9 Things You Need to Know Before Hiking With Your Dog

As we approach September — and all the cooling down and cozying up that comes with it — you and your water-obsessed pup might be feeling a little sad about losing your beach days and pool time. We get it. Yes, it might be a little too chilly for a dip — but on the other hand, it’s finally the perfect temperature for another adventure: Hiking. No more sweating through your tank top or watching your dog pant beside you on the short walk to your coffee run. It’s time to don your North Face jacket, slip on some boots, and hit the trail with your bestie in tow.

Getting out and taking a stupid walk for your stupid mental health (it’s a TikTok reference — mental health is very not-stupid) will benefit both you and your dog. Some time spent surrounded by nature can cleanse the spirit and strengthen your bond with your dog — it’s a total win-win.

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But while you revitalize your mind and crunch around in those autumn leaves, there are a few key things to keep in mind for the sake of the environment and the trail users. Outdoor expert Dan Nelson, author of the Best Hikes with Dogs series (The Mountaineers Books), shares nine important tips for hiking with your dog.

Use common sense and courtesy.

As a hiker, you’re responsible for your own actions on the trail — and as a pet parent, you have another responsibility: your dog’s actions. When you encounter other trail users, whether hikers, runners, bicyclists, climbers, or horse riders, the Golden Rule of Trail Etiquette is to observe common sense and simple courtesy.

Keep your dog on a leash.

Hikers who take their dogs on the trails should have their dogs on a leash — or under strict voice command — at all times. Strict voice command means the dog immediately heels when told, stays at heel, and does not bark.

Yield the right-of-way.

When pet parents meet any other trail users, you and your pup must yield the right-of-way, stepping clear of the trail to allow the other users to pass without worrying about “getting sniffed.” This is especially important with bicyclists, runners, climbers, or horseback riders; keep in mind that it’s easier for hikers to step off the trail than for bicyclists to lift their bikes or for horse riders to steer their horse off-trail.

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Take care when meeting horses.

When meeting horses on the trail, pet parents must first yield the trail and ensure their dog stays calm, doesn’t bark, and makes no move toward the horse. Horses can be easily spooked by strange dogs, and the pet parent is responsible for keeping their pet quiet and under firm control. Move well off the trail (downhill from the trail when possible) and stay off the trail, with your dog held close to your side until the horses pass well beyond you. Be calm, stay in clear view, and talk in a regular volume to the riders.

Always stick to the trails.

Hikers and dogs should stick to the trails and practice minimum impact. Don’t cut switchbacks, make new trails, or take shortcuts. If your destination is off-trail, leave the trail in as direct a manner as possible by moving away from the trail in a line perpendicular to the trail. Once well clear of the trail, adjust your route to your destination.

Follow all local ordinances.

Obey the rules specific to the trail you are visiting and know that some routes are not dog-friendly. When in national parks, always follow the National Park Service’s B.A.R.K initiative rules: Bag your pup’s waste, always leash your pet, respect wildlife, and know where you can go. When in doubt, double-check local trail rules before bringing your pup along.

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Avoid disturbing the wildlife.

Take care not to disturb wildlife, especially in winter and in calving or nesting areas. Observe wildlife from a distance — resist the urge to move close. This not only keeps you and your pup safe but also prevents the animal from having to exert itself unnecessarily while fleeing from you. Although the risk is relatively small, it’s also worth noting the potential danger of being attacked by a wild animal or contracting contagious diseases from wildlife, so it’s best to keep your distance.

A pack is where it’s at.

Pack-wearing pups can carry their own gear (think: water bowl, poop bags, etc.), and a pack makes them easier to see. Many of the folks unfamiliar with dogs on trails will be reassured of the friendliness and trail worthiness of your dog if they see them wearing a pack or reflective vest of some sort. If they have dogs, they may even ask for advice on training dogs to carry a pack; if they are non-dog people, they’ll at least smile and give your pup a quick pat.

Leave no trace.

When out on the trail, hikers should always ensure that they pack out what they pack in — and that includes dog poop. Carry plenty of dog-poop bags. Whenever your pup needs to relieve themself, ensure that you promptly pick up their poop. Never leave poop behind to “pick up on your way back” — that’s unsightly and unpleasant for other hikers. Pick up all your personal belongings and trash and leave all natural creatures, objects, and features as you found them for others to enjoy.

These are just a few of the ways hikers with dogs can maintain a safe and harmonious trail environment. You don’t need to make these rules fit every situation; just be friendly and courteous to other people on the trail. If they have questions about your dog, try to be informative and helpful.

Pet parents must be the epitome of respectful and responsible trail users. When other hikers encounter dogs and their people behaving responsibly, they will come away with a positive experience. In this way, conscientious pet parents can prevent actions that could lead to additional trail closures or restrictions for dog hikers.

So, keep it simple: Use common sense and courtesy to avoid problems on the trail with your dog, and enjoy your healthy hikes!

This information has been adapted with permission from Dan Nelson’s “Best Hikes with Dogs: Western Washington, 2nd Ed.”, published by The Mountaineers Books.