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Follow these steps to enjoy hiking with your dog

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A few weeks ago, I realized that the only hobby I have is sitting on the couch. With an entire summer ahead of me and many open weekends to fill with something other than video games, I made a decision to finally get out of the house and try to be a bit more active. I like to include my paralyzed dachshund, River Tam, as much as possible in whatever I'm doing, so I decided to find an activity we could both enjoy. I live on a busy main road but, fortunately, Maine and New Hampshire have many hiking and walking trails that we can explore.

In preparing the two of us for these new adventures, I've learned that taking my dog for a hike isn't as simple as buckling her up in the car and heading off to the nearest trail with no plan. If you're thinking of taking up hiking or trail walking with your dog this summer, keep in mind the following so you both have a fun and safe experience.

The Basics

Before going on any adventures with your dog, make sure to take care of some of the basics. Get your dog's vaccines up-to-date and make sure he wears his rabies and I.D. tags at all times. It's also important to use tick and heartworm preventatives, especially before venturing out into wooded areas.

No Dogs Allowed

Always do your research and make sure the location you are visiting welcomes dogs. I've learned that many of the NH parks near my home, for example, do not allow any dogs while the Maine parks are far more relaxed about pets. Some parks allow pets but restrict them from visiting certain areas, like the campgrounds or picnic area. Familiarize yourself with the rules of any park or walking trail you plan to visit before you get there.

Be Mindful of Others

Sadly, not everyone shares your love for your dog. Many places allow dogs to roam off leash, but that doesn't mean your best friend can wander off on his own or bother other people trying to enjoy the park or trail. The next person you pass on the trail may be uncomfortable around dogs or might have an allergy. Before letting your pet off leash anywhere, always make sure they know how to come when they are called and be sure to keep them in your sight. It's also important to know the trail's rules on pets and leashes. Many locations welcome pets but require them to be leashed at all times. It's important to not only be aware of these rules but to also respect them.

Pack for Fido

While you're packing a water bottle for yourself, pack one for your dog, as well. Remember that whatever you need on the trail, your dog will likely need, too. Depending on the size of your dog, you may be able to pack a backpack that your pet can wear. Make sure the backpack is specially designed for dogs and that you do not make it too heavy for your pet to carry.

Clean Up After Your Pet

This should go without saying, but, sadly, many people do not follow this basic rule. Think of it this way: if we don't clean up after our pets in public areas, those areas may be closed off to dogs in the future. Plus, not cleaning up after your dog is really gross.

Including Senior and Special Needs Pets

Taking a paralyzed dog hiking may seem a little outrageous, but it's actually easier than you might think. If you have a special needs or senior pet and are looking to get into hiking, take the time to scope out any potential trails ahead of time for some key factors that will make the experience easier for your pet. Thanks to the Internet, it's easy to learn everything you could possible want to know about most trails.

River Tam weighs close to 20 pounds and doesn't use a wheelchair, so my options are limited to pushing her in her dog stroller or strapping her to my chest in a carrier. Either way, we need to find trails that are going to be suitable for our situation. Climbing up rocks to reach the top of a mountain is just not an option, so I'm looking for either easy or moderate trails without steep climbs or, if I'm using the stroller, a trail with either paved or dirt paths. By seeking out well-maintained paths without steep climbs or difficult terrain, even older pets with mobility issues can enjoy getting outside and going for a hike.


Alaina Goodnough is the Promotions Coordinator at Cocheco Valley Humane Society in Dover, NH. She lives in Sanford, ME with two parrots, a cockatoo, a cat, a bearded dragon, and two dachshunds. She can be reached at CVHS at devassist@cvhsonline.org. To learn more about Cocheco Valley Humane Society, go to www.cvhsonline.org or call 603-749-5322.

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