Spring Hiking

May 12, 2020: Spring Hiking

 As many of you know, hiking is an integral part of the Dogzies experience.  We hike everyday, often multiple times a day and both our Day School and Board & Train programs feature daily hikes in an effort to provide your dog with the mental and physical stimulation that they require.  Now that the weather has finally started to warm up, it’s a great opportunity for you to get outside for a hike with your dog as well. 

Hiking can provide you and your dog with limitless opportunities.  Opportunities for exercise, opportunities to train, opportunities to be off leash.  But, most importantly, hiking provides the opportunity for you to strengthen the bond between you and your dog.

As with anything you do with your dog, it’s always best to have a plan, and hiking is no exception.  Creating a pleasant hiking experience takes some preparation, but it’s well worth the effort.  Here are some tips to help you enjoy a stress free hike, including essential tools to keep you and your pup safe.

* Safety First: As with all of our programs, Dogzies’ first priority is to keep you and your dog safe.

• Always ensure that you notify someone of your location, take a hiking buddy with you, or carry a satellite phone (or…better yet…all of the above!).
• Bring a first aid kit, with all of the vital supplies (bandages, clotting powder, disinfectant, gauze, compress, adhesive tape, triangular cloth, scissors, gloves, etc.).
• Be observant of your surroundings, including being on the lookout for wildlife (bears, coyotes, birds, etc.).

*  Hiking Etiquette: Dogzies requires that all dogs have appropriate etiquette while on the trails.  Their behaviour will keep both you and our pack safe.

• Keep your dog on the path to avoid areas that are dangerous and might cause injuries (sticks, holes, glass, etc.).
• Prevent your dog from chasing after animals and teach them to respect nature. 
• Stop your dog from picking up objects (sticks, pinecones, carcasses, etc.) as they can splinter, puncture, or impale your dog.
• Discourage dominant and territorial behaviour such as marking.

*  Educate Yourself: Depending on the remoteness of your hike, you may want to consider additional precautions.

• Emergency Dog Carrying Harness
• Trap/Snare Knowledge & Release Tools

*  Bring the Essentials: Dogzies carries all of the essentials on our online store.

• Leash & Pager Collar
• Water Dish & Water
• Visual Aids (Safety Necklace, LED Collar Light, Flashlight, Slap Lit)
• Deterrents (Bear Bell, Flare Kit, Doggie Don’t Device, Dog Attack Deterrent)
• Sprays (Bug Off Flea & Tick Control, Briotech, Off Leash Spray)

Hiking can be an extremely fulling activity and has immeasurable benefits.  We hope this information helps you to spend more quality time with your canine companion.  Happy Hiking!