Happy Tails!... Hike with your dog!
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Happy Tails on the Trails With Your Dog
I am happy to share with you one of the most delightful activities you can share with your dog (and friends...and friends with dogs!) Hiking. Yes, that is right...plain & simple, nothing added.
In a busy life it's truly time to discover the quiet world... nestled into the woods.
In my busy home state of New Jersey (yes, the most densely populated state I must add)...I am still able to find and enjoy BEAUTIFUL hiking areas of all levels. One of our favorites is located 7 minutes from my home and is frequented by myself, my family and my dogs(and our clients dogs!) approximately twice per week. Sometimes all of us together; other times just the dogs and I.
Why Hiking?
For the human (me):
Hustle and bustle is common. Everyday.
Pavement is everywhere. The same everyday non-interesting landscape plantings from commercial growers is common place (if there is anything at all). Noise with distraction is constant...phones ringing... children singing (oh, this part isn't bad)...
Within these natural hiking areas I am sharing with you...there is a CALM. A quiet. A dense quiet broken by birds, scattering animals on leaves and the crunching of twigs under your feet. That's it.
The air is fresh. Raw. and distinct to nature. A calming in its own. An escape. A reality that is just as important to your dog as it is to your mind.
For the dog...You are entering a heaven. Yes,an earthly heaven; IF you allow them to enjoy it you see. The sights, sounds (new and individual), smells that sink into their toes and that he/she can only associate with 'out-in-the-woods'. Allow your dog to be a dog. Let him get dirty. Let him get excited; stimulated;
Yes, you may need to curb his enthusiasm 'for the chase'; but don't let it frustrate you.
Toads bouncing, deer staring (or running), birds calling out warnings, squirrels and chipmunks scurring....all of this is sensational to a dog. All of this AND the human at the end of the leash is relaxed.
Now, at first...if your new to the solitude of a hike...this may be scary to you. You'll get over it. If needed, bring a human friend as well. Just don't forget to ENJOY the quiet, enjoy the shade.
You DON'T NEED TO TALK; just walk.
Hikes for you and with your dog can be extremely invorgorating, or very slow paced and relaxing. It is what YOU make of it and how you want to spend your quiet time. No matter what....it is rewarding, calming and just down right enjoyable!
'I Hike With My Dog' Tees and Sweatshirts
We found an entire series of T shirts and gifts for the pet lovers in your family and for neighborhood friends. Aprons, shirts, sweatshirts for different fun things you do with a pet...Hiking is our favorite though!
Please feel free to visit and purchase (nice people own this store!).
Visit: http://www.printfection.com/petbonds
Please be kind. These are their designs. No copying please!
How to Begin The Hiking Adventure
A short evaluation...Be honest.
You are eagerly searching for information on how to begin this fun woodsy adventure, right!?We'll let's start with an honest evaluation about your physical health as well as your pets!
1.) Are you in great physical condition, good physical condition, or so-so?
2.) Do you exercise regularly?
3.) Do you like the mental challenge of a trail...or do you prefer a paved pathway?
Now look at your pet's overall body health (not his spirit...but his honest physical health) Ask the same 3 questions.
Pets with heavy thick fur, and little or no daily exercise, may need a very short of mild trail to begin with.
Please, don't push your pet into the weekend warrior mindset. You could injure him (and heaven knows we do not want that to happen!)
Once you have an honest evaluation of where as a couple are athletically; then we can proceed to some terrific places!
As I visit and rate numerous parks they will be marked pup, pack, and alpha here on this lens.
'Pack' being the middle of the road where average individuals will do just fine.
(A little mental relaxation for you is great too!)
Feedback Request
Help make this info fit YOU!
Many visitors have visitied this lens. Please give a quick statement as to why you clicked in...and what other information you would like to see.
I would love to help you find what you are looking for!
Kindly,
Lisa....
In the meantime, enjoy The Basics in the upcoming modules...Happy Hiking!
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Ramkitten
Jul 12, 2009 @ 11:18 am | delete
- Oh, I love hiking with my dog! And vice versa. She gets SO excited when I say the "W-A-L-K" word, and "hike" gets the same reaction. It's her favorite thing to do, even at 11 years old. I'm careful about the heat and don't take her on hikes of more than about 5 miles anymore ... unless it's a cool to moderately cold day and we take some good breaks ... but I hate to leave her at home when we go. She knows what it means when I pick up my daypack or backpack and is at the door before I am.
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Start Off On The Right Paw !
Safety Considerations
If you are new to a park you are eager to explore..... Even if your not...Have a hiking plan and Emergency Contact Numbers! (and a trail map*) Yes, I have had the lovely experience of wandering off a path due to a fallen tree (or was it curiosity that just got the best of me).This was all fine, until the time I ended up over 6 miles on the other side of a mountain and had to call a friend for a ride home!
*Trail maps are invaluable but not fool proof! I have come across many people who simply followed a map CORRECTLY to a completely wrong destination.
Mother nature and the renewal process of park area cause paths to change MUCH faster than the park map!
Be aware of this when stetting off on an unfamiliar trek. Paths can become 'trails' before the next printing of the map...leading you to 'Destination of Surprise!
An all to easy (and easily forgotten common sense safety precaution) is to tell someone where you will be hiking and when you expect to return.
