Pet Hotels USA

Welcome to our site

Hiking - A Great Pet Friendly Activity
Authored by Andrea Pollock

Heading outdoors to do some walking or hiking is a very rewarding activity.  It is also great exercise that you can enjoy with your dog and will bring you both many benefits.  Most communities have designated parkland spaces that are dog friendly.  Whether these spaces are on or off-leash, hiking and walking with your dog is fantastic aerobic exercise that is good for your health.

The cardiovascular benefits of hiking apply to both you and your dog.  Regular exercise is the key to good health for both you and your dog.  Hiking is a perfect cardiovascular activity which can be undertaken by almost everyone.  There are lots of different styles of hiking terrain across Canada and it is easy to find trails for beginners, advanced hikers and people with no prior experience.  Hiking is an age friendly activity.  Hiking is also a great bonding and pack building activity for dogs.  There is a lot less stress on your pup when they are outside in a wide open space than when they are cooped up inside in a small room.  The outdoors is a perfect place for new dogs to be introduced to each other.  If you have the opportunity to head out to a local trail and have neighbours or friends with dogs - it is a nice idea to invite them along so that you can socialize and exercise your dogs and yourselves altogether.

Hiking is an activity that provides variety because there are always new trails to be found and some exploring to do.  It is always your choice whether or not you follow the beaten path or head out and find some new territory.  Often when heading out with my dogs I will try to find new nooks and crannies within trails we know - I call it treasure hunting.  The dogs love checking out all the interesting smells, and I keep myself occupied by picking wildflowers or collecting unique stones.

I have the fortunate opportunity of living in an area with lots of vast wilderness and access to hiking trails.  I have also lived in the busy city, and while I have spoken mostly about hiking so far, this can also translate well into city walking.  If you live inside the city and have less opportunity to get into rustic trails, you can still provide lots of variety for your dog by choosing new routes often.  Add some variety into your walks by always heading in different directions when you leave.

If you are lucky enough to get out every so often for a trail hike, make sure to bring along your camera.  It is a perfect chance to catch some great pics of your pets, but also to take a few photos of the beautiful nature around you.