General Rules

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Keep Dogs on a Leash when required                     

• Short, non retractable leashes between 4-6' are best. Stay on the trail, this protects the environment and keeps your dog safe from wildlife.

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Clean up Waste

• Dogs are not wild animals, so their poop is not natural. It can cause problems for local creatures and impact the water supply                                                        

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Don't Assume Everyone Will Like Your Dog           

• Yield to other hikers, step aside and allow them to pass. Greet others when doing this to help show that  your dog is friendly. 

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Don't Try to Manage More Than One Dog             

• Bring another person if you have 2 dogs.  No matter how many people on the hike, don't bring more than 2 dogs per party. Three or more dogs become a pack.

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Before You Hike

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Check if Dogs are Allowed on the Trail                   

• Not all trails allow dogs. You also want to avoid areas  that allow hunting. Check out these websites for more information on where your dog is allowed: bringfido.com and hikewithyourdog.com

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Check with Your Vet

• Make sure your dog is in good health and up to date with vaccinations and flea & tick treatments. 

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Make Sure Your Dog Has Basic Obedience Skills 

• Dogs that aren't properly trained are a danger to themselves, other hikers and wildlife.  They should know basic commands like: come-sit-stay-leave it-quiet.

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Locate the Nearest Emergency Vet

• You will want to have this information on hand if your dog becomes injured, bitten by a snake or ingests something poisonous. 

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Keep Your Dog Safe

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Train Them on Small, Short Hikes in the Beginning     

• Then increase distance and difficulty.  

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Stop Frequently and Offer Water Throughout                         

• A dry nose means it's time to drink more water.

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Don't Feed Your Dog a Large Meal Before the Hike         

• Feed them only a portion and then supplement with treats. 

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Avoid Hiking During the Hottest Part of the Day           

• Dogs are more susceptible to excess heat than we are. 

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Watch for Signs of Overexertion

• This can include excessive panting, drooling, weakness, foaming at the mouth, bright red gums and lying down. 

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Keep an Eye Out for Anything Your Dog may Ingest

• Don't allow them to drink from standing puddles, lakes or    streams.  They can  contain bacteria, parasites or algae.  Salt water should be avoided as well, this can cause dehydration or diarrhea.  

• Certain plants can be harmful. If they eat anything along      the way takes some with you or snap a picture, you may need to show a vet later. 

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What to Bring Along

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• Well fitting collar or harness-ID tags-short leash-orange bandana or vest

• Water and collapsible bowl

• Food and treats

• Poop bags and a poo vault 

• towel- to clean them off if they get dirty

• blanket to lay down on

• dog booties- for hot or cold weather and rough terrain

• jacket if hiking in cold weather

• first aid kit: gauze-heavy duty bandages-pet friendly antiseptic-antibiotic ointment-tweezers-pet insect repellant-round tip scissors to trim hair around wounds 

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