Want to go on a hike with your pup, but don't even know where to start? I have you covered. Here is a list of my favorite products, brands, and resources to have a fun adventure with your pup!
What's in my bag?
Click each item for a link to purchase!
Dog Boots - I always have them with me, but honestly, I rarely use them. Mainly because Rusty HATES wearing them. I originally purchased them because Rusty frequently licks his paws which I am fairly certain is related to a grass allergy. But the awkward walking and refusal to move make it difficult to get anywhere on a trail. Nonetheless, I have them just in case a paw injury occurs. Let's just say there definitely is training involved with putting boots on your pup! But also be aware - not all dogs need them! If your pup is used to hikes or walks on concrete, they likely have toughened their paws up anyway. But if your dog rarely explores the outdoors, harsh weather or hiking terrain can do a number on their paws, resulting in a possible need for boots! This is one of those items that requires your best judgement.
Harness - I am a big fan of harnesses over collars. Yes, Rusty still wears a collar, but rarely has a leash attached to it. I prefer a harness for two reasons: 1) Rusty pulls on a leash, often choking himself if a leash is attached to his collar. The PT in me is also very concerned for neck damage...can you imagine someone pulling on your neck all the time?!? It would be sore! And 2) Rusty has a thick neck...so for his collar to fit comfortably around his neck it is loose enough to slip over his head! One wrong tug and the leash and collar fly off and Rusty starts following his nose! Plus, a harness also makes the perfect attachment for a seat belt in the car! Safe and secure is how I like my dog in all settings. There are a lot of harness designs which mainly will boil down to doggy fit. It is best to take your pup to the store to try on to make sure they fit comfortably. Rusty does best in mesh lined harnesses as opposed to "strappy" harnesses. Our favorite right now is an ED by Ellen design -- have to support my favorite celebrity!
Leash - I LOVE a double handled leash. Like mentioned above, Rusty still pulls on a leash (I know, we need to work on that), and having the option for a shorter lever arm for him to pull against makes it 10x easier for me to control him on hikes. And when we pass by other dogs (of which Rusty does not like), I quickly grab the shorter handle and Rusty stays nearby and we avoid all threats.
Poop Bags - This may seem obvious, but I wanted to mention that not all poop bags are created equal. Rusty is notorious for waiting to poop until 5 minutes into a hike, making me haul it around the rest of the hike. So I want a durable, stinky free (as much as is possible) bag! I have used some recently that are so thin that they frequently have a rip or holes in them which is a disaster to pick up do-do much less carry around for a couple hours! My favorite bags are from Arm & Hammer and are conveniently long enough to tie shut and then also tie around a bag strap to avoid having to put it in your bag or physically carry it. Bonus points for a trail if they provide doggy bags.
Paw Wipes - As noted above with the boot situation, Rusty can have sensitive paws. So I like to use paw wipes after a hike to clean up his paws and remove any allergens. Ideally a bath is my go-to option, but frequent baths can dry out their skin, so paw wipes are a good alternative in between baths!
Food & Water - As I mentioned in my last post, Doggy Road Trip Essentials, my favorite water bottle to throw in my bag for Rusty is the Gulpy bottle. A combo doggy bowl + water bottle makes rest breaks much more efficient! And Turbo Pup bars are the best for providing the fuel for Rusty to complete our hikes!
Resources
How to know where to hike? Are dogs allowed? How long is the trail? Here a couple of my go-to websites and apps to be informed!
AllTrails - They conveniently have an app that is THE BEST thing ever. I have used it in multiple states and locations. You can search for specific trails with whatever requirements you are searching for. Dog-friendly, hiking level, length, elevation, trail traffic, and trail type are just some of the filters you can search. You can also locate coordinates to trailheads that will plug directly into google maps (my fav) to get you there easily! It can also track your location on the trail and is a wonderful mobile map to not get lost!
Bring Fido - A website with a list of all things dog friendly - even restaurants and hotels! I use this moreso for finding parks or beaches that I can take Rusty to on trails that are less of a hike, but more of a scenic walk! It rates each location on a scale of how dog-friendly it is with general information of the location so you know what you are getting into.
Brands
It is no secret that I love hiking, being outdoors, and taking Rusty everywhere. I have found a few brands that feel the same way! I love supporting small businesses and rocking gear on my hikes from these places.
Camping With Dogs - I am obsessed with this brand. They encourage camping and hiking with your furry pals too, so you can imagine why I love them. Everything from their bandanas, shirts, hats, water bottles, and even car decals. This was my first find a few years back, and since then I have collected quite the spread. They envision everything I love doing, plus their logo is the best ever. Bonus story - this was the brand that I took a picture while in the Smoky Mountains of Rusty and I while wearing their shirt that went viral (see below)! Still crazy that that happened.
Rescue Strong - Another brand I love and have followed for a while. Even though it is less focused on outdoor adventures, it is definitely focused on loving your furry best friend! Again, I love their logos and products and my personal fav is their "Adopt a dog and go explore" saying. What is great about this brand is they give back to organizations that promote animal rescue. Which is how I got my little Rusty Roo, through adoption, so I love to support companies like this.
Now, with all of these products and brands, you are sure to be set for an epic adventure with your pup!
Shawna + Rusty
Comments