Hiking with a dog
Hiking with a dog combines exercise, nature and shared adventures. To ensure that the tour remains safe and relaxed for both humans and dogs, the right preparation, suitable dog equipment and a good sense of the dog's condition, the weather and the route are important. For longer hikes in particular, a suitable dog harness for hiking, sufficient water, paw protection and the right protection from the sun are crucial.
Many dog owners underestimate the impact that temperatures, terrain and altitude can have on their dogs. Anyone who regularly takes their dog hiking, mountaineering or hiking in mountain pastures should therefore make sure they are properly protected.
Is hiking suitable for every dog?
Not every dog is automatically suitable for long hikes. The following are particularly suitable for longer hikes:
- sporty, medium-sized dogs
- enduring breeds
- Dogs with good basic fitness
Less suitable for long hikes are
- short-nosed dogs,such as bulldogs or pugs, as they overheat much more quickly
- very heavy dogs
- Dogs with joint problems
- older dogs without training
Which dog breeds are suitable for hiking?
Suitable dog breeds for hiking include:
- Border Collie
- Australian Shepherd
- Labrador Retriever
- Vizsla
- Mixed breeds with good stamina
From what age can I go hiking with my dog?
When it comes to young dogs, many dog owners often ask themselves at what age the young dog is suitable for hiking. The following points should be taken into account when hiking with young dogs and puppies:
- Puppies should only be allowed to hike short distances
- Young dogs should always be exercised in a way that is easy on the joints
- no long descents
- no steep mountain tours
You can remember the following rule of thumb when hiking with your young dog:5 minutes of exercise per month of life. A four-month-old dog, for example, can therefore do approx. 20-minute hikes (4 months x 5 minutes=20 minutes). Of course, you don't have to pay attention to every minute. This only serves as a rough guide.
Hiking with puppies and young dogs
A young dog should be introduced to hiking slowly. It is advisable not to start from 0 to 100. As with us humans, fitness should be built up first. Start with flat paths, little gravel and plenty of breaks.
Hiking with puppies should therefore be approached cautiously. Make absolutely sure that the puppy is not overtaxed and that the joints are not strained.Pay attention to the following points when hiking with puppies and young dogs:
- no excessive strain - short distances - follow the rule of thumb
- no heat - pay attention to the temperature and weather conditions
- short nature experiences instead of real hiking tours
More safety with the right equipment
The right hiking equipment for your dog
The right dog equipment for hiking increases safety enormously.
| Equipment | Why choose |
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Leashes and harnesses for hiking |
A well-fitting dog harness for hiking is a must. Why should you opt for a harness instead of a collar?
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| Dog lead for hiking | Different dog leads can be useful for hiking trails. Depending on the area and use:
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| Hip belt for hiking | A hip belt for hiking is ideal for free hands. Hip belts are particularly practical
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| Water and food for on the go | Dogs lose a lot of fluid when hiking, so you should take regular breaks to drink. As a rule of thumb, we recommend giving your dog water every 20-30 minutes. On particularly hot days, drinking breaks should be taken more frequently. You can use the practical collapsible bowl or drinking bottles with an insert for drinking when you are out and about. PERROtip: light snacks. Our four-legged friends also need a little energy from time to time. Our delicacy roll or our liver sausage tube are the perfect snack. |
| Paw protection when hiking | Paw protection for dogs when hiking is particularly important on gravel paths and hot surfaces. Dog boots will help your dog on rocky surfaces, hot summer paths, especially on tarmac, and snow. In addition, regular paw care and thorough cleaning after tours is recommended. |
Protection from the sun and heat
In summer, hiking with dogs requires special care. Above 20°C, the risk of overheating increases significantly and dogs can also suffer heatstroke. Special care is therefore required. During your hike you should therefore:
- Start in the morning.
- Use the shade.
- Avoid tarmac or wear dog shoes.
- Use cooling waistcoats for dogs.
- Pack breaks in the shade or awnings.
- Take enough drinking water with you.
