Off-Leash Hiking

Dogs love to run in forests and hiking trails, and most

can be easily taught to stay close to you and to return

to you when called. With training, your dog earns his

independence.

1 Assemble your gear. A dog backpack is useful for

carrying supplies and also makes your dog more

visible. A collar bell will help you hear where your dog

is. A dog bowl is easier for your dog to drink from than

a sports bottle. A whistle can be heard by your dog

from far away (see whistle training, page 88). Some

dog treats in your pocket will help incentivize your dog

to return to you when called.

2 Dogs pack together. Bringing a second dog will make

it less likely for your dog to run off.

3 Keep your dog on leash for the first quarter of a mile

(400 meters), until the initial excitement has tempered

and you are away from the street. Make a habit of

only releasing the leash when your dog has given you

a slack line, so as not to reward him for pulling.

4 When your dog returns to you periodically to check

in, give him a treat. This will prompt him to check in

more often.

5 At the end of your hike, give your dog a “car cookie”

treat. By doing so, in the future if your dog ever gets

lost from you, chances are good that he will look for

the car to get his treat!

WHAT TO EXPECT: Depending on the dog and the

breed, some will range far and some will keep close to

heel. Dogs learn very readily from other dogs, so hiking

the first few times with an experienced companion will

teach your dog the rules of this sport. 

BEFORE YOU START

Consider the dangers in your

specific area, such as coyotes,

rattlesnakes, and cacti.

Having a stash of really good

treats, and doling them out

every few minutes, will almost

assuredly keep your dog in

close range.

TIP! GPS collars let you track

your dog’s location on your phone.