Hiking with Dogs- Gear for Beginner Hikers! [What You ACTUALLY Need to Hike with a Dog]

[@GIRLplusDOGAdventures]

When I started hiking a lot, I ended up taking one of those cheap/free drawstring backpacks with separate leash, poop bags, paw wax, bowl, etc and making that Remy's hiking bag. Then I wouldn't ever forget the essentials.

[@TheMostImportantStep]

That’s a great idea! I always feel like I’m forgetting something for the dogs on day hikes and having a go bad would probably help with that.

[@2002mitchell]

Great video! A couple of optional things that I always bring on hikes are dog treats and a lightweight whistle (works to call my dog back and also as an emergency whistle for me).

[@eddiethehitchhikingmaltipo6754]

Hi Bailey. I like your no frills approach 👍🏼 all you need is the basics leash, water and ID tags. Then you can always add gear as you gain more experience. On short overnights sometimes I’d pack a favorite small toy for my little one 😊

[@TheMostImportantStep]

Prima also likes to bring toys sometimes too!

[@onthefly4711]

If you are talking about first aid you should also add a muzzle for your dog: Even the best trained and calm dog could be stressed because of an injury and therefore act agressively. To make sure that people can help you and your dog, you should always have a muzzle with you. It´s also helpful if an extrication via helicopter is needed and your dog is not used to that. If you are hiking in more difficult terrain, you should always use a harness in combination with a solid leash with proper carabiners so you can secure him in case he falls.

[@TheMostImportantStep]

I agree with the muzzle, though it’s easy to make one out of other materials such as glaze wrap or a bandana in a pinch. I’ve hiked with my dogs in some of the remotest landscapes in the US (Alaska off trail, Central Idaho, etc) as well as more technical hikes (class 2+ and easy class 3 climbs) and still have never felt the need for a harness even hiking solo with a 70 lb GSD. If you feel you need it then by all means bring it, but I wouldn’t say it is mandatory for everyone.

[@roquiroad2466]

Have learned so much from your videos

[@VegaChastain]

Just to add, a harness is mostly for if your dog FALLS or loses their balance on trail. In a harness it's no big deal and you're able to help them or keep them from falling without choking them or inadvertently losing your dog when the collar slips off or injures their neck. My husky has tried to jump off a mountain before, as well as running out into roads and other dumb stuff... she would have hurt herself many times if we just used a collar! :D

[@TheMostImportantStep]

Good point that some may use it this way! Just always be sure to buy a quality product if that’s it’s intended use and be careful that you don’t get hurt in the process of trying to save your dog

[@VegaChastain]

@@TheMostImportantStep Of course! :) My dogs are smaller so I have been able to save them easily! lol We use Pupia harnesses and also have used the PS+ brand from Pet Supplies Plus here in the southern US. Cheers and safe hiking!!

[@MikaAdventures]

Yes, i agree. we also use a harness when hiking in mountains/ but it has to fit properly, so our girl (always puppy😆) doesn't get hurt when trying to save her.

[@DoseofDirt]

I love your approach! Worry more about the adventure than all the bells and whistles. I've found that some gear I thought I would need for my dogs and bought just sits around gathering dust now. Thanks for the tips!

[@TheMostImportantStep]

Yes! Also the gear can be so different depending on hiking style and where someone is hiking! I would hate to tell someone they need a piece of gear that wouldn’t be helpful where they hike or with the dog they have

[@DoseofDirt]

@@TheMostImportantStep So true!

[@SparkyRaegun]

I feel like you might be misunderstanding why some people use harnesses.. On smaller dogs they often have a very sensitive trachea and using a collar may cause breathing issues..

