Hiking with Dogs – Everyday Adventures

Which Dogs Are Suitable for Hiking?

Almost any healthy, fully grown dog can join you on a hiking adventure. However, to cope with longer tours, your dog should already have some hiking experience under their belt.

The following dog breeds are particularly well suited as canine hiking companions thanks to their energy, adaptability and trainability:

1. Border Collie: This breed is known for exceptional energy, stamina and intelligence, making them ideal companions for hikes across a variety of terrains. Their obedience and sociability make them pleasant hiking partners, while their adaptable nature allows them to adjust to different conditions.
2. Labrador Retriever: Labradors are famous for their energy, friendliness and adaptability, which makes them excellent hiking companions. They are generally strong and enduring, enabling them to cover long distances and handle different types of terrain. Their sociable nature and strong bond with their owners make them enjoyable partners on hikes.
3. Rhodesian Ridgeback: Known for their independence, strength and agility, Rhodesian Ridgebacks can manage long distances and cope well with challenging terrain. However, they require socialisation and obedience training from puppyhood to help manage their strong, independent character.
4. Australian Shepherd: This breed stands out for its high energy levels and agility, making it an ideal hiking companion. They form a strong bond with their owners and are sociable and friendly towards other dogs and people, which makes group hikes easier.
5. Siberian Husky:Naturally energetic and adventurous, Siberian Huskies are tireless hiking companions who love setting off on adventures and exploring new places. They are resistant to cold and feel at home on snowy mountain peaks and in cool temperatures.
6. Jack Russell Terrier: Despite their small size, Jack Russell Terriers are full of energy, drive and intelligence. Originally bred for hunting, long hikes are a dream for this breed, as they satisfy their natural urge to move and explore.

These dog breeds are energetic, highly adaptable and ideal for hiking and other outdoor activities. However, it’s important to consider the individual needs and training level of each dog.

Anyone planning a day hike or even a hiking holiday with their dog should already have mastered several shorter walks in the local area with their four-legged friend beforehand.

Hiking is not recommended, or only possible to a limited extent, with the following dogs:

Puppies and Young Dogs

Puppies should not walk long distances. For this reason, hikes covering several kilometres are off-limits for them. However, keen hikers can take their small four-legged friend along in special dog backpacks and let them walk short stretches every now and then.

Young dogs can be gradually introduced to hiking. Only from around one year of age are tours of five kilometres or more usually possible. With large breeds such as Great Danes, however, you should ask your vet for their assessment beforehand.

Old and Ill Dogs

If a dog is weakened due to illness, they should not go on long hikes. But what about dogs with arthritis? Many dogs with arthritis can walk on flat ground for long periods, but ascents and descents can cause problems.

Carefully weigh up whether a hike is suitable for your dog and, if in doubt, ask your vet for advice. If your dog is panting heavily and falling behind, it’s better to stop the hike.

Dog Breeds that Prefer a More Relaxed Pace

Breeds with short legs and flat snouts, such as dogs of the Pug type, tire more quickly or are more prone to breathing difficulties. If a dog is already out of breath on a normal walk, they’re unlikely to enjoy a hike.

These dogs also include many bulldog breeds such as the English Bulldog or the French Bulldog, but unfortunately also some overbred Bassets or Pekingese. They too enjoy outdoor adventures – but preferably over short distances and with plenty of breaks.

Checklist for Hiking with Your Dog: What Equipment Do You Need?

When packing your rucksack for a hike with your dog, there are a few essentials for your four-legged companion too. The following equipment should not be missing when hiking with a dog:

• Harness and collar 
• Lead and long training lead 
• Drinking bottle for on the go and enough water for you and your dog
• Foldable water and food bowl
• Some food for on the go
• GPS tracker: provides peace of mind if your dog gets lost or runs off (e.g. due to fear or prey drive)
• A small towel to clean or dry your dog
• Small dog first-aid kit for emergencies (e.g. tick remover, disinfectant, bandages)
• Poo bags
• Optional, depending on route and weather: (rain) dog coat, dog boots, illuminated collar, high-visibility vest

Please note: While out and about, dogs may drink from clean, flowing water sources. Standing water, however, can pose risks in the form of Giardia and other pathogens.

What Should a Dog Wear When Hiking?

It’s best to choose a harness or collar and lead that are easy to clean. When hiking in the mountains, a harness is safer, as a collar can pose a risk of strangulation in an emergency.

A harness should bebreathableand not dig inaround the armpits. If you can’t let your dog run off-lead, a long training leadgives them more freedom. Long leads made from Biothane are particularly easy to care for and tangle less than fabric leads.

Tips for your hike with your dog

Before you head off on an adventure with your four-legged friend, you should consider a few important points:

• Route safety: Make sure the hiking route doesn’t include very narrow passages or sections with a risk of falling. Via ferratas are also unsuitable for hikes with dogs, as they can endanger your dog’s safety.
• Weather conditions: Only set off in pleasant temperatures and avoid hiking in excessive heat. Especially in summer, you should generally opt for shorter routes with plenty of breaks to avoid overexerting your dog and putting their health at risk.
• Dog’s training level: Take your dog’s training level into account and choose the hiking route accordingly. Excessive strain should be avoided, particularly with untrained dogs.
• Breaks and recovery: Plan regular breaks, especially on longer hikes. This gives your dog the chance to recover and helps prevent exhaustion.
• Cable car and chairlift rides: If you’re planning to use a gondola, find out in advance whether dogs are allowed and whether a muzzle is required. When using open chairlifts, your dog should be securely fastened with a harness to prevent accidents.
• Emergency preparation: Take a first-aid kit for your dog and research the nearest veterinary practice or animal clinic along your route in advance.

