• • See General Precautions.
  • Dogs should be at least 12-18 months for most of these activities.
  • Never have a dog pull or carry a pack if they have joint problems.

Breed type and/or Body type: Any dog, but careful not to ‘overload’ smaller breeds.

• This is great exercise for you and your dog if you enjoy the outdoors.
• This can be done in all types of weather, short or long distances and with or without a backpack.
• Using a backpack on a dog also gives them a purpose, especially for working breeds.

TRAINING

• The biggest advice for training on the trails is to make sure you are both in good physical condition before adding packs to either you or your dog.
  • Start out slow on even terrain for a short distance.
  • Gradually increase the distance and weight of the packs you Both may be wearing.
  • If you have never hiked before, make sure that both you and your dog are ready for backpacking by starting out in a local area without the pack to test out how you react to the terrain, as well as endurance for both You and your Dog.
• When introducing the pack to the dog, make sure you let him check it out first.
  • The dog should not be afraid of the pack and should associate it with something pleasant.
  • You may even want to introduce a harness first to get him used to the feel of something on his back.
  • When first putting the pack on, do not put anything in it until he gets used to it around the house.
  • Then add crumpled newsprint or packages of dry noodles to let him get used of the sound.
  • Gradually increase the weight
• In the beginning start your pack with 20% or less of the dog’s body weight.
  • You may want to keep smaller dogs under 30 lbs or that are not designed for carrying a load at a lesser percentage.
  • You can eventually add weight to the pack, up to 30% of the dog’s body weight depending on the breed.
  • Some larger dogs, such as the malamute may eventually be able to carry up to 50%.
• The first time you go out, trial the pack at 10% body wt. for no more than 2 miles.
• If you’re out in the wilderness, Stay and Come are extremely important.
  • The Leave It and Release command is also very beneficial if your dog wants to chase down a squirrel.
• Make sure your dog is well behaved.
  • If your dog is not socialized or you do not have good control over your dog, this may not be a place for you.
  • There are many dogs and humans on these trails, and this is not place for a dog fight in the middle of nowhere.

EQUIPMENT

• Backpack:  There are different styles made with different materials, but for the most part the backpack will come with a compartment on each side or panniers, of which some can be removed.
  • Some may come with pockets and some with hydration bladders.
  • Make sure the backpack fits snug, but you should be able to fit two fingers under it when it is filled.
  • The pack should not be sliding or restricting the front or back legs.
  • When first experimenting with weight, check the dogs skin often, especially pressure points that may irritate the dog.
  • When you fill the pack make sure the contents are evenly distributed on both sides so they are balanced.
  • Use plastic or freezer type bags to store items in inside the saddles in case your dog decides to take a swim.
  • Add reflective tape if needed.
• Tracking Leash: At least 12-15 feet or can use retractable leash.
  • Also collar with ID tags.
• Bowls/Food/Water – depending on length of hike.
  • DOG: Collapsible bowls for both food and water.
    • Bring 8 oz of water for every 1 hour of hiking.
    • Also bring double the amount of dog due to the fact that it can get knock over.
  • PEOPLE: For short hikes, power bars may be an option.
    • For longer hikes, many hikers use specially manufactured, precooked food that can be eaten hot.
    • It is often sold in large, stiff bags that double as preparation or serving or eating vessels.
    • One common variety of special backpacking food is freeze-dried food, which can be quickly reconstituted by adding hot water.
    • This mixture is then left to rehydrate (and cool somewhat) for a few minutes and agitated occasionally before eating.  Wikipedia: Backpacking
  • WATER: Do not rely on drinking out of streams, etc.
    • Unless you have a test kit, the water could contain microscopic bacteria, that can cause illness like Giardia for both you and your dog.
    • There are treatments that people use, such as chemical tablets, boiling, passing through ceramic or pressed solid chemical filters (in conjunction with chemical treatments) or ultraviolent light systems.
• Dog Waste Bags: This is a must.
  • Whatever you take into the woods, you need to take out, and that includes picking up after your dog.

OTHER THINGS TO TAKE: List found on: The Lionhearted – http://www.thelionhearted.org/lifestyle/bills_hikes/emergency_items.htm

• Space blanket
• Hat with wide brim
• Flashlight or cyalume light sticks
• Waterproof Matches and lighter
• 2 Quarts of water minimum for you. Without water, your whole body
  starts to suffer.
• Power Bar or other packaged, high-energy food source for you.
• Compass – know how to use it, even if you have a GPS
• Trail guide and maps
• Cell phone
• First aid kit (for both You and your Dog)- know how to use it
• Duct tape or athletic tape
• Benadryl – for bee stings and allergic reactions
• Tell somebody where you are going and when you should be back .

