When you are thinking about how to hike with your dog, The first thing you need to address is your dogs level of fitness. If your dog is over weight then before taking to the mountains or woods for their first hike, you should incorporate a nightly walk around the neighborhood. This will acclimate the dog to the walking process.http://vetmed.illinois.edu/petcolumns/showarticle.cfm?id=199

As you see your dog becoming more accustomed to nightly activity, you would want to increase the length of the walks. Preparing the dog for the hiking process will keep injuries from occurring. If the activity is going to be greatly increased then you should have the dog checked by the vet before attempting this.http://www.scribd.com/doc/16631733/A-Primer-For-Hiking-With-Your-Dog

Always check your dogs feet for any sign of blistering or rawness, as dogs love to make their owners happy and they will press on in an attempt to please. Safety and fitness are the first steps in starting to increase their activity level by including them in outdoor hikes.http://vetmed.illinois.edu/petcolumns/showarticle.cfm?id=199

With the extra running and exploring your dog will do, on a 5 mile hike, your dog is generally walking about 7 miles.

Hiking can be useful in deterring bad behaviors as well as increasing physical activity for a more fit dog. When dogs are not exercised enough, they will develop bad behaviors out of boredom. Hiking is one way you can curb this boredom.

This is a list of gear you should have to keep you and your dog safe while on your hike. It is always better to be prepared.

1. Water
2. Map
3. Compass
4. First aid kit
5. Cell phone
6. Sunscreen
7. Trail mix or nuts
8. Dog treats

The first step is to prepare your dog for the hike.http://phoenix.about.com/od/anim/a/hikingdogs.htm

• Training can start by using the nightly walk and then you can start adding in a dog backpack to train him or her to carry some of the weight of the treats, poop bags and other small supplies for the hike. Start with an empty pack then you can add a little weight with crumpled newspapers. Once they become adapted to the backpack you can add a little more. Dogs can carry some of their own supplies during the hike, most dogs can carry up to 25% of their own weight.http://www.scribd.com/doc/16631733/A-Primer-For-Hiking-With-Your-Dog As a precaution do not put anything breakable since your dog will be exploring in tight places and his back pack will be taking a beating.

• A few things to have on hand will be, a bandanna so that your dog is not mistaken for any other animal in case you run into hunters.http://www.scribd.com/doc/16631733/A-Primer-For-Hiking-With-Your-Dog Have your dog's tags which has the Veterinarian's phone number as well as your own and a hat to shade them from the heat.

• Be well prepared with a map and compass and first aid supplies. Dog's paws can become cut or blistered and you will want to be able to treat them.

• Take more water than you expect to use. Dogs become dehydrated more rapidly than you would think.

Conditioning your dog is very important.http://vetmed.illinois.edu/petcolumns/showarticle.cfm?id=199 Dogs as people are not naturally athletic. So it is important that you start with basic walking and incorporate the hiking part a step at a time. Even in the coolest weather it is important to have enough for your dog to drink while hiking. Dogs can dehydrate as well as humans and unless you know the signs to look for your dog can become distressed very quickly.

• Planning for your hike. Bringing a map and a compass and extra water as well as knowing where the nearest emergency veterinarian hospital or clinic are located. Make sure you bring a dog sunscreen and a hat for your dog. Even children's hats will work to keep the sun from beating down on your dog causing them to over heat.

• The main thing (and it can't be stressed enough) is water. Enough for both you and your dog and a collapsible watering bowl. Take time out of your hike to offer your dog water before you see signs of extreme thirst. Attempt if possible to take these breaks in the shade. If your dog is seeking shade or sitting down then stop your dog is in distress. This is not a point you want to see your dog reach.

If you decide to go to a National Park then you should know that the rules of the National Parks are dogs are allowed where cars are allowed. this means they are not allowed on the hiking paths and off of the paved roadways.http://www.scribd.com/doc/16631733/A-Primer-For-Hiking-With-Your-Dog

• Beaches are a wonderful place for dogs. They love to run toward the water and run along the beach. As owners we have to be careful not to let the dog go too far out into the ocean as they can be pulled by the undertow just as people can. Always make sure your dog knows how to swim while he is right with you. If he struggles to keep his hind quarters up the lift them and let his feet start the dog paddling motion and he will catch on.http://www.scribd.com/doc/16631733/A-Primer-For-Hiking-With-Your-Dog

• Hiking trails: Always make sure dogs are allowed and follow all leash rules. Pick up any droppings your dog leaves and make sure they are not barking and ruining the experience for others. Sometimes a walk around the neighborhood will calm a dog sufficiently so that they are not inclined to bark once they are out on the trail. When out hiking it is important to watch where your dog is going. Watching out for snakes or any other animal that might be a threat to your dog.http://www.hikewithyourdog.com/

• No matter which place you choose to hike with your dog, it is most important to keep their safety in mind. By being a courteous and a careful dog owner the hiking experience should be a great one.