Tails from the trail and tips on training your human

Dog Breeds for Hiking | If you’re a nature enthusiast looking to adopt a dog, you may want to consider dog breeds suitable for hiking activities. While most dogs love being outdoors, hiking requires a lot more energy than going for a simple walk in the park. This is why you must look into a larger and stronger breed with high amounts of stamina and energy.

For instance, dog breeds such as Bulldogs, Pugs and Chihuahuas are not suitable for long hikes due to a lack of endurance or other respiratory issues. However, once you find the right breed, it’s also important to keep additional aspects in mind before you set out on your journey. You may want to keep a dog-safe tick spray, a first-aid kit, and plenty of water to keep your dog hydrated.

Furthermore, going on hikes with your dog has many benefits. It helps form a good exercise routine for both your dog and you, along with some great opportunities to bond. Therefore, if you are looking for a partner to go on a trail, here are some of the best dog breeds for hiking.

Border Collies

When it comes to hiking, border collies are known to be the most energetic and also the strongest. Due to these qualities, they can keep up with long trails. Both climbers and hikers can enjoy the perks of border collie’s easy trainability and intelligence.

Moreover, they are known to be smart and love taking bigger challenges, making them the perfect companions for serious hikers. Make sure to give them plenty of physical and mental exercise on days you do not plan to go on trails.

Rhodesian Ridgeback

If you’re looking for a companion who can withstand the roughest of conditions, a Rhodesian ridgeback certainly fits the criteria. This rugged companion is a popular choice as a house pet these days, but earlier, it was hyped by African lion hunters for its agility and strength.

From climbing and hiking to hunting, this fellow is nothing less than a show stopper among some of the best dog breeds for hiking.

However, if you are new to dog ownership, you must know that a Rhodesian ridgeback needs much more obedience training and socialization than any other breed. Due to its aloof and independent nature, you may see this dog slightly hesitant around strangers, but once they find their way, you can trust them with their strength.

German Shorthaired Pointer

Without German shorthaired pointers, your list for the best dog breeds is probably incomplete. They’re not only your steadfast hiking companions but also a great choice for hunting.

They’re extremely energetic; however, they need a lot of physical activity to stay constructive and avoid anxiety. All in all, they’re one of the most loving and friendly companions known for their endurance and agility.

Labrador Retrievers

Due to their vigorous nature, Labrador retrievers need a lot of physical activity. They can withstand rough conditions and also love being outdoors for the most of their day.

However, apart from retrieving animals for hunting purposes, they will also run through fields, dive into the water, and basically do anything that allows them to explore their strength. Hence, Labrador retrievers are one of the best dog breeds for hiking and long treks.

Jack Russell Terrier

According to a common misconception, big dogs are better suited to long hikes as compared to smaller ones. However, this is far from the truth. Even though Jack Russell Terrier is small in size, it isn’t behind any breed in terms of strength and energy.

In fact, it happens to be a highly driven and also incredibly intelligent hiking buddy for you. It reflects the energy of a big dog in a compact body and has been bred for vermin hunting.

Since it has a high prey drive, activities like hiking trips are the best ways for this little pup to spend its time. However, just like large breeds, it also requires extensive physical and mental exercise to avoid getting destructive.

Bernese Mountain Dog

As the name suggests, Bernese mountain dogs thrive in cooler temperatures outdoors and are alpine natives. Compared to other dog breeds, they cannot tolerate hot and humid temperatures. The reason why it’s a great climbing and hiking buddy for you is that it’s bred to pull carts along the Alps.

However, if you’re new to the breed, it does carry a few health concerns, such as bloating and dysplasia. Therefore, you must get it checked by a veterinarian before you set out on a hike to make sure it can take on a strenuous task.

Australian Cattle Dogs

Australian cattle dogs were originally bred to herd cattle, making them just the right amount of outdoorsy and tough for your liking. One of the best features about them is how loyal they are to their owners, making them a great companion for you to take along on trails.

Apart from hiking, they’re also well-suited to other activities such as camping or walking along the beach. However, make sure to bring all the necessary things along if you wish to have a good time. Things you should bring along include water, food, and a first-aid kit.

Siberian Husky

Siberian huskies are a great choice for hikers with a laidback approach. Not only are they independent and mischievous but also deceptively clever, which is all the more reason to have them in your list of the best dog breeds for hiking. Originally bred in northeastern Asia, this breed has built a natural resistance to cold temperatures and can survive even in snow.

This is why their energy levels are high enough to go on a hiking journey for as long as you like. However, note that insufficient mental and physical energy could cause them to run away or get destructive as a way to protest.

by Bobby J Davidson

We are in business to provide great products for the outdoorsy hikers, campers and their dogs; and to help clean our parks, rivers and oceans for a better planet earth for hikers and their dogs.

Parks Clean

Parks are high-traffic areas in most cities. This means that trash is bound to show up in and around your park and playground.

When discussing ways your family can help clean your local park, don’t overlook a literal cleanup! Picking up trash will make a huge difference in the appearance and vibe of your park. A clean area will encourage others to keep the park pristine. When picking up trash and debris, make sure to wear gloves to protect yourself, and put trash in appropriate receptacles or lawn bags. You can also contact your local trash company to schedule a pickup when you are finished.

Rivers Clean

The storm drain on your street collects the water from your roof, driveway, and sidewalk and funnels it directly in your local lake or river. Nutrients from grass and leaves, pet waste, and fertilizers “enrich” our lakes and streams — feeding algae blooms and harming fish. Chemicals from washing your car in the drive and household chemical spills add up, taking a nasty toll on our favorite swimming areas and fishing spots. Soil can also be picked up by runoff, reducing the clarity of water and hurting fish.

So as you prepare your lawn and garden, here are a few helpful tips to keep our lakes and rivers beautiful and safe for all of us.

Use mulch and vegetation to keep soil from washing away.
Sweep or rake grass and leaves away from street curbs.
Mulch and compost grass clippings and leaves.
Keep paved surfaces to a minimum.
Capture water runoff with a rain garden and rain barrels.
Wash your car on the grass, where the water will get filtered.
Keep chemicals away from storm drains.
Collect your pet’s waste.
Aim your rain-gutter downspouts onto grass.

Beaches Clean (do it for the ocean)

In 2007, the United States Senate and House of Representatives passed the National Clean Beaches Week Resolution to recognize the value of beaches to the American way of life and the important contributions of beaches to the economy, recreation, and natural environment of the United States.

Clean Beaches Week, celebrated annually July 1-7, offers the perfect opportunity to encourage stewardship and volunteerism along our coastlines. But where do you even begin? Follow these tips to get started.

Identify a clean-up site. Choose a place that needs some TLC, making sure that volunteers can safely access the site. Get permission, if needed, for your clean-up event, perhaps from the local parks agency.
Choose a site coordinator. (That might be you!) A beach clean-up takes a lot of work and needs an organized person to keep everything on track before, during, and after the event.
Visit the site in advance. The coordinator will need to know where to set up a volunteer check-in station, where to leave trash and recyclables, and what area(s) volunteers will clean.
Gather supplies. Depending on your location, you’ll need supplies such as trash bags, a first aid kit, hand sanitizer, wipes, and large coolers of water. You should also provide (or ask volunteers to bring) items such as reusable work/garden gloves, reusable water bottles, sunscreen, and bug spray.
Plan how to handle the recyclables. Reach out to recyclers in your area (and perhaps your community’s solid waste departments) to make arrangements for accepting any glass, plastic, and aluminum that you collect.
Line up event partners. Contact local businesses for donations of drinks, food, and supplies. Ask a local solid waste hauler to donate their services for trash removal.
Plan for handling hazardous waste. Determine how you’ll dispose of any medical and sewage waste you might find. One solution: A wide-mouth container with a tight-fitting lid, such as an empty laundry detergent bottle. Clearly label that it contains hazardous waste.
Get volunteers to help. Recruit friends, family, co-workers, and neighbors. Create an event on Facebook and ask volunteers to sign up online. This will give you an idea of how many people to expect and will help communicate event details.
Stay safe. Be prepared for a variety of health emergencies, from minor cuts and scrapes to heat stroke.
Take photos! Post pics online to share the success of your event and recognize volunteers for their hard work.