Packing list for hiking with a dog
It's worth doing a quick equipment check before every hike, because a well-planned packing list makes all the difference when you're out and about. Depending on the length of the tour, weather, terrain and season, your dog will need different things - from water and snacks to paw protection or a safety harness. If you start well prepared when hiking with your dog, you will ensure more safety, comfort and relaxed tours together.
Basic equipment for hiking
- Dog harness
- Lead
- Water bottle & collapsible bowl for on the go
- Snacks
- First aid kit
- Tick protection
- Towel or light blanket
- Reflectors or safety vest
- Emergency number on a dog tag (in case the dog gets lost)
Safety when hiking with a dog
If you go hiking with your dog, you should not only think about the equipment and route, but also about possible risks along the way. Especially in the mountains, on alpine pastures or in unfamiliar terrain, it is important to keep a close eye on your dog at all times and assess situations correctly at an early stage.
Encounters with wild animals
Encounters with wild animals can occur at any time when hiking - especially in wooded areas or in the early morning and evening hours. Deer, hares or other wild animals immediately trigger hunting behaviour in many dogs. This is why dogs should be put on a lead early on in areas with lots of game, even if they can normally hear well. A controlled lead not only protects wild animals, but also prevents dangerous situations if the dog suddenly strays from the path or gets out of sight.
Alpine animals: Keep your dog on a lead
Special care must be taken on alpine pastures. The topic of "Alpine animals - dog lead" is important for many hikers, as cows often react more sensitively to dogs than to humans. Mother cows with calves in particular can perceive dogs as a threat. For this reason, dogs should always be kept on a short lead and close to the body when on mountain pastures. A well-fitting safety harness and a sturdy lead ensure that the dog remains controllable. If cows actively approach you, you should keep your distance and remain calm. If an attack occurs, experts advise releasing the dog immediately to protect yourself.
Securing your dog in the mountains
It is particularly important to secure your dog in alpine terrain. Narrow paths, loose stones or steeper passages require additional control. A safety harness, a short lead and a secure grip are recommended to prevent the dog from slipping or getting caught in difficult terrain, even in the event of sudden movements. If you are travelling in the mountains with your dog, you should take steep sections slowly and plan sufficient breaks.
Assess steep paths correctly
Many dogs manage the ascent without any problems, but underestimate the descent. Downhill in particular, joints, shoulders and paws are put under much greater strain. The pace should be reduced on steep paths so that the dog can pedal safely. Loose stones or narrow hairpin bends also increase the risk.
Do not overtax dogs
Not every dog immediately realises when a tour is becoming too strenuous. Typical warning signs are heavy panting, noticeable slowing down, frequent sitting down or when the dog is looking for shade and doesn't want to go any further. At such times, it is important to take breaks, drink water and adjust the route. Exertion increases quickly, especially in warm weather.
Tips for safe and relaxed tours
Good planning makes hiking with a dog much more relaxed. When choosing a route, you should make sure that the route is suitable for your dog's level of training.
| Choose suitable routes | Trails with shade, moderate altitude metres and as close to water as possible are ideal. Forest paths or routes along streams are much more pleasant in summer than open forest paths or rocky sections in direct sunlight |
| Take the weather into account | Hiking with dogs in summer is often underestimated. The strain increases significantly from an outside temperature of around 20°C. In summer, hikes should therefore take place as early in the morning or late in the evening as possible. Midday heat, hot stones and tarmac should be avoided |
| Increase fitness slowly | Even fit dogs need training. If you are planning longer tours, you should not start with many kilometres straight away. It is better to gradually increase the length and altitude metres so that muscles, paws and circulation can adapt |
| Mountaineering with a dog | There are additional requirements when mountaineering with a dog. Not every alpine route is suitable for dogs. The dog should be sure-footed and not be afraid of narrow paths. Climbing passages, ladders or exposed ridges are unsuitable for dogs. Sufficient water is also essential, as there are often no drinking facilities at higher altitudes. The risk of falling should never be underestimated - especially on unsecured paths |
| Dog trolley for hiking | A dog pushchair for hiking can be a very practical solution for certain dogs. Older dogs, small dogs or animals with health restrictions are often unable to manage longer tours completely on their own. An all-terrain dog pushchair can also be useful for injured dogs or on longer family hikes to allow for flexible breaks. |
