- Why Labradors are among the best hiking dogs:
- Are Labradors good trail dogs?
- How far can a Labrador hike?
- Can I take my puppy on a hike?
- When can you start taking your puppy hiking?
- How to carry a puppy on a hike
- Are English labs Good hiking dogs?
- Benefits of spending time outdoors with your dog:
- Hiking Etiquette
- How to keep your dog safe during hiking:
- Must have Dog Hiking Accessories:
- Conclusion:
Spending time hiking in the great outdoors is one of the best pastimes there is. Not only for your health but for your mental well-being. People were not meant to be cooped up inside all the time. We need to stretch our legs, get some fresh air, and reconnect with nature. Without doing so, we can begin to feel depressed, trapped, and even ill. Spending time outside doing physical exercise is vital for being a happy, healthy, human.
This is precisely the same for dogs. Dogs, like people, need to spend time outside. I don’t think anyone would argue against the fact that they enjoy it a whole lot more than we do. If you are blessed enough to own a Labrador Retriever, you are in luck. This breed is not only one of the sweetest and most loving animals on the planet, but Labradors are also one of the best dog breeds for hiking. This article will explain why.
Why Labradors are among the best hiking dogs:
You are looking for a few qualities in a “hiking dog“. They are as follows. Decent sized has good stamina, is intelligent, and is strong. Your dog needs to be big enough to traverse rocky and difficult terrain. They must have the stamina to complete the hike. A smaller dog won’t have the energy to hike all day. A labrador would. Your dog needs intelligence and obedience to follow your commands.
Hiking can be dangerous, having a poorly behaved or untrained dog can lead to it endangering itself and even you. Lastly, your hiking buddy needs to be strong. Hiking is a lot more difficult than walking around town on the sidewalk. If you are expecting a chihuahua or a very old dog to hike with you, regardless of the breed, you and the dog are both in for a bad time.
Related post: Why Are Labradors So Popular?
Are Labradors good trail dogs?
Labradors are full of energy and rarely tire. They will easily be able to maintain pace with you, even if you are hiking for the entire day. So long as you bring enough food and water they can go for days. Labs shouldn’t be pushed for days on end, of course, but they could do so quite easily. A labrador under the age of 8 years should have no trouble hiking all day. Between 8-10 years old, they may only be able to do a half-day. After that they will do their best, they might think they can hike all day, but they can’t. They are starting to get old and tired so stick to short hikes. For their sake.
How far can a Labrador hike?
Every dog has a limit, you don’t want to overwalk your Labrador. Your Lab’s limit will depend on the age and physical condition. For example, a person that goes hiking a couple of times a year will not be able to follow the pace of someone that goes hiking every week. The same thing applies to dogs. If your Labrador is not used to hiking don’t expect your Lab to get very far. If your Labrador is new to hiking, It should be able to walk about 5 miles in a day. A more experienced Labrador should be able to hike up to 20 miles. If your dog is new to the trails, take it slow and increase the hiking distance progressively.
Can I take my puppy on a hike?
Yes, you can, but there are some to consider beforehand. Before taking your Labrador puppy on a hike, it must be fully vaccinated. It is a good idea to talk to your veterinarian before venturing into the outdoors with a young puppy.
When can you start taking your puppy hiking?
Most experts advise against hiking with puppies younger than 16 weeks. This is because trails can be dangerous for puppies, and for this reason, your puppy should be fully leash-trained before taking it on a hike outdoors. Also, your puppy should not cover more than 3 miles in a day, as puppies get tired easily. So, you might have to carry your puppy to complete the hike.
How to carry a puppy on a hike
You could carry your puppy in your arms. But, when you are hiking having your hands free is very important. So, the best way to carry your puppy when hiking outdoors is by using a dog carrier backpack. A good dog carrier will make things safer for you and your puppy. Choose one that is appropriate for your dog’s size and weight.
Are English labs Good hiking dogs?
American or Field labs are far above English or show labs when it comes to choosing a hiking partner. To explain why I need to briefly touch on what the differences are.
First, English Labs have been bred for shows. This becomes apparent what that entails. Show dogs are not bred for functionality, they are bred to look “good”. So, show Labs are chunkier, heavier, and have shorter legs. On the other hand, American Labs have not been bred for style or looks, they are bred for their energy and intelligence. They are slimmer, have longer legs, and have far better stamina. The cost of this is that they often lose that “labrador look”. Not always, but occasionally. So, the fact that American Labs are better for hiking than English Labs doesn’t mean that English Labs are useless outdoors. They are a pretty good occasional hiker, and also make for great family pets.
