1. For hikes involving long bouts of rock scrambling, consider purchasing a dog harness.  You can even loop the leash around your waist before tying it to his/her collar or harness so you have a safety line between the two of you. A harness is much better than a collar for hiking, as pulling on your dog’s neck as you climb can be painful.

2. Bring enough water for both you and you furry friend. To lessen the water weight, consider a water filter.

3. It is a lot easier to hike in the woods with a well-trained dog who can be off-leash.

4. On longer hikes, breaks are necessary for not only you, but your pooch too!

5. Bring snacks and treats for your dog.

6. For more challenging hikes, I recommend bringing along essential oils of Lavender (soothes skin, insect repellant, relaxing); Yarrow (anti-inflammatory, stops bleeding); Helichrysum (antiseptic, good for the digestive system, broken capillaries and bones, anti-allergenic, supports immune function); Cedarwood (insect repellant); and Lemon (antiviral antiseptic, boosts immune support, clarifying and uplifting). Essential oils aren’t always necessary, but can help in emergencies, which if you hike enough, will happen.

7. Though I let Ollie run free 90% of the time when hiking, during hikes in which we’re walking through snow that is opaque but not thick, I usually keep him on leash. With the thin blanket of snow, sometimes it’s hard if not impossible to see what sharp, jagged rocks could be underfoot. And the hike is not going be very enjoyable for a pup with cut/scraped paw pads.

8. Trust your dog’s instincts. It’s uncanny how many times I’ve lost the trail and Ollie has found it.

9. Remember your dog wears a fur coat year-round. If hiking in exposed areas or open ridges, make sure to take breaks (in shade) and drink water at regular intervals so they don’t dehydrate.

10. While hiking, take time to give some love. 🙂