Reviewed by Dr. Fiona Lee
Your new puppy is your best friend, and you want to bring them along on all your adventures. But are there any special considerations or preparation you need to make before taking your puppy hiking for the first time?
Puppies love to run and explore the great outdoors. Starting hiking with your dog when they're young means you can enjoy years of companionable trekking together. Read on to see our top tips for your puppy's first hike, including what to bring with you and how to make it an enjoyable experience.
1. Wait until your puppy is 6 months old
Before you can hit the trails together, you'll want to ensure your puppy is healthy, fully vaccinated and old enough for hiking. Puppies under 6 months of age should only go on short walks and avoid hiking—especially over rough terrain, which can be potentially dangerous for them.1
You and your puppy may meet other pet owners and their dogs when on a hike, so make sure your pup is leash trained, old enough to interact with other animals, and experienced with mingling on walks or while playing at the park. Keep some treats in your pocket to reward your puppy for remaining calm and relaxed around other pets and people.2
You'll also want to have mastered a few basic commands together to be confident your puppy will listen, stop, sit, drop and stay when instructed.
2. Start slow
Before you go on your very first hike together, start small and rehearse by taking your puppy on local walks around your park or neighborhood. They'll get used to being out in nature—with all the sights, smells and sounds to explore—while you'll be able to assess their energy levels and see out when they need a break or if they become a little overwhelmed or overstimulated.
Then, gradually increase the distance and difficulty of your walks together to help your pup build endurance, get accustomed to walking on different terrain and prevent any injuries. Over exercising young puppies can lead to serious injuries, including growth plate damage, which is particularly devastating if sustained before 8 months of age.3 This is particularly true for larger dogs who may not finish growing until they're at least a year old. Most puppies will need to rest after hiking for around an hour.
3. Consult your puppy's veterinarian
It's also a good idea to check in with your vet before you go hiking with your puppy for the first time. They'll be able to give you any additional tips for your particular pet, including special instructions for the breed, size or unique fitness levels of your pup.
You should also ensure they're up-to-date on their vaccinations, using flea/tick or other parasite prevention and wearing identification tags in case they get lost or wander off. Puppies receive their first series of vaccinations between 6 and 8 weeks of age, with their last dose administered at 16 weeks of age. Your vet is the best person to advise you of the exact inoculations and time frame for safely hiking with your puppy.4
4. Know your puppy's fitness levels
Fitness levels and interest in hiking vary by dog and by breed. As you get to know your puppy better, you'll be able to tell when they're feeling tired and need a break. If hiking is a favorite pastime you want to share with your new pup, keep in mind that some breeds are more naturally suited to hiking than others. These breeds make great active hiking buddies:5
5. Pack the essentials
Hiking, even without a dog, requires planning and preparation. Make sure you have everything you need for your puppy, and pack a few essential items to make sure they're happy and healthy on their first hike.
Plenty of water
Water—lots of it—is essential to keep your pup well-hydrated while you hike. If it's a particularly hot day, you'll need to bring even more.
Collapsible bowl
This clever piece of hiking gear takes up minimal room in your backpack and provides a clean place for your puppy to take a long drink.
Leash and collar
Although going for a hike with your puppy might sound like a great chance to let them have some freedom, it's important to keep them leashed. Not only will this keep them safe from hazards or other dogs, but it will also give you full control.
First aid kit
Stock your first aid kit with bandages, adhesive tape, cotton wool and blunt-edged scissors in case of accidents. That should be all you'll need to care for minor injuries until you can get your dog to your veterinarian.
6. Plan your route
Choose a hiking route ahead of time—one that's appropriate for your puppy's age, breed and fitness level. Pick a route with minimal elevation gain, and avoid trails with steep drops, rocky terrain or bodies of water. Stick to well-maintained trails, don't wander off the official route and avoid hiking with your puppy during the hottest or coldest parts of the day to prevent your puppy from overheating or becoming too cold. You'll also want to make sure you have plenty of shorter hikes under your belt before you try longer walks or go camping with your dog.
7. Keep an eye on your puppy
Watch your puppy closely during the hike for any signs of fatigue or distress, and take breaks as needed. Keep your puppy on a leash at all times to prevent them from wandering off or getting into dangerous situations.
8. Practice good trail etiquette
The wilderness is for everyone, so be sure to practice good trail etiquette. That includes cleaning up after your pup and making sure they stay on the trail to minimize damage to the surrounding ecosystem. Respect the rights of other hikers and their pets by keeping your puppy under control to prevent them from bothering others.
Pets Best is here to help
By starting off slowly, checking in with your vet, bringing the essentials, planning your route carefully, and monitoring and practicing good trail etiquette, you can ensure that you'll have a safe and enjoyable experience hiking with your puppy. Grab your gear, leash up your pup and hit the trails.
For additional security, choose the right pet insurance for your puppy from Pets Best for peace of mind on all your outdoor adventures together.
Sources/Citations
1Burke, A. Puppies: How Much Exercise Is Too Much? American Kennel Club. Published September 29, 2021. Accessed May 5, 2023. https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/puppies-how-much-exercise/
2Introducing your new dog to your other dogs. The Humane Society of the United States. Accessed May 5, 2023. https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/introducing-new-dogs
3Fractures Involving Growth Plates. Animal Surgical Center of Michigan. Accessed May 5, 2023. https://www.animalsurgicalcenter.com/fractures-involving-growth-plates
4Vaccinations for Your Pet. American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Accessed May 5, 2023. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/general-pet-care/vaccinations-your-pet
5Hiking With Dogs: 10 Breeds That Make Great Trail Partners. American Kennel Club. Published September 30, 2019. Accessed May 5, 2023. https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/10-best-dog-breeds-for-hiking/