As a dog owner, there’s nothing more exhilarating than experiencing the great outdoors with your canine companion. Exploring the sights, smells and sounds of our beautiful countryside – from coastal paths to mountain tracks – is a great way for both of you to stay active while enjoying quality time together.
We’ve teamed up with performance dog gear company Ruffwear to put together some top tips for hiking with your dog, including ideas for dog hiking supplies which are bound to set tails wagging on the trail!
It’s essential to find the perfect place to rest up during your adventure, and we’ve got a range of dog-friendly cottages worth barking about.
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Preparation is key
Front Range Harness. Image credit: @ruffwear and @ruffwear_europe
When hiking with dogs, ensure you have everything you need before setting one paw outside the door. Planning your route and doing a few simple checks means you are prepared for whatever the day may bring.
The following questions are worth bearing in mind when hiking with a dog:
What’s the weather forecast for today?
This will guide the decisions you make when choosing what to pack for both of you.
Are there any doggy rules and regulations you need to consider on your chosen route?
This includes any seasonal restrictions, such as having to keep your four-legged friend on a lead at certain times of the year.
How far should you hike in one go?
The length and difficulty of your hike depend on many factors, including your dog’s age and any health conditions they have. Tailor your trek accordingly so that you can both get the most out of it.
This guide to the UK’s best dog walks offers plenty of inspiration when selecting a destination.
Ruffwear recommended hiking equipment for dogs:
The Front Range dog harness is padded, offering maximum comfort for your four-pawed pal. With two lead attachment options, it’s also one of the most versatile dog hiking harnesses.
A Crag Ex adjustable dog lead can be handheld or worn around the waist if you want to go hands-free. Team it with the matching Crag collar, and you can both em-bark on all kinds of exciting dog-friendly hikes.
The Hitch Hiker lead can be handheld, waist-worn or used to hitch around a single tree or post when stopping for a break.
Pack some snacks
Front Range Day Pack and Quencher Bowl. Image credit: @ruffwear and @ruffwear_europe
If you think you’ll get hungry and thirsty on a hike with your dog, you can guarantee your furry friend will too! Food and drink are top of the list for everyone on the hike, whether on four legs or two. Don’t forget to pack a few of your pup’s favourite treats – these could come in handy if they’re having such a good time that they stray a bit too far and you need to bring them to heel! Or as a reward for being the ‘bestest boy’.
A bottle of water or two can go a long way when you’re well into the hike and tongues are lolling. Of course, you want to travel light; there are plenty of lightweight and collapsible water bowl options that you can pop in your backpack to help keep the hound hydrated.
Ruffwear recommended dog hiking products:
The Quencher packable dog bowl is ideal for food or drink and is available in three different sizes, making it suitable for all breeds.
Your canine pal can help shoulder the burden with the Front Range day pack. It’s perfect for packing dog hiking essentials, including dog hiking boots like the Grip Trex dog boots.
The packing list doesn’t stop there; there are other dog walking essentials to bear in mind.
Call of nature
Front Range Leash. Image credit: @ruffwear and @ruffwear_europe
Hiking with your dog is the perfect opportunity to embrace nature and appreciate your surroundings. As a responsible dog owner, you’ll always aim to leave things as you found them: pristine and unspoilt. That applies to your pet’s ‘deposits’ as much as anything else, so be sure to scoop that poop!
Ruffwear recommended hiking stuff for dogs:
This Pack Out Bag is the ideal solution for dealing with your dog’s doodoo when you’re out in the wild. Full poo bags can be carried conveniently until you reach a suitable bin without those nasty whiffs escaping.
Livestock and wildlife are a beloved part of the UK landscape; they add a wonderful dimension to any hike, so it’s a good idea to be aware of where you’re trekking and pay attention to what your furry friend is up to. Keep them on a lead when other animals are around (including other dogs if they’re not that sociable with other hounds, or a bit nervous).
Enjoy yourself
Camp Flyer Toy. Image credit: @ruffwear and @ruffwear_europe
You’ve planned where you and your VIP (very important pup) are going to hike. You’ve got a bag packed and the lead in hand; all that’s left is to get out there and have some fun! With your faithful four-pawed friend at your side, relax and treasure every second. Don’t be afraid to explore and be spontaneous. An unscheduled break next to a babbling brook or a pause to take in the delightful scenery can be restorative and life-affirming.
It’s universally acknowledged that the second-best way to a dog’s heart is playing a game of fetch (the first being food, naturally!) – so why not take along a favourite toy or keep an eye out for a decent stick to throw during a break from walking? We guarantee you’ll get bored with the game before they do!
Ruffwear recommended hiking toys for dogs:
Treat the pup in your life to a Camp Flyer flying disc and lap up those woofs of delight. It’s kind on your dog’s gums but durable enough that it will pop back into shape after being stuffed into your dog hiking bag. It also doubles as a water bowl when you stop for a break.
Happy hounds and holidays
Here at Canine Cottages, we want you and your doggo to have the best dog-friendly hiking holiday imaginable. Be sure to browse our checklist of canine holiday essentials and then book one of our dog-friendly cottages as your base. Happy hiking!
Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing,
please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.