Tails from the trail and tips on training your human

Are you looking to release some steam and go for an adventure to get away from your day-to-day life? If yes, hiking might be a good option for you! Hiking with a dog can be even more exciting. However, when it comes to Chihuahuas, you need to consider certain factors such as their size, tolerance level, etc.

Here is a step-by-step guide for you if you’re planning to go for a hike with your Chihuahua.

Planning for the Hike

Although big dogs are generally thought of as better companions for a hike, Chihuahuas can easily be taken too! All you have to do is keep some things in your mind and prepare well so your little friend can enjoy the adventure to the fullest.

It’s Healthy for You and Your Dog to Hike

Hiking is an activity that requires physical exertion and movement, promoting a healthy immune system. Staying fit and active is important for both you and your Chihuahua, and hiking with your dog will strengthen the bond between you two.

Take a Leash

Since Chihuahuas are very active, training them to be comfortable with a leash before leaving for the hike is useful. Not only will this protect your pet, but also the wildlife habitat whose routine activities could potentially be disrupted by your Chihuahua.

Opt for Shorter Hikes

Since Chihuahuas are small dogs, their little legs get strained easily with long distances. Make sure you train them in this regard by going for shorter hikes initially to build their stamina. Similarly, you should ensure the hiking location doesn’t involve a steep grade or intense climbing.

Take Breaks in Between

Because of the nature of Chihuahuas, they get tired easily. Taking breaks during your hike will help you and your companion get a breather, have some water and rejuvenate for the rest of the adventure.

Bring Lots of Water for Both of You

There should be sufficient water for both you and your Chihuahua. Hiking can sometimes result in dehydration. So, to avoid dehydration, be mindful of how much water you’re planning to take. It is wise not just to take exactly how much is needed, but well beyond that.

Chihuahua Supplies

When hiking with a Chihuahua, you should keep in mind the supplies you’ll need to take along. Some of these include:

• Collar – to help others know your dog is a pet and friendly
• Proof of Vaccinations – in case any law enforcement asks to see documentation to verify your vaccination status
• Collapsible Bowls – for easy feeding of food and water
• Food – highly nutritious snacks to ensure that your dog is healthy and full of energy
• First Aid Kit – to treat any minor injuries sustained by your dog, including hydrogen peroxide, round-tip scissors, tweezers, etc.

Potential Problems Taking Your Chihuahua for a Hike

Anticipating any foreseeable problems that could occur in your hike will be beneficial because you can think of solutions for overcoming them. Let’s take a look at what issues could arise.

Your Chihuahua Might Not Want a Break When You Do

Since one of the main attributes of Chihuahuas is their hyperactivity, it is unlikely that both of you will want a break at the same time because of the differences in stamina and built. Thus, syncing it might prove to be a problem. But to manage this, planning for some time delays and additional waiting periods beforehand can be useful.

Unfavorable Weather Conditions

It is always a good idea to check the weather predictions up until the very last moment before you leave for a hike. But even then, if some unexpected turn of events occurs and the weather gets worse, you should have some precautionary supplies for you and your dog.

It’s important to note here that training your dog for anxiety or stress can come in handy since many Chihuahuas are terrified of storms and thunder and, in a state of panic, begin to run around. The last thing you want in unfamiliar territory is trying to catch your frenzied dog.

Pet Theft

It is quite unfortunate, but pet theft is real, and it’s more of a threat when hiking. To avoid it, constant supervision of your Chihuahua is a must. You need to watch over your pet and ensure they are with you (and NOT the car.) Leaving your Chihuahua in the car can be potentially dangerous since cars heat up within a matter of minutes.

Safeguarding Your Chihuahua

If you’re planning on staying overnight at the hike location, it is crucial to note that your Chihuahua needs to be with you at all times. Do not leave them tied up outside at night. Wild animals and predators looking for food might find your Chihuahua an easy target. So, make sure you keep your Chihuahua next to you when you are sleeping.

Benefits of Taking Your Chihuahua

Taking your Chihuahua to accompany you on your hike has a lot of benefits. It offers physical and mental stimulation by the visual exploration of different sites. Chihuahuas can also easily fit inside your sleeping bag if you’re staying overnight. And because of their small size, it is easier to carry them out in any case of emergency, if need be.

Let’s Do It!

Hiking is a mentally relaxing, physically invigorating practice that helps people get away from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Taking your Chihuahua along with you can prove to be a much more memorable experience as both of you will bond outside the familiarity of your home.

We’ve gone over all the things to keep in mind when hiking with a dog, the potential problems that come with it, and its benefits. Now, it’s up to you to decide whether or not you want to take your Chihuahua with you when hiking.

by Maria A 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.