redirect their attention and build confidence.

Stay Attuned to Body Language

Lastly, keep an eye on your dog’s body language—look for signs like raised hackles, barking, or stiff posture, which might indicate they’re feeling stressed. If they start getting overwhelmed, take a break, move to a quieter spot, and give them time to calm down. Patience is key, and with a bit of planning, practice, and support, even reactive or anxious dogs can learn to enjoy the great outdoors. Remember, the goal is to make hiking fun and stress-free, so go at their pace and celebrate every small success along the way!

Group Hiking with Friends and Their Dogs

Planning a group hike with friends and their dogs can be a lot of fun, but it does take some coordination to make sure it goes smoothly. Before hitting the trail, it’s crucial to make sure all the dogs get along. A meet-and-greet session at a neutral spot like a park is a great way to see how they interact before you head out together. Once everyone’s comfortable, make sure the humans are on the same page, too—decide on a trail that’s suitable for all dogs, factoring in their fitness levels, ages, and personalities. Agree on a set pace that works for everyone and decide on how often you’ll take breaks for water, snacks, or rest.

Overnight Backpacking & Multi-Day Hikes

Planning a multi-day adventure with your dog? It’s an amazing bonding experience, but it requires some extra preparation. First, make sure your chosen trail or campsite is dog-friendly, and research any rules or regulations about dogs on the trail. When packing, think about the basics, but multiply them by the number of days you’ll be out. Bring enough food and water for your dog, plus some extra for emergencies or unplanned delays. Collapsible bowls, treats, and a lightweight blanket or sleeping pad will help keep them comfortable.

For food storage, use a bear bag or canister and store it away from your sleeping area to prevent wildlife from visiting your camp. Plan your route with plenty of rest stops to avoid overexertion and be mindful of how much ground you’re covering each day—especially if your dog isn’t used to long hikes. Keep an eye on the weather and have a backup plan if it turns stormy, too hot, or too cold. Bringing along a dog jacket for cooler nights or a cooling vest for hot days is also a great idea to keep your pup comfy. Lastly, always end each day with a check for ticks, burrs, or any other issues, and give your dog some time to relax and wind down after a long day on the trail.

Other things to keep in mind

Build dogs up to longer hikes. Especially when young. E.g. If you suddenly decide a 20 mile hike is a good idea. Double think if your dog is fit enough to be able to cope.
Could you carry your collapsed dog out with you? Be careful not to overdo it, basically. They can’t tell you in words that they’re tired or injured. Keep an eye on breathing and heart rate.
Take plenty of breaks and try to keep them from knackering themselves out in the first few hours. 
Now that you know how to hike with your dog, you can both enjoy the great outdoors together.

Now it’s time to level up your outdoor skills with a guide on layering for warmth, safety and comfort