Remember to carry your CHARGED cell phone on you (you may want to hope for cell phone service within the area itself as well).
Know where you are going and know what kind of terrain you will be hiking on.
Rocky terrain, tree roots, slippery rocks, and wildlife as small as snakes and a s large as bears may occupy your hiking areas. Be aware!
Don't hike alone - it's safer and more fun to do the trail with a friend and their canines as well.
Know your limitations. Don't do more than you are able. Remember if your tired on the way out...you still need to make your way back!
It is recommended to hike with your pet during the cooler times of the day. During periods of extreme heat, dog owners might want to completely refrain from bringing dogs on any moderate or difficult trails that require climbing.
Different Challenges Lurk Within Parks....Please Be Aware & Safe.
Dangers
...err on side of caution; at least some times!
A very knowlegdeable, dog loving friend of mine just had a mild accident which could have been a horrendous accident while her pet was off leash in a wild foresty area.
So here it is... Stay on a trail of path and be aware. Use your senses (sight, hearing, smell).
In certain areas of the country there are clearly more dangers than others;
rattle snakes, scorpions, havalinas (oh my).
Then in my neck of the woods, yes we have our share of snakes, but even more devastating are the metal rods/garbage that is sometimes buried and then eroded around, showing up in the most odd areas over time.
The pet I spoke of above received a great gash to her leg in the rear inner thigh after running and landing on such a stake of metal...OUCH! and UHG!
Once at the vet (I must say in a most amazingly short time), and 10 stitches later, a second gash to the front leg was found as well.
Not a good hiking day.
Can it happen...yes. & it did.
All is well now, but please when I say be aware and the essentials are essentials..it truley is for a good reason.
The Essentials
Common Supplies & Necessaries When Hiking With Fido
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Bring plenty of water. MORE than you would think.
Approximately one quart (for you) for a short hike, obviously more for longer.
But wait... don't forget water for your pooch! -
Dogs should have ID as well as their Rabies tags attached to their collars.
You should ID on you as well.
Even if it is not your driver's license...something with your important contact information. -
Bags for waste. Pet waste is a reality and it needs to be removed from the park.
Always pick up waste and dispose of in appropriate containers. No one (including you) wants to see mounds of dog feces while they are enjoying their outing.
...Special Note: Many parks have a 'Carry In, Carry Out' rule...So yes, there is the possibility that you may need to transport waste back home and place into your own garbage cans. (Stinky, but not a biggy right?!) -
Hunting vests should be worn by both dog owners and dogs during the hunting seasons. Hunters do not want to hurt you or your pet.
Please be safe, stay in 'Safe Zones' and wear your vest. There is no need for this tragedy! -
Keep your hands free while hiking (that is except for the essential leash when and where required.
A backpack or waist pack (with a first aid kit for you and your canine packed inside of it) is recommended. -
Clothing: Wear appropriate footwear. No flimsy shoes, silly, you're hiking!
Hiking boots and light colored comfortable clothing is recommended. Perhaps a hat & definitly sunblock. -
Bug repellent.
I have had many enjoyable hikes without the need for personal bug repellent. But when you need it. You need it! Horse flys, mosquitoes, etc can be down right awful on some days!
Speak to your vet regarding bug repellant for your pet, such as Frontline or Advantix. -
Sun block.
You may be out and about for awhile. There are days that are so enjoyable you can curl up on a big rock with your dog and have a mini picnic or read a book. Even with lots of shade and big trees, many areas are dappled. Therefore protecting your skin is necessary. Remember SPF 15 or above. -
Lastly but certainly not least...a leash.
ALWAYS have one on hand. Many parks require a leash. For the safety of dogs and as a courtesy to other hikers.
Even in leash-free parks this tool is still critically important. If not for your dog, than for a canine who hasn't quite grasped the concept of remaining with 'his' pack.
If he has broken away toward you & if (and only if)friendly; (and his owners are in a panic)...You can always help return him to his rightful place; safely. - A smile. With all of this preparedness...I hope you enjoy a stress-free outing with you pooch! Hike on!
Hiking References Books For YOU!
Plan your day the easy way!
What to do when you need help!
S.T.O.P. (Stop, Think, Observe, Plan).
DO NOT PANIC.
Use your brain and thought process to stay aware and react appropriately.
If you are lost or injured, again...DO NOT PANIC.
If you need help, notify a Park Ranger by calling the emergency number that you brought with you!;
For emergencies call 9-1-1.
Speak clearly so you may identify the emergency situation of the injured person.
These simple common sense safety tips may help you. Be safe and enjoy your hike.
Water is Mandatory for a Dog Hiking!
These two types are our FAVORITES!
Very Important Summer Tip!
During periods of extreme heat, dog owners might want to completely refrain from bringing
dogs on any moderate or difficult trails that require climbing.
Happy dogs!
Dog Hiking happiness
Do you hike with your dog??
Let us know how you like this lens.
Share your favorite hiking outing and place with me!
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LSeeger
Jul 7, 2008 @ 11:38 am | delete
- As I have mentioned...our favorite place to hike is at Allamuchy State Park. Lots of fun invigorating trails that are close to my home...
Second favorite...Deleware Water Gap...the absolutely gorgrous tail that parralells the river with smaller cascading waterfalls. Cool atmosphere, and relaxing water sounds.
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by LSeeger
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