How Long Can You Hike with a Dog?

How long you can hike with your dog depends on various factors:

• Fitness level: Well-trained, healthy dogs – especially active, medium-sized and larger breeds – can usually hike longer distances of 15 to 30 kilometres per day without any problems. These include breeds such as Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, Australian Shepherds or Siberian Huskies. Untrained and smaller dogs, on the other hand, should stick to slower, shorter hikes of just 5 to 10 kilometres.
• Age and health: Older or ill dogs can and should not hike as long as younger, healthier dogs. Puppies should also not cover long distances. Their growth should be fully complete to avoid putting strain on bones and joints.
• Weather conditions: In high temperatures, it’s important to keep routes short and take plenty of breaks to reduce the strain on your dog and avoid heatstroke.

In general, you should start with shorter distances and gradually increase the length of hikes with your dog to steadily build up their fitness. Always take their needs and health into account. If in doubt, seek advice from your vet to determine the ideal hiking duration for your dog.

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Avoiding Dangers When Hiking with Your Dog

As carefree as hiking may be – you should protect yourself from the following risks when hiking with a dog:

Risk of Falling in High Mountains

Steep ascents are usually no problem for dogs. However, if you’re heading into high alpine terrain with your dog, you should thoroughly research the route beforehand.

Exposed sections above deep drops or easy climbing passages are not suitable for classic hikes with dogs. Here, the risk of fallingis too high. But even on easy routes, a drop that an impetuous young dog overlooks can become dangerous. When in doubt, keep your dog on the lead.

Encounters with Cows

Time and again, unpleasant encounters occur between cows and dogs. On hikes in alpine regions, it’s often necessary to cross grazing land. Mutual respect helps prevent conflict.

From a cow’s perspective, dogs resemble potential predators. If you see a free-roaming herd of cows, put your dog on a short lead immediately. Cross the pasture briskly, but without running, and make a wide detour around the herd.

Extra caution is required around mother cows with calves, as protecting their young is their top priority.

Avoid the following when encountering cows:

• loud shouting or screaming
• aggressive gestures or defensive movements with your hands
• staring at mother cows or calves
• approaching calves

If a cow repeatedly lowers and raises its head while snorting and goes down on its knees, this is a warning signal you should take seriously. If the cow charges towards you, release your dog from the lead. They can get to safety more easily without you. Leave the pasture quickly.

Wildlife When Hiking with Your Dog

It goes without saying that your dog shouldn’t chase wildlife. Dogs with an uncontrollable prey drive should therefore be kept on a lead in woodland areas. A long training lead offers more freedom while still allowing your dog to sniff around extensively.

If your dog is off-lead, make sure you recall them in good time. Stay alert. If your dog suddenly freezes and stares intently at a spot, they’ve probably noticed something.

During the breeding seasons in spring, dogs should stay on the paths. Not only ground-nesting birds but also young deer hidden in undergrowth can be startled. “They won’t do anything” is not a valid argument – the mere presence of a potential predator causes intense stress for both fawn and mother.

Relaxed hiking with your dog – thanks to anti-chase training in 5 steps.

Hiking with Your Dog – And Protecting Nature

Whether a dog must be kept on a lead in woodland areas varies from place to place. In nature reserves, dogs must be kept on a lead and walkers are required to stay on marked paths. In landscape protection areas, it’s also important to ensure that dogs don’t disturb wildlife in bushes. However, unless local rules state otherwise, dogs may be allowed off-lead here.

In many national parks, leads are compulsory. If your dog has reliable recall and can walk to heel, hiking without a lead is often tolerated. Leaving no litter behind should go without saying – this naturally includes dog mess along paths.

How to Find the Right, Dog-Friendly Hiking Route

If you have a beautiful forest or nature park on your doorstep, you can simply set off – there’s plenty to discover! A lovely day hike is enjoyable at any time of year.

In hot summer weather, shaded forest routes or paths near a lake where your dog is allowed to cool off are ideal. Always make sure your dog doesn’t overheat and drinks enough. Allow plenty of time for your hike and take breaks along the way. The journey is the destination!

Find outin advance about your route, difficulty level and dog-friendliness– hiking apps can help you plan.

Hiking Holidays with Your Dog

Fortunately, there are more and more accommodations such as holiday homes and hotels in all price ranges that welcome dogs. If you’re planning to travel abroad, you should pay particular attention to two things: a comfortable journey with your four-legged friend and the entry requirements of the destination country.

When choosing your holiday region, also consider what will be enjoyable for your dog. A Siberian Husky, for example, won’t feel comfortable on holiday in the “warm south”.

Particularly popular countries for hiking holidays with dogs include France, Austria and Italy, all of which offer plenty of fascinating hiking areas. However, remember to check entry requirements when travelling abroad.

For example, your dog should have a valid rabies vaccination. If you’re travelling further south, it’s advisable to consult your vet beforehand. This can help prevent dangerous diseases such as ehrlichiosis.

We wish you lots of enjoyment on all your hikes with your dog!