BACKPACKING ETIQUETTE and TIPS

• Find out ahead of time trails and parks that allow dogs. Dogs are not allowed in most National Parks.
• Do not put all your survival gear in the dog’s pack. If you get separated, it doesn’t do you any good if your dog has your matches and flashlight.
• Stay on the trail so you and your dog do not disturb the vegetation.
• Always pick up after your dog.
  • Keep in mind you will have to carry the ‘poop’ with you, so make sure you bring an air tight container to store it in until you have a place to dispose of it.
  • If for some reason you did not bring a bag, as a last resort at lease ‘bury’ the scat somewhere off the trail.
  • The same goes for you. Bury away from water supplies as well.
• Keep the leash on your dog to prevent him from chasing wildlife.
• Step out of the way when passing horses, other people or other dogs.
• Although they may be a happy dog, try to keep your dog from barking.

HAZARDS

See Hike with your Dog  for info on Rattlesnakes, Bears, Cougars, Ticks, Poison Ivy, and more. This is also a great website for other tips while you are hiking.

MOUNTAIN: If you are hiking in the mountains, keep in mind the change in altitude and temperature-know he warning signs of hypothermia and effects of altitude before going up the mountain.

• Be prepared to not only bring the appropriate clothing, but also a coat for your dog if necessary.
• Rest often.
• Avoid letting your dog go in streams, not only is the water freezing, but he will also be coming out into cold temperatures as well.

WINTER: ‘Although backpacking in the winter is rewarding, it can be dangerous and generally requires more gear.

• Backpackers may need skis or snowshoes to traverse deep snow, or crampons and an ice axe to cross ice in colder climates.
• Cotton clothing, which absorbs moisture and chills the body, is particularly dangerous in cold weather, so backpackers stick to synthetic materials or materials that won’t hold moisture.
• Special low-temperature sleeping bags and tents can be expensive, but will be more comfortable than many layers of warm clothing.
• However when hiking in cold weather it is always better to hike with varying layers of clothing so that as the body heats up layers can be taken off without causing the wearer to sweat or become very chilled.’ Wikipedia: Backpacking

Whatever you carry in, you must bring out.

Never leave your trash behind.

Breed type and/or Body type: Any dog if you are not using a pack for the dog.

• See Backpacking for the Hiking aspect of Camping.
• As this is not a skills training site, I just have some suggestions if you are camping overnight with your dog.
• If this is your first time camping, I suggest going without your dog.
• If you have a tent, set it up in the yard if you have space.
• You can even sleep overnight to see if you have everything you need.
• Remember, if you are hiking or camping, you must carry most of the equipment in your pack.

CAMPING TIPS

• Keep your dog leashed at all times.
  • If you wake up at night, you do not want to find that Spot has disappeared.
• If you are camping in the winter, and your dog can pull a toboggan, you may want to use this to your advantage for carrying your gear. See Canine Pulling Sports.
• Brush down your dog before he gets into the tent.
• Use glow sticks or LED lights to keep track of your dog at night.
• If you are in an area where there may be hunting, put a reflective/orange vest on the dog.
• Keep the leash on your dog to prevent him from chasing wildlife

Breed type and/or Body type: Any dog.

See Backpacking for the Hiking precautions, etc.

See Water Sports for water related precautions.

If you like backpacking and hiking, why not take it one step further – Add a boat to the mix.

