Tails from the trail and tips on training your human

All dogs yearn for adventure, yet not many are physically suited for them. Hence, if you’re looking for a perfect four-legged partner to hit the trail, you must assess how capable your little pup is to deal with the physical challenges brought about by hiking. However, to make the process easier, we have the top picks for the best dog breeds for hiking.

Mountain Cur

There’s a strong reason behind making your canine your hiking companion. Not only does Mountain Curs love the outdoors, but the breed also thrives on excessive exercise. Since Mountain Curs are no strangers to nature, you can trust their ability to withstand any weather conditions that come their way.

Interestingly, these dogs were previously only kept by frontier families out of necessity. Apart from guarding them against wild animals, they were known to be the maestros of hunting animals for food. Even though perspectives have changed over the years in favor of keeping them as pets, there’s still no breed as well-suited to hit the trail as a Mountain Cur.

Airedale Terrier

Airedale Terrier or “The King of Terriers” is one of the most powerful breeds when it comes to dealing with the uncertainty that accompanies a typical hiking adventure. Having one of these gives you an obvious edge as these four-legged partners are truly built for withstanding harsh weather conditions.

Moreover, you will never have to wait for the right season to head out, as they’re even better physically equipped than you to deal with whatever comes their way. Their clever and playful nature is another reason you’ll never have a dull moment on the trail.

Golden Retriever

Whether you love swimming, bike riding, hiking or a good game of fetch, a Golden Retriever will never disappoint you. Their athletic and friendly nature makes them all the more suitable for an adventure that expects nothing less than enthusiasm and long hours of commitment.
Moreover, their running abilities are even more proof of how much their bodies can handle the rough and tough conditions expected of any trail, which makes them one of the best dogs for hiking.

Jack Russell Terrier

A Jack Russell Terrier may appear small, but you can never underestimate what these mighty hiking partners are capable of. You can take them playing, digging or even running, but you’ll never be able to feed their hunger for adventure fully. Even though they were bred to hunt foxes and farm rodents initially, they’ll never let go of an opportunity to be entertained.

If you think you can match their everlasting energy, need for attention and thirst for adventure, then you should definitely consider taking them along.

Bernese Mountain Dogs

If the name of this breed doesn’t give it away already, we don’t know what will. These dogs are not only calm and intelligent but also great at thriving outdoors in colder temperatures.

Additionally, since they were bred to manage heavy loads, you wouldn’t have to think twice about what their bodies can handle. Their thick coat and large size make them a perfect choice for easier hikes in cooler temperatures.

However, you may want to keep your hikes short and sweet as this breed is prone to developing hip and elbow dysplasia if they engage in physical activity for too long.

Labrador Retrievers

While Labrador Retrievers are generally known to have a go-getter and friendly personality, people are too quick to underestimate their athletic abilities.

Apart from hunting, their personality and temperament are also very well suited to hiking. Moreover, their physical activity needs are not something you can fulfill with a few walks in the park.

However, as much as you can trust their threshold to be your hiking buddies, you should also be aware of their sensitivity to EIC (Exercise-Induced Collapse). Hence, you may want to keep your veterinarian informed about any upcoming exercise plans so they can recommend the right mileage for it.

Which Dogs Are Not Suitable For Hiking?

Now that we know enough about the best dogs for hiking, we may as well see those on the other end of the tunnel. No matter how much you love your pup and wish for them to have all the fun you can offer, not every breed is suited for the physical demands that accompany a hike.
For example, breeds like pugs, bulldogs, and French bulldogs have very short snouts, which hinder their ability to stay oxygenated. Hence, taking them on steep trails and high mountains is the equivalent of killing them. Other breeds such as Shih Tzu, Maltese and Chihuahua also don’t seem to do well with difficult terrains and long distances.

However, not all breeds have physical limitations. Some of them also tend to be restricted due to the weather conditions. For example, breeds with heavy coats and long hair generally don’t do well in hot temperatures, while hairless and short-haired ones struggle with cold temperatures.

The Bottom Line

In the end, strategizing is what matters the most because keeping their limitations in mind should help you plan your hike accordingly. No matter what breed you have, it’s always recommended to start slow and help your dog get accustomed to certain conditions before you expect them to pursue an activity as strenuous as a hike.

If your dog already has a hard time working out or staying outdoors for a prolonged period, then you should take the hint and not carry them along to a trail. Moreover, if you do plan on taking your dog, do not leave them without a leash as new conditions tend to confuse and overwhelm dogs, causing them to make attempts to run. If it’s not the conditions, it may be the urge to chase a wild animal or startle another camper.

Regardless, ensuring your pet’s and other people’s safety should always be your top priority. Remember, no matter how physically well-suited your dog is to accompany you on a long hiking trail, they too have their own limitations and are bound to get tired at some point, so make sure to pack enough food, water and other necessities to help you both get through with it.

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.