People generally don't expect to see small dogs hiking so I find they have a lot of questions. I don't mind answering. I've been hiking with my Dachshunds for 15 years and I'm passionate about opening people's minds to the idea of small dogs as hiking companions. I compiled a list of common questions I've received from our blog readers and social media followers over time. I figured if … [Read more...]
Hiking and Camping with Your Dog
Dogs make great hiking and camping partners. Hiking with your dog is a great way for both you and your dog to get exercise, get some fresh air, and provide your dog some mental stimulation. Camping out in the woods with your furry best friend by your site is fun. Here you will find tips and information to get started hiking with your big or small dog and make your trip more enjoyable if you already have some experience.
8 Ways to Celebrate National Trails Day with Your Dog
Those of us that hike with dogs don't need much of an excuse to get out on the trails. However, if you need a little extra motivation, celebrating National Trails Day with your dog might be the extra push you need. What is National Trails Day? American Hiking Society's National Trails Day ® is a celebration of America's magnificent Trail System. The holiday was created to encourage … [Read more...]
Backpacks for Carrying Dachshunds
I've been searching FOR-EVAR for a backpack to safely carry a Dachshund around the city or on a hike. I've seen almost every option available and tried several. All but one cause a Dachshund to sit upright, putting stress on their fragile spine, or sit in an abnormal position. Even that dog backpack is not ideal for a couple of reasons. So what is one to do if they need to safely carry … [Read more...]
How to Start Hiking with Your Dachshund
How do you start hiking with your Dachshund? To quote Nike, "Just Do It!" Well, not so fast. It is recommended that you get your Dachshund cleared for exercise first by your vet to make sure they are healthy enough. But after that, yes, just do it. I've rarely met a Dachshund that didn't decide they like to hike. Is it Safe for a Dachshund to Hike? The short answer is yes. The … [Read more...]
Easy DIY Insect Repellent Dog Bandana
One way to help prevent nasty critters from bothering your pet while camping, hiking, or hanging out in your back yard, is to have your dog wear an insect repellent dog bandana. You've probably seen these available online or in pet stores. But did you know it's super simple to make your own? There are several reasons that you may want to make your own instead of buy one: You don't … [Read more...]
Why I Chose Vectra 3DⓇ Flea and Tick to Protect My Dogs
I admit that I didn’t use flea and tick protection for my dogs for a long time. In Western Washington, it used to be rare for us to run into fleas or ticks so we didn’t need to. However, that has been changing over the last few years. Today, the number of these pests has increased in the region so it's more important than ever to protect your dog from flea and ticks if they venture … [Read more...]
10 Important Safety Tips for Hiking with Your Dog In Winter
Hiking with your dog in winter is a great way to get exercise in the colder months. I love to hike in the winter with Gretel. As far as the views go, it's my favorite time of year. The mountains look so much cooler with snow on them. Gretel loves it too because, while there are likely fewer smells in the snow, they're more intense. Hiking in the winter is very different than hiking with … [Read more...]
Is That Barking Dog on the Trail Reactive or Aggressive?
I was hiking with Chester and Gretel having a great day when, out of nowhere, an off-leash dog came running down the trail toward them. The owners were nowhere in sight. I tried to quickly get off the trail, stepping between Chester and Gretel and the oncoming dog, in an attempt to avoid any conflict. It was too late, though. Chester and Gretel were startled by the dog coming right for them and … [Read more...]
Does My Dog Need to Wear a Jacket When Hiking in the Winter?
Unless your dog is an Arctic breed that is selectively bred to withstand subzero temperatures, they could probably use at least one warm jacket to get them through the winter safely and comfortably. Dog jackets aren’t just for looks - they can keep your dog’s body temperature stable when they go outside for potty breaks each day, on quick walks, and on long winter hikes. Your Dog’s Cold … [Read more...]
How Old Should My Puppy Be Before They Hike?
You wanted a hiking buddy with lots of energy and that was always excited to go when you are so you got a puppy. You can't wait to hit the trails with your new pup and introduce them to a life of adventure. But should you? Puppies shouldn't go on substantial hikes until their bodies have fully matured. This article is about hiking with your puppy but the same information applies whether you … [Read more...]