TRAINING

• This is not skills training, so make sure you can control a boat, kayak, canoe or whatever watercraft you intend on using before introducing a dog.
• Swimming: Make sure your dog is a strong swimmer before
  starting out.
  • If your dog enjoys the water and cannot swim, find a
    high quality life vest.
  • Train them how to wear and vest before
    setting out, as well as making sure they are comfortable wearing it.
  • Even a strong swimmer should wear a life vest – you never know if the boat will capsize.
• If possible, start training young.
  • Start your puppy around 6 months old playing and swimming in shallow water.
  • It is important that no matter how old the dog, to make sure you make it fun, especially if they are reluctant to go in the water.
  • Don’t assume because you have a ‘waterdog’, like the Portuguese water dog or Newfoundland that they can automatically swim, or even enjoy the water.
  • On the other hand, you may find an English bulldog that loves the water (although make sure you have a life vest, as this breed will sink).
• There are several commands that your dog must be solid in for his safety and yours.
  • He must learn to ‘Stay’ and ‘Release’ at your command.
  • This will be important when getting your dog in and out of boat (see below).
  • Leave it is another command that he must know, as there are many things the dog can go after which can be dangerous to you and your dog, as well as the wildlife and people around you.
  • Make sure he knows these commands on land with distractions before starting training on the boat.
• Getting in and out of the Boat: Hold the boat still either from a dock or the shore.
  • Find a command that works for you, like IN or UP to encourage the dog to get into the boat.
  • Use the Stay, Sit or Down command – whatever command you use to make sure he stays put.
  • Use the Down or Off command when you are ready to have him get out of the boat – make sure he stays until YOU release him.
  • You can practice this by walking away from the boat for a minute with him in the stay position until you give the command for him to get out.
• Once he has learned to get in and out from the shore or dock, it is important that he can get in from the water.
  • If he chooses to jump out of the boat and go for a swim, you don’t want him or you to panic when he can’t figure out how to get back in.
  • Walk the boat into water that is just deep enough for him to swim and practice from there.
• When your dog is following the stay command, it is time for you to launch the boat.
  • Where your dog is sitting really depends on the type of boat.
  • If you have a kayak, he may be able to sit between your legs depending on the size and breed.
  • Your dog may be more comfortable at the front of the kayak.
  • The middle or opposite end of the canoe would be a good place.
  • You can buy a rubber mat to fix to the front of the kayak or the floor of the canoe for traction.
• Paddle around near the shore the first few times to see how he reacts.
  • If he seems to enjoy it, go out a little further the next few times.
  • sure the water is calm and gradually add distractions before taking the boat out too far. 

EQUIPMENT

• Canoe, Kayak or other watercraft: This will really be up to you.
  • There are many types of kayaks.
  • Wider kayaks are for the lakes, while the longer kayaks are for the sea.
  • There are kayaks for one or two people and some that you sit on top.
  • If you don’t already have one, it is best to go to a dealer who can explain the differences and find one that is just right for your needs.
• Dog Life Jacket: These come in different sizes to fit your dog.
  • You can also get them with insulation if you are not sure what type of environment you will be in.
  • If your dog does a lot of swimming, this is a good precaution because it is hard to see when your dog is getting tired.
  • Dogs can drown.
  • Don’t forget YOUR lifejacket as well.
• Leash: It is best to find a floating leash with a buoy-like grip.
  • Do not attach the leash to the boat.
  • It is best to get a belt like is used in skijoring that attaches the dog to you with quick release snaps to release the dog quickly if necessary.
• Harness/collar with ID tags.
• Sunscreen: Both you and the Dog.
• Water, food, waste bags to pick up after the dog, and other items as above in Backpacking – make sure everything is in waterproof bags.

Kayak, Canoe or Boat

Men’s Journal – Dog Paddling Tips: How to Take Rover Boating Safely by CanoeKayakMag August 2008 –  https://www.mensjournal.com/adventure/dog-paddling-tipsbrhow-to-take-rover-boating-safely

The Dog People – Boating with Dogs: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go –https://www.rover.com/blog/boating-with-dogs-safely/ 

American Kennel Club -How to Go Boating and Kayaking With Dogs – https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/travel/boating-kayaking-with-dogs/

American Kennel Club – How to Kayak With Your Dog – https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/how-to-kayak-with-your-dog/

K9 of Mine – Getting the Right Dog-Friendly Kayak – https://www.k9ofmine.com/kayaking-with-dog/

The Dog People – Dog Kayaks: A Guide to Kayaking with Your Dog (and Which Kayaks Are Best) – https://www.rover.com/blog/dog-kayaks-a-guide-to-kayaking-with-your-dog-and-which-kayaks-are-best/

Go Pet Friendly – Tips for Canoeing or Kayaking with Dogs – https://www.gopetfriendly.com/blog/tips-canoeing-kayaking-dogs/

Hiking

Hike with your Dog -Tips for Hiking with your Dog –  https://hikewithyourdog.com/

Backpacker – Backpacking Skills – https://www.backpacker.com/skills/

REI – Hiking or Backpacking with Your Dog – https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/hiking-dogs.html

American Kennel Club – Hiking With Dogs: Tips For Hitting the Trail – https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/tips-for-hiking-with-your-dog/

Clever Hiker – 14 Tips for Hiking & Backpacking with a Dog –  https://www.cleverhiker.com/blog/14-tips-for-hiking-amp-backpacking-with-a-dog

Camping

American Kennel Club – Camping With Dogs: How to Prepare – https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/travel/summer-camping-with-dog/

KOA – The Ultimate Guide to Camping with your Dog – https://koa.com/blog/tips-from-camping-with-dogs/

The Dog People – Camping With Dogs: What To Bring and How To Do It – https://www.rover.com/blog/dog-camping-tips/