This summer, many dog parents are planning to make the most of being outdoors with their pups.
For many, this will entail long walks, fun in the yard, and trips to the dog park – complete with their pup's favorite dog toys, of course! Others might decide to go hiking with their canines, which can be an incredibly rewarding activity to share together. Don’t forget to bring some of the best dog treats!
Before you head off on a trail, however, there are some important things to remember to help keep everyone safe and happy. Certified dog trainer Melissa Goodman of Mission Pawsitive has explained everything to know in a recent Instagram post.
“When hiking with your dog, trail etiquette is much appreciated by others and can also keep your dog safe,” begins Goodman. “Things like getting your dog out of the way to let others pass. You never know who is allergic to dogs, is afraid of dogs, and other dogs can become uncomfortable suddenly in a tight space with an unfamiliar dog.”
She continues in her video, “I love teaching dogs to jump on things like rocks for many reasons,” says Goodman, who is a big fan of dog parkour – one of the 10 great brain games for dogs we love! “But this skill is super helpful to get your dog out of someone’s way to let them pass. And in general, I always move off to the side whenever I can to be courteous of others and keep my dog safe.”
Goodman also recommends teaching your dog to ignore people and other dogs as you pass by, as well as being able to reliably call your dog away from people and other dogs, and wildlife if you need to. “It is so much easier to do things with your dog if they can pass other people and dogs without trying to approach them,” she explains. It does not matter how sweet and cute your dog may be! Other people and dogs do not know your dog!”
She says that she had to recall Aspen, her dog, a lot on the trail they hiked in the video. With there being so many dogs around who weren’t on leash, she used the recall to call her away and simply to get her close by.
If you don’t have a dog at the moment, but hiking is something you’d love to do with your pup, don’t forget to check out the best dogs for hiking. Meanwhile, you might also find this article insightful: I bonded with my dog through running - here’s how you can do the same.
