Dog-friendly hikes: tips for on the go

Many hiking trails are just as suitable for four-legged as for two-legged friends. However, there are a few things you need to keep in mind when hiking with a dog. Below you will find some hikes that are especially suitable for dogs. The tips will also help you plan dog-friendly hikes.

Hikes with your dog – these routes are particularly suitable

In principle, many hikes are suitable for dogs. When choosing your route, it’s best to keep your dog’s condition and requirements in mind – these also vary between different dog breeds. In general, it helps if the hike is either close to a body of water or at least passes by a lake or stream from time to time, where your dog can drink and cool off.

It’s not unusual to encounter herds of cows, sheep or goats. It is important that your dog is able to handle the presence of these animals, and that they are not stressed and also don’t cause stress to the other animals. Find out in advance if a lead is required. Always avoid passing through a herd with a guardian dog. You should leave plenty of room when passing around the herd – in case of doubt, it’s better to turn around.

If I want to do a T4 hike with my dog, I always check in advance whether there are ladders along the way. My dog can’t handle them. You can put your four-legged friend in your backpack to get over ladders, but you have to train them to do this beforehand. Mountain railways or chairlifts are also not suitable for all dogs. You should train for this too, or try it out beforehand.

General tips for hiking with your dog

Regardless of the hike, you should keep the following tips in mind:

• Keep your dog on the lead: Most nature reserves require you to keep your dog on the lead, either always or during certain seasons (e.g. during nesting season). Check in advance or read the signs at the entrance to such areas carefully. No dogs are allowed at all in the national park in Graubünden.

• Canine first aid: In addition to a human first aid kit, take the essentials for your dog with you. You should be able to treat cuts, wounds from barbed wire or similar.

• Towels: Your dog might be dirty and wet, but you still want to go to the mountain restaurant, hop on the mountain railway or take the train home. A towel will get your four-legged friend clean and dry again.

• Harness instead of a collar: A harness is better for hiking than a collar. It will make it easier to support your dog during difficult sections.

• Pack a poop bag: You should also make sure to clean up your dog’s waste even in the mountains. So pack a few poop bags. My tip: pack more than usual or take Ziplock bags with you so you can double-bag the results. Sometimes it takes hours to get to the next waste bin. That’s why I want it safely stowed away. If you transport the bag in an airtight and waterproof drybag, it won’t smell unpleasant.

• Food for your dog: A foldable bowl and water are important so your dog can drink enough. They should be able to drink once every hour; eating snow is not enough. Pack a biscuit or, depending on the length of the hike, even a meal for your dog – maybe they can carry it themselves in a dog rucksack.

• Check their paws: Especially on stony paths, you should check your dog’s paws every now and then. Sharp-edged stones can injure your four-legged friend. Dog shoes can help depending on your dog’s sensitivity, or even in the snow. However, get your four-legged friend used to them in advance.

• On long trips in the snow, snow goggles can protect against UV radiation. Again: get your dog used to them beforehand.

• Two-day hikes with a dog: In a lot of accommodation and SAC huts, dogs are not allowed or have to stay separately. Make sure to check in advance.

• Multi-day hikes: Pack some tick tweezers or get your dog a tick collar. Ticks can be found at altitudes up to around 2,000 metres.