Now that the weather is warming up and the sun is shining, you may be getting an itch to hit the pavement and go for a hike. It’s a great opportunity for you and your furry friend to get your steps in, but it’s important to keep some things in mind.
Plan where you go
One of the best things about living in this Lone Star State is all the beautiful places to visit. There are so many great parks and hiking spots right here in San Antonio or just a short drive outside of city limits. Doing a quick Google search will bring up tons of spots to choose from, what the intensity level of the trails may be, and what kind of activities usually go on in the park. Having an idea of what the park is like can help you decide whether or not it’s for you and your pup’s skill level.
For example, we got the impulse to take a hike and randomly chose to go to O.P. Schnabel. It’s a great park with lots of wooded areas, but little did we know it’s also a popular spot for trail bikers. We didn’t truly enjoy all the whizzing by and we prefer a more isolated experience, so we may not have chosen this spot had we done our research first.
Get the gear
You can go out to REI and stock up on all the hiking gear, but here is the bare minimum I recommend:
- Outdoorsy stuff––things like bug spray, sunscreen, etc.
- Plenty of water––for you and your pup. Many places sell really convenient collapsible water bowls or doggy water bottles.
- First Aid Kit––You can buy plenty of well-stocked kits at any grocery or pharmacy store, but I also recommend tossing in a muzzle fitted for your dog. In the unlikely event that your dog gets seriously injured, please remember that any dog in the right amount of pain could respond with a bite. No matter how many afternoons you spent snuggling on the couch with your pooch, when addressing a fresh wound or injury, your dog may give a warning snap or even bite. It’s only natural! And we want to keep everyone as safe as possible.
- Long-line for your pup––A lot of people like to go completely off-leash when hiking. But until you know how reliable your dog’s recall is, and for their safety against other people and animals (domestic or wild) I recommend letting your pup drag around a long-line, a leash longer than your average walking leash. You can go to any home improvement store and buy about 15-20ft of their lightest rope. But I highly recommend the long-lines made by Mountain Mutt (found on Etsy). These long-lines don’t get caught on trees or rough terrain, are water proof and come in lots of cute colors! It was a true game-changer when we got ours. It allows your dog to have a more off-leash experience but still allows you to stay in control from a distance. I allow my dogs to drag theirs and use it as a safety net if they wander too far or I hear something in the distance. I simply grab it and reel them in.
Know your trails
Now that you have the gear, and you’ve picked your park, know where you go! Most parks will have trail maps at the front entrance with intensity levels. I recommend taking a picture so you can reference it on the hike.
Another great idea is to leave behind some sort of marker. While we walk, I build little towers from the rocks I find. It lets me know I am on the right path back, especially when it comes to turns or forks-in-the-road. You can also leave little flags, but if you’re using something man-made, please be sure to collect it on your way back.
Train on the Trails
The first few times you head out, your dog may be bouncing with excitement! All the trees and smells are sure to overload his senses. Be sure to take some tasty treats and reward your pup for staying with you. If you allow a little more freedom, call your dog back frequently and reward highly for coming to check in with you. Doing this has taught my oldest, Sully, to never wander off too far and to come back and check in with me on his own. Reishi is still learning, but when I call her, she has a rocket recall knowing there are tasty treats waiting for her when she gets to me.
Let us know where your favorite hiking spots are and maybe we’ll run into each other!
Find more inspiration on getting outdoors with your dog below:
