Do you want to start hiking with your Dog?
So you want to start Hiking with your dog…
But where do you start?
You’ve hiked before and have some gear but the thought of all you need to get is daunting!
You watch those on Social Media looking like they have it all, the gear, the dog, the mountains to climb and it all looks so easy…
Am I right???
I’m here to tell you that it is easy to start, especially if you’re starting with day hikes, and then yes, overnight takes a bit more organisation and can be uncertain for your first but with planning it will go well.
The goal is to gradually build up your gear, initially borrow off friends or keep an eye on Marketplace to get a feel for what you need and like, as you might go on your first hike and you both hate it!
Key ingredients you need… yourself, dog and a sense of adventure! If you have that, then you’re well on your way! Oh, and don’t forget a plan and telling someone where you’re off to.
My first overnight hike with Gordo was Mystery Lake in Jan 2024 and we didn’t even end up at the lake, we started the hike and turned back due to heat and camped near the car, this is also a key lesson… that it is ok to change your plans and you need to be prepared for any outcome.
I always carry my first aid kits and PLB, because stuff happens, and it’s important to be able to deal with it or get help. You can hire a PLB from MacPac or DoC before you invest in one and then look at what sort you’d like to have and there are many conversations on what is best.
If you’re curious on gear that’s been tried and tested, I’m happy to share my list and meal plan (human), for doggo I make sure he has his fav kibble and snacks. Like us they need to keep their energy up and high quality snacks are important, I mean… I take coffee and chocolate so why shouldn’t he have salmon skins and steak chips!
Any questions please ask and I’ll answer and happily share more on what I use and struggles I can have.
Excited to share more!
