Should You Take Your Dog While Hiking?

Dog hike
Photo by Patrick Hendry on Unsplash

When it comes to hiking with dogs, there are many different schools of thought. On the one hand, there are people who love their dogs so much that they want to spend every waking moment with them. On the other hand, there are those who feel that pets should stay at home, or at the very least no further than the local dog park. So what’s the verdict? Should you be taking your dog on your hikes with you?

It Depends On The Dog

It really does depend on your specific dog, because some are more capable than others at hiking. Schnauzers, for instance, have proven to be able to handle rigorous hikes—while Bichon Frises are less likely to be able to handle it.

It Depends On The Hike

This topic also heavily depends on the actual hike. Is this a mountain range with massive rocks that are difficult to climb? Or is it a basic trail in a forest? These factors are crucial as well.

How’d You Raise Him?

Finally, another important thing to consider is how you’ve raised him. Have you trained your dog to get along with others? Can your dog be trusted to not run off on a whim while you’re hiking? If the answer to either of these questions is no, you may want to reconsider.