Teach commands like stay, come, leave it. Practice off-leash control. Get your dog used to walking on different surfaces.
Training
Bring collapsible bowls, dog first aid, towels, bags for waste, a leash and harness or backpack, trail snacks and plenty of water.
Supplies
Watch for hazards like cliffs, lakes, wildlife, snakes, foxtails, hot pavement. Know if local plants are poisonous to dogs.
Hazards
Respect leash laws and rules. Use voice control and leash your dog when others approach. Pick up and dispose of all waste.
Etiquette
Match the hike difficulty and distance to your dog's abilities. Take breaks. Watch for limping, panting and other signs of fatigue or injury.
Fitness
After the hike, check paws for injury, brush out burrs, and rinse off dirt, salt and irritants. Rest tired muscles.
Recovery
Have your dog microchipped and wear ID tags. Consider a GPS tracker in case you get separated from your pup.
Identification