Benefits of spending time outdoors with your dog:
There is a huge array of benefits to be gained from spending time outdoors with your dog. You both will be far happier and healthier individuals from all of the exercise. It’s good for your heart, your lungs, your muscles, and your mind. Hiking together, just you and the dog is a good place to think.
Whether you just need time to reflect on the workweek or plan your future, there is no better place than the woods. Or, arguably the shower. But you can’t bring your dog in the shower. At least, you probably shouldn’t. It is also a great way for you and your dog to bond. Your dog will almost instinctively love you from the moment you bring them home. It’s just who they are.
Hiking with labradors is one of the best ways to foster a loving relationship between the two of you. They love being outdoors, exploring, and stretching their legs. They also love you. A combination of the two is their favorite thing in the world. Perhaps apart from food.
Hiking Etiquette
When hiking you should follow a few simple rules. Anything you bring out with you, you should bring home with you. If you bring some lunch, make sure you don’t leave behind any trash. Even things like apple cores or banana skins that could be arguably good for the environment should be brought home if possible.
Similarly for your dog, if they make a mess (go to the bathroom) out in the woods it is up to you to deal with that. If they go on the trail, clean it up. Or at the very least move it off the trail. You don’t have to bring it back with you, but you perhaps should. Your dog cannot clean up after itself so it is up to you to handle that.
It is a good idea to make sure that you stick to the path. Most places allow you to walk freely through the woods, but you may end up damaging the local ecosystem. If you are with your dog, then it is a good idea to keep an eye on them at all times. If they attack a squirrel, or a duck, or a raccoon that is your fault.
Ensure that your dog doesn’t harm any of the local wildlife. First, because that is your moral obligation, and second because you may be fined if you are caught. It is additionally a good idea to keep your dog on a leash or near you when you cross other hikers. Not everyone loves dogs, some people find them scary. Ensuring that other hikers feel safe around your dog is your responsibility.
How to keep your dog safe during hiking:
There are a few things to consider regarding your dog’s safety when hiking. First of all, you must think of their feet. They have very sure feet and are generally okay. There are only two scenarios where you may want to consider buying them little dog boots.
First, when it is very hot. If you live in Arizona then your dog’s feet will burn walking on hot stones all day. Little dog boots can protect them here. Conversely, when it is very cold, you may want to consider boots for the opposite reason. Snow can compact in their toes and freeze causing a lot of pain.
You also need to consider how the wildlife and plants may hurt them, not just the other way around. If you are hiking through the desert you need to keep your dog away from any cacti you might wander near. If you are hiking up in the northern wilderness, you need to consider bears, wolves, and coyotes. Your labrador may be able to scare off one or two wolves/coyotes but that’s about the extent of their abilities. Keep your dog close to keep your dog safe. Lastly, ensure you bring plenty of food and water for them. They get thirsty and hungry too.
Related post: Are Labrador Retrievers Hunting Dogs?
Must have Dog Hiking Accessories:
There are quite a few must-have items to take hiking with you. Of course, you have the basics. You need a leash, you need a collar, you need doggy bags, and you need a water bowl. You also might want to bring a little medical kit. Some bandages, some antiseptic spray, and any medication your dog may usually need.
You also may want to bring a dog whistle, if your dog does run off for some reason this is the best way of getting them to return to you. Boots have already been mentioned, since they are so small you will have no trouble fitting them in your backpack. If you are feeling creative, you could even bring a small doggy backpack for your dog to wear that will contain their accessories.
Must have Hiking Accessories
- Doggy backpack
- Dog harness and leash
- Portable water and food bowl
- Dog first aid kit
- GPS tracking collar
- Doggy protection gear
- Poop bags for dogs
Conclusion:
As you can see, Labradors are the best hiking buddies. They are such an amazing breed of dogs that you couldn’t ask for much more. Their friendly, loyal, energetic, and love the outdoors. You can take any kind of labrador hiking, be it a show or field. You just might get more out of a field lab. They love hiking just the same though. So long as you remember what makes good hiking etiquette and bring all the necessary accessories, you and your furry friend should be able to handle anything mother nature throws at you.
Related Post: DO LABRADORS GET COLD IN WINTER?