[@TheMostImportantStep]

Good point, there are certainly a lot of uses for harnesses also including preventing Houdini dogs from getting away. I was primarily addressing the most common reasons I see people ask for harness recommendations for in a hiking specific situation

[@MikaAdventures]

Nice Video !!! The only thing we don't need on our hikes is a sweater for our dog :D She never gets cold 😊 One thing missing for me personally is a muzzle/bite basket, in case we need it. Mostly we don't (don't know the right term is in english, hope you know what i mean haha)😁

[@TheMostImportantStep]

Definitely a good tip! I had a vet suggest using gauze wrap (or similar) to make a muzzle in an emergency, which is why I don’t personally carry one

[@kellymasters6064]

I made a small canvas bag that I can attach anywhere with a carabiner to hold the plastic bags of dog poop. Its way more pleasant than having the squishy, smelly plastic bags in my hand, pocket or backpack!

[@Adam-G777]

Thanks for such a great informative video. It helped me to become more aware of the kit needed for my dog hikes. 😊👍

[@martinarctander]

Thanks. Good to keep it simple.

[@zzernathezebra]

What is Mushers' secret? Also, I found my dog when she was young and while she is a mixed breed. It's obvious she has both Australian Cattle dog and Border Collie. So I got her used to things on her feet and booties early on, but that's because our summers are over 100F/30C so we put boots on for her walks in the summer

[@flynorthproductions]

Great video, very informative!

[@liraps04]

I didnt use a harness either, but i learned that collars can hurt the dog’s neck/back. Thanks for the video :)

[@NickandRachel]

Thanks for sharing!

[@niklashall5969]

Many thanks!

[@loissemanek1715]

Excellent video. Don’t forget bear spray if you are in bear country.

[@FOWLR235]

So I’m about to take a week long hike with my two rescues, both about 50 pounds each, but currently they are free fed kibble throughout the day, but then they have the “farmers dog” wet food in the evening which they absolutely love, but it’s frozen until ready to eat. (Usually 2 nights in the fridge) so how would I plan on this? It’s obviously more about them than me but also, who rescued who? 😊

[@tracykooken2606]

Well done

[@personal.YouTube.channel]

Actually the vet when prescribing medicine for a dog. If you look into it. It you will find that the medicine is the same as for a person milligrams and everything the only thing that's different is the packaging. Because it talks particularly for pets. In fact, if you get into prepping. You'll find that you can buy antibiotics for pets. And they are the exact same thing for people. And you can buy them without a prescription Even in bulk. It's the same even for goldfish

[@claudiaharris2873]

Bug spray. Umbrella for shade.

[@jimizxztheorginal]

"Your dog should be well trained no matter what"... that is a very interesting take. What if this is part of his training? Also "no matter what" implies that you're okay with any form of training as long as it works.

[@user-po3mh4dy9r]

You can get a nice slip lead for under $10. That is all the leash you need. Retractable leashes are horrible. It's impossible to walk with a "loose leash", and a run away dog can seriously injure itself.. Harnesses have a place but generally not as a substitute for a collar or slip lead. More than gear, your dog needs skills. A rock solid recall, learning to walk at your side, no pulling, and a "leave it" command are top of the list. Get reactivity under control .A well behaved dog is a joy to be with, and enjoys way more freedom. With regard to first aid, I like the suggestions here, but honestly, if you aren't prepared to care for an injured dog, then you shouldn't be out on a trail with one. Your dog depends on you to insure their safety. You are responsible for what happens.

[@outdoormusings7688]

My dog Bandit goes nuts when we encounter other dogs on the trail, don’t know what to do.

[@TheMostImportantStep]

I feel your pain as Prima can be pretty direct with trying to tell strange dogs that she isn’t interested in saying hi. My suggestion would be to try to set your dog up for success by choosing trails or areas where you live where you can get far enough away from the other dogs that Bandit stays calm. This might be a pretty big distance at first! When he is calm, reward him with something really high in value (treat, toy, etc). Over time you guys can make the distance smaller and smaller until you are right off of the trail, but this might take awhile. Other things that can help is teaching some sort of watch or focus command. This is known as an incompatible behavior because he can’t watch you and watch the other dogs at the same time. I do this with my dog by having her touch my hand in command. You could also try going to some training classes, doing agility or nosework will help him get used to focusing on you around other dogs too! Hope this is helpful!

