Getting trail-ready for hiking

Getting trail-ready for hiking


If your pooch is going to be your hiking buddy, you’ll need to have a solid game plan.

First, have your dog examined to see if he’s ready for the journey. Most dogs are at least 1 year old before their bones and immune system are up to the challenge. And now’s the time to make sure vaccinations are up to date.

If hiking is new to your four-legged friend, you’ll need to ease into training. Your dog has to build up stamina and form the paw-protecting callouses needed on the trail.

It’s crucial that your dog be obedience trained. On top of that, you need to learn the etiquette of the trail, including packing out your pooch’s waste.

Long before heading out, be sure you know which hiking trails allow dogs. Keep in mind that almost every national park and forest requires that dogs be leashed.

Once all is set, go take a hike!

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