HIKING WITH YOUR DOG: 5 THINGS TO CONSIDER

As a rule, a healthy adult dog makes a great hiking companion. But, as with people, fitness levels should be built up gradually.

While a usually exuberant dog sleeping soundly may feel like a victory, too much too soon can lead to injury, or make your dog reluctant to join you in future.

Before hiking with your dog, special consideration needs to be given to the very young and the old. Puppies' bodies need time to grow and too much exercise can be detrimental to their development. However, it's a great idea to start early with teaching the skills that will make your puppy a great hiking companion in the future!

While regular exercise is usually of benefit to older dogs, you should consider the terrain, distance, and temperature even more closely to ensure the welfare of your senior companion.

There are also breed-specific limitations that may limit your dog's tolerance to exercise. These include:

• Short-nosed or flat-faced dogs
• Extremely small or big dogs
• Dogs with short legs in relation to their body size.

If in any doubt, consult your vet.

Before going on a hike with your dog, it's important they master the basics:

• Good recall
• Walking nicely on a lead
• Behaving appropriately around livestock and wildlife
• Being well-mannered around other trail users

These are life-skills that you should invest your time into teaching to your canine companion - it will make every outing with your dog more enjoyable.

Training should be a life-long commitment you make to your dog, but it should be fun, rather than a chore. If you feel yourself getting frustrated or not making progress, reach out for help from a qualified dog trainer.

When planning a hiking route for you and your dog, consider the terrain:

• Are your dog's paws conditioned to hard or rocky trails?
• Are they fit enough to battle through high vegetation or deep mud?
• Are they strong enough for the incline and nimble enough for the descent?
• Is there shade and water for them to drink and cool off in when it's warm?

Take the weather into account too. Your dog won't melt in a bit of rain, but extremely hot or cold temperatures can cause serious problems.

To make sure you both have the best time, try and work out what your dog enjoys - be it a good sniff along a well-trodden path, chasing the waves on the beach, exploring the forest or meeting friends - and build these elements into your route. That summit photo may be the most important factor for you, but also try and see the world through your dog's eyes. Not only will you take pleasure from their enjoyment, you may well notice things in the environment that you would have otherwise missed.

Starting with you, we have some great advice on what to pack for a day hike from adventurer James Forrest that it's worth checking out.

For your dog, a harness can work great when out hiking, especially if your dog is prone to pull, but also because the lead won't get as tangled in your dog's legs. Make sure it is fitted correctly so that it does not rub, and that it is suitable to be worn over the distance - a harness should not restrict your dog's movements. You should also think carefully about leads - some can be worn around your waist, for hands-free control of your dog on longer hikes.

Poo bags (and a way to carry them out once filled - because nobody wants to see them hanging in a tree) are the next essential for every outing with your dog.

Water, if none is available enroute, and some food and treats to keep up your dog's energy and motivation are next on the list. A collapsible water bowl is a good idea too.

On longer hikes, a blanket for your dog to rest on (if you don't want to share your own layers) is a good addition.

If the weather is challenging, consider a coat to either keep your dog warm or cool.

After hiking with your dog, check them over for injuries and ticks, dry them off and give them a good groom once they are rested. A short, gentle walk a few hours later will help ease any stiffness and will help you spot any lameness.