You’re not the only one who enjoys exercise and the great outdoors—your dog does, too! Taking your dog with you on a hike can give you valuable time together, not to mention a good workout and some ever-important fresh air. But, whether your dog is a friendly companion or a trained support or service dog, there are some important points to consider before the two of you embark on a hiking adventure in your wheelchair.
Should you take your dog wheelchair hiking?
First, let’s consider whether your dog is up for the trail! Sure, dogs love to exercise, and some breeds seem to be able to run around forever, but before going on a big hike (or any hike), consider distance and discipline.
Puppies may be too young to go on strenuous hikes, as their bones, joints, and muscles are still growing. They may also lack the discipline to obey your commands and respect your role as the alpha of your little pack. So, if you have a puppy or dog under the age of one, it may be best to keep the hike short and simple. You may find it helpful to have a friend or family member hold the leash for a while, too—this will help your young pup learn how to walk at a safe pace and distance from your wheelchair, but still, be close enough to hear you. When you’re out on a longer hike, it will be crucial that your dog obey your verbal commands, but this training will take time.
Of course, older dogs may also need shorter hikes, as they often suffer from arthritis, hip dysplasia, and other conditions that can limit their mobility. Exercise is great, but make sure not to ask too much of your companion.
Chances are, you know your dog better than anyone, but whether they’ve hiked with you for years or they’re just getting used to the process, make sure you set reasonable expectations. Young pups may need some extra help getting used to the trail life; older dogs may need shorter excursions so they can rest up and prepare for whatever future adventures await!
Preparation
Just like us humans, your furry friends will need some preparation before you set off on your hikes.
Stamina
The first thing to do is to build up your dog’s stamina (just like you’ll want to build up your own stamina). Dogs can have high endurance, but expecting them to complete long and tiring hikes without any preparation may be asking a little too much of some dogs. Keep in mind, too