9 Expert Tips for Hiking with a Dog
So you've discovered the wonders of hiking with your dog? Good for you! UPDATED: May 2, 2019 I've been hiking with my dogs for over 15 years so I can attest to how awesome it is. I can also attest to how overwhelming it can be everything there is to know about hiking with a dog. I've been hiking with my dogs for over 16 years and have learned a lot along the way. Here are my … [Read more...]
Help! Off-Leash Dogs Scare My Dog on Trails
Although I chose to hike on a weekday afternoon to reduce encountering off leash dogs, I knew we might encounter one or two. Chester and Gretel are what you call "reactive" dogs - an off-leash dog running up to them, especially when they are leashed, scares them. I rounded the corner and saw two larger dogs, both off leash. Their owner was nowhere in sight. I pulled Chester and Gretel to the … [Read more...]
How to Keep Your Dog From Running Away While Camping
You're sitting around the campfire chatting with your friends when suddenly you realize your dog is missing. Maybe you hear barking, or yelling, from the campsite next door and realize your dog is over there sticking it's nose where it doesn't belong. Or maybe your dog has chased after a chipmunk and you're panicked because he's not coming when you call his name. Whatever the reason - … [Read more...]
5 Different Ways to Camp With Your Dog
Summer is here and you are looking for ways to spend more time in the outdoors with your dog. Camping with your dog is a great way to do that. It's like taking your life and moving it outside. Your dog will love exploring all the new sights and smells, it will help clear your mind, and it can improve your bond with your pet. There are several different ways you can camp and each one suits a … [Read more...]
Washington’s Toxic Plants Your Dog Should Avoid
Guest Post by Elena Edwards Moo and I went on a camping trip with some friends in the Hood River area of Oregon over Memorial Day Weekend. We parked our vans in an off-the-grid spot, and enjoyed awesome fellowship and stellar views. The area was super secluded, so I felt good about letting Moo off the leash to explore a little and have some fun herself (Moo’s not much of a wanderer, so she … [Read more...]
Dog Camping Gear: 10 Must-Have Items for Your Next Adventure
Are you new to camping with dogs or have you done it so infrequently that you forget what dog camping gear you should bring? I've been camping with my dogs for years. I've gone through a lot of trial and error and have decided that there are 10 things I won't leave home without. This isn't an exhaustive list but it's our must-have list for every camping trip. To me, it's just not pleasant or … [Read more...]
5 of the Best Dog Breeds for Hiking (for Those Who Want a Small Dog)
While I own and hike with Dachshunds, I've also researched other best breeds for hiking in the small dog category. There are a lot of advantages to hiking with a small dog so I want to help spread the word that they can make great adventure companions. The Best Dog Breeds for Hiking That Are Under 30 Lbs Jack Russell Terrier A post shared by Katie (@trustyourtrail) on Dec 15, 2016 at … [Read more...]
7 Tips for Handling Off-Leash Dogs While Hiking
This is a guest post written by an expert in adventure travel with dogs, Jen from Long Haul Trekkers. Scroll to the bottom of the article to read more about her. Thirteen miles into a 15-mile training run, my dog, Sora and I came upon a group of senior bird watchers stopped on the trail, peering among the trees in search of a bird. Two of them had small dogs along for the walk and Sora … [Read more...]
How to Get Your Dog Ready for Hiking Season
It's no longer healthy for my dogs to be weekend warriors. Truthfully, it never was. When Gretel was young, and I was younger too, we could sit on the couch for weeks, go out and hike 15 miles, and easily do it again the next day. Then age happened. Honestly, though, each time we pulled something like that off, I was risking injury for her. Like with people, in order to reduce the change … [Read more...]
When You Want to Go Hiking but Your Dog Gets Carsick
If you were to ask me what my picture-perfect weekend would look like, it would involve packing up my favorite human, my beloved pup, all my necessary gear, and driving to the mountains. I imagine that there are quite a few people who would agree with this notion. That being said, these outdoor excursions can be cut short, or made incredibly stressful for all involved, when our … [Read more...]
