Maine Outdoor Journal

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Burley, Carl Natale’s dog, likes to hit the trails.

Courtesy Carl Natale

Q: How do I get my dog ready to hike with me?

A: Practice and preparation. You need to make sure you and your dog are in shape for the wilderness hiking you want to do. That means short walks and hikes at first.

Remember, not everyone loves your dog as much as you do. Hikers in your group and on the trail might not appreciate dogs. They may have allergies or have had very bad experiences with dogs. So make sure everyone in your group is OK hiking with your dog.

Remember, you never know who you will encounter on a trail. So you need to make sure your dog won't intimidate or scare other hikers. Yes, you know you have a friendly dog. But non-dog owners have trouble recognizing that. So when they see a dog running toward them, they might not be thrilled. Respect their boundaries by making sure your dog will stay with you.

Here are some more tips for having a safe and fun trip:

• Hike only where dogs are allowed. Sounds obvious, but there are some areas with restrictions.

• Carry treats for your dog. He'll appreciate the occasional treat. And treats are acceptable bribes when you need your dog to try an intimidating section of trail.

• There's a good chance of encountering a lot of rock. Toughen up the pads of her feet by walking your dog on hard surfaces.

• Training your dog to come when you blow a whistle is great. Try using your own whistle instead of a store-bought one. That way you can't forget or lose it.

• Outfit your dog with blaze orange for safety during hunting season.

• Be aware of the weather. In warmer temperatures, your dog will need lots of water. Make sure there are plenty of places it can drink. You may have to take extra water and a collapsible dish.

• This isn't exactly tick season, but get in the habit of checking for ticks often and promptly removing them.

• Porcupine quills are a bit trickier than ticks to remove. A pair of pliers will help a lot. (Porcupines) are also a great reason for making sure your dog obeys you when you want him to stay close to you.

• Locate a veterinary office close to the trailhead in case of an emergency.

• Doggie packs and booties are good if they fit properly. Booties are good for preventing ice from accumulating between toes in the winter. The packs may not be necessary if you're on a day trip. Try each out carefully before you take to the trail. Your dog will need some time to get used to the gear. And you need to make sure the gear isn't harming your dog before you get too far from home.

For more tips go to Hike With Your Dog.

The Appalachian Mountain Club also has advice for hikers with dogs.

Carl Natale is a registered Maine sea kayak guide, hiker and content producer for MaineOutdoorJournal.com.