Big summit, small legs? Start short and build the dog up first.
Build your dog's fitness on shorter trails first, check that the trail allows dogs and pack water for two. A dog who only does neighborhood loops shouldn't start with the big one.
The catch: Six setups. Learn one at home, add the rest when the trail calls for it.
Skip it if: You just want a plain leash.
Why this one: standard, hands-free, coupler, extended, tether and training, all in one leash. Source: Listing
Still not working?Common mistakes. Skipping the build-up: add distance over a few weeks, or you get a dog lying down on the trail two miles from the car.
In this guide
The dream: a summit selfie with a happy dog. Skip the build-up and you get the reality: a dog lying down on the trail two miles from the car. And you, doing the math on carrying 60 pounds downhill.
Trail fitness is built over weeks, the same way yours is. Here's the order: rules, legs, gear, then the trail.
Before you go
Check the rules
Dog rules change by park, so look before you drive. Some national parks limit dogs to roads, campgrounds and a few trails, while plenty of state and local trails welcome leashed dogs. The National Park Service sums up its rules as B.A.R.K.: bag your pet's waste, always leash your pet, respect wildlife, know where you can go. It's a good code for any trail.
If your dog's longest outing is the neighborhood loop, add distance over a few weeks: longer walks, then a short, easy trail, then something with hills. Puppies, seniors, flat-faced breeds and dogs carrying extra weight need extra care here. Ask your vet what's reasonable before a big trip.
Sort out ticks and shots
Woods and tall grass mean ticks. Make sure your dog's flea and tick prevention is current, and ask your vet whether any other vaccines make sense for where you're hiking. Our flea and tick prevention guide covers timing.
Go early in summer. Dogs cool down by panting, and they overheat faster than you think. Hot rock and pavement can burn pads, too: if it's too hot for the back of your hand, it's too hot for paws.
Step aside for others. Move your dog off the trail with a short leash so horses, bikes and nervous people can pass.
Keep them out of still water and away from wildlife. Standing water can carry bugs and algae you can't see, and wildlife encounters go badly for everyone.
Turn around if you see these
Heavy panting that doesn't settle with rest, stumbling, lagging far behind, refusing to move, a bright red tongue or limping. Find shade, offer water and head back.
Collapse, vomiting or confusion is an emergency. Get to a vet.
After the hike
Read this sectionHide this section
Tick check while it's still light: ears, armpits, between the toes, under the collar and around the tail.
Paw check: cuts, cracked pads or burrs between the toes.
Water and rest. A big day can show up as stiffness the next morning. Keep the next day easy.
Common mistakes
Read this sectionHide this section
Skip these
Skipping the build-up: add distance over a few weeks, or you get a dog lying down on the trail two miles from the car.
Counting on streams: carry water for both of you and a collapsible bowl.
Water breaks only when your dog looks thirsty: run them on a schedule.
Hiking in the heat: go early in summer. Dogs overheat faster than you think, and hot rock can burn pads.
Pushing on through warning signs: heavy panting that won't settle, stumbling or lagging means find shade, offer water and head back.
Quick answers
How far can my dog hike?
It depends on age, breed, fitness and the weather, so there's no single number. Build up slowly and let your dog's energy at the end of a hike tell you if it was too much.