[@outdoormusings7688]

@@TheMostImportantStep thanks! I’ll have to try that,

[@abrackin]

Your videos are great and very informative! Do you have any suggestions for resupplying dog food while on a thru hike? We are starting the C.D.T in a few weeks and I’m worried the smaller towns won’t stock certain types of dog food. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[@TheMostImportantStep]

Thank you so much for the feedback! I haven’t officially announced it yet, but too will be thru-hiking the CDT this year. Prima, Skittles, and I will be heading SOBO, maybe we will see you on the trail! My plan is to mail boxes for Montana before I leave and cache some food in MT & WY on the drive up to the border from Denver. About once a month I’ll be ordering more dog food and have it delivered to a friend, hostel, etc. Once I get to where that food is, I’ll make dog resupply boxes for the next month or so and mail them out. Alternatively, if you have a good support system at home you could have family or friends send you boxes either to every town or just the small general store type towns. Another option would be to feed puppy food as it is high in calories and you can usually find a few bags in even the smallest town stores. I’m planning to feed a sport dog food (hence the mailing), but my vet did give the okay to feed puppy food so it is actually a valid option! Hope that is helpful and best of luck on your trek! Are you heading NOBO or SOBO?

[@abrackin]

@@TheMostImportantStep Oh wow, that’s awesome y’all are doing the CDT also! I’m headed NOBO so we just might pass each other. Caching food would be a great idea. I live in SC, so for this trail I couldn’t do that logistically. But I’m definitely going to keep that in mind for future trails. I also never thought about puppy food. It does make sense with it being a calorie dense food. Thank you for the tips and I hope all goes well with your start.

[@TheMostImportantStep]

Definitely! Happy trails and see you out there 😁

[@1master6]

Food! Bring a snack for your dog. I like freeze dried raw and powdered goats milk

[@ookiee1]

I use trekking poles to hike, day hikes. How can I take my dog without getting tangled up?

[@TheMostImportantStep]

Some people use hands free leashes or clip the leash to the hip belt of whatever backpack you are using. Then you will likely need to spend time training your dog to consistently walk in front of you or behind you. I would think that behind wold be easier. I’m generally not a fan of retractable leashes, but if your dog is well trained and behaved that could be a tool to help minimize tangling

[@ZZZer00]

Peepo Pog wow

[@tripsy_710cassity4]

Here’s a good tip leave it there it’s fucking poop they’re out in the woods does a bear pick up his shit

[@kellymasters6064]

do not leave the poop. ever. you would be amazed how it adds up with more and more people hiking and bringing dogs. dog poop can have parasites and can contaminate waterways.

[@kellymasters6064]

check out the OUTSIDE Podcast, lots of interesting info/stories, an excellent one about poop in nature, human and dog poop

[@SparkyOne549]

Leave no trace! Any waste can be washed down to streams when it rains, and with snow melt.

[@HoneyBadger7590]

We just got jesses pack ready for the AT!! Whoop whoop! Next is meal planning, re up shipments, and gettn that smokies permit!! So stoaked for her. Any good advice on low sodium meal planning?

[@TheMostImportantStep]

Hmmm, I’ve been thinking about it for the last few days and I’m guessing that most pre packaged meals are higher in sodium. If you guys like meal prepping maybe making some of your own meals for her would be a good option. The other thing that is nice about the AT is that the distance between town are a bit shorter than the trails in the west. This makes it easier to pack out fresh food for the first day or two which could help as well! Hope that’s somewhat helpful!

[@HoneyBadger7590]

@@TheMostImportantStep yup your right. It is easier on the AT to get fresh foods out on the trail. Hey I hit you up on the Far Out app. We also met up with another through hiker and helped him re up his supply. He was so down to earth. His trail name is “alright alright” lol. Like Matthew Maconhey says lol. We did an interview with him for the podcast I started. You can listen to it anywhere you get your podcasts. It’s called Secret Circus Podcast. Episode 13 “through hikers.” Great kid. Great interview. Any plans on through hiking the entire AT? I’m knocking it out in 2024

[@TheMostImportantStep]

That’s super exciting that you’re planning to hike the AT again and good luck with your podcast! The AT is definitely on my list, but further down. I have some routes out in the west that I’d like to hike first.