Summer Hike Safety Tip From a Trainer: Focus on Your Dog's Essentials
As summer approaches, many dog parents are planning outdoor activities with their furry companions, including long walks, yard play, dog park visits, and hiking. Certified dog trainer Melissa Goodman of Mission Pawsitive has shared several important safety tips for hiking with a dog, focusing particularly on awareness of what dogs explore with their mouths and ensuring their safety during hikes.
Goodman emphasizes the importance of monitoring what the dog picks up or chews on, especially on trails where harmful or sharp objects might be present. To prevent choking or ingestion of harmful items, it's crucial to keep a close eye on your dog and be prepared to intervene if necessary.
Another key safety practice is keeping the dog on a leash or under control to avoid potentially dangerous situations with wildlife or rough terrain. Goodman also recommends carrying enough water and frequent hydration breaks for the dog. Using dog-friendly trail gear such as booties to protect paws on rough or hot surfaces is also advisable.
Being prepared for emergencies is essential, including having a first aid kit and knowledge of the trail's difficulty. Goodman suggests being able to reliably call your dog away from people, dogs, and wildlife.
Trail etiquette is important when hiking with a dog, as it can help keep everyone safe and considerate of others. Goodman advises moving off to the side to be courteous of others and keep your dog safe. Allowing others to pass when hiking with your dog is a good practice to maintain trail etiquette. Being aware of potential allergies or fears of dogs among other hikers is also important.
Melissa Goodman's advice about dogs exploring with their mouth underlines the importance of vigilant supervision during hikes to keep dogs from ingesting or choking on unsafe items found outdoors.
If you're interested in more comprehensive hiking safety tips from Goodman, following her Instagram or Mission Pawsitive social media channels might provide additional insights. Goodman is a fan of dog parkour, which is one of the 10 great brain games for dogs.
When it comes to treats, it's important to bring dog treats when hiking with your dog. Pupford Beef Liver Training Freeze-Dried Dog Treats are mentioned as a suitable size for training, according to a tester.
Remember, hiking with dogs can be a rewarding shared activity. With the right preparation and safety measures, you and your dog can enjoy many exciting outdoor adventures together. Happy hiking!
[1] Source: Mission Pawsitive Instagram Post
- Certified dog trainer Melissa Goodman warns that dogs often explore with their mouths during hikes, so it's crucial to be vigilant to prevent them from ingesting harmful objects.
- Melissa Goodman suggests keeping a close eye on your dog while hiking to prevent choking or ingestion of dangerous items.
- To maintain trail etiquette, Goodman advises moving off to the side when hiking with your dog to be courteous to others and ensure your pet's safety.
- Pupford Beef Liver Training Freeze-Dried Dog Treats are recommended as a suitable size for training purposes during outdoor activities with your pet.
- With the right precautions and safety measures, spending quality time hiking with your dog can foster a strong bond between you and provide memorable shared experiences.
