Tips For Backpacking With Your Dog
One of my favorite ways to fulfill myself and my dog is an overnight backpacking trip in the backcountry. A lot of preparation usually goes into these trips — what to bring, how to pack it, double and triple checking the lists — and making sure my dog is prepared too. Whether you’re backpacking, car or tent camping, preparing your dog for the new experience is crucial in the success of the trip.
We sat down with Utah-based dog trainer Molly Avrin to chat about her top tips for spending a night (or more!) under the stars with your furry companion. Keep reading to follow her tips for introducing your dog to the backcountry experience.
HIKING
When taking your dog into the backcountry or on your local trails it’s important to remember that not only are you sharing this space with other outdoor recreators, but you are sharing it with wildlife. Be sure to check the leash laws of that particular region you will be camping in. Many wilderness areas and national forests require dogs to always be on a leash or at the very least under strict voice control. This is not only important for the safety of others around you who may be recreating with reactive dogs (because they deserve to hike too!) but also for the wildlife that lives within the habitat.
Starting with proper leash etiquette, get your dog used to what Avrin calls “the structured sandwich.” This is the concept that while you are moving, your dog stays by your side in a heel and when you stop to release the dog to sniff and explore, they stay within a safe range of you to then be called back into that structured position to keep hiking. This training tactic is helpful in various ways such as passing others on trail, or going around hazardous areas such as cliffs and downed trees while giving your dog the mental structure of a task while working their body physically.
To begin training your dog to the “structured sandwich” method start working at home, on your street, or in low distraction areas. Reward the dog when they execute the position requested and stay consistent. Once the dog is in a safe area and has executed the “heel” position, they can be released (this can be done utilizing a long line if your dog is not off leash reliable). When you are ready to keep walking, call the dog back into that position with your word of choice and continue your walk. If you need help guiding your dog into the desired position, leash pressure and a food lure can help with the process.
Make sessions like this short and successful, ending on a positive note. Keeping the session fun for you and the dog will encourage you to continue practicing these skills. When introducing any command to a dog, consistency equals success. “Decide how you’re going to do [the command] and be so consistent with that every time,” shares Arwin. Use the same methodology on every walk and then apply the command to your hiking adventures, slowly increasing the difficulty of the ask when the dog shows an understanding of the task at hand.
CAMPING
Camping is definitely a way to dive into relaxation, but it requires some preparation as well. Teaching your dog how to settle into a state of relaxation allows camp set up, breakdown and meal prep time to be that much easier.
A great way to introduce self-soothing behaviors to your dog is with the command “place.” This command ultimately means the dog needs to be laying on the object (dog bed, raised cot, blanket, etc.) and stay there until released. If you have a dog sleeping bag or designated dog blanket, put that item on top of the desired place area and be consistent. Then, when camping, you don’t have to bring the entire place cot or bed with you as the blanket itself is the familiar object. If your dog is not off leash reliable, using a tether can be extremely helpful in reinforcing the command and keeping the dog in a confined and safe area!
Whether you are camping in a tent or in the car, getting your dog used to that area is crucial in everyone getting a good night’s sleep and keeping your tent intact. Similarly to how you would introduce a dog to a crate — guiding in with a leash, giving a reward (verbal praise or treat) and then guiding the dog out of the crate — is exactly what you would do with a tent or a sleeping set up in the back of a car. Make this experience fun, have a camping night in the backyard or relax and watch the sunset from the back of your car. Familiarizing your dog with this new space will make a night under the stars that much easier.
WHAT TO BRING
Whenever recreating with my dog in the outdoors, a first aid kit is essential. You can purchase dog first aid kits (as well as human ones!) from stores such as REI but there are a few other essentials Avrin recommends you bring. Bleed stop, vet wrap and dog booties are all very helpful should a cut paw pad or abrasion take place on the trail. It is also highly suggested to bring a dog emergency evacuation kit, such as this one from Ruffwear, should you need to hike your dog out of a situation.
On top of the first aid supplies my dog backpacking kit usually includes a waist belt for hands free walking, a long and short leash, a warm blanket designated specifically for the dog, their food, a collapsable bowl and a soft flask to store water specifically for them. My dog is quite strong and active so she tends to carry her own food, water and packs out her own waste on one to two night adventures. Anything longer than that and I would split up the weight between her and I. Avrin recommends introducing your dog to their backpack and having them wear it empty on daily walks to familiarize them to the new piece of gear.
The most essential takeaway from recreating with your dog outside is to stay consistent with the behaviors you want them to emulate and execute them regularly. Dog trainer Molly Avrin has an online platform with a plethora of how-to videos breaking down these ideas step by step. You can learn more about these offerings by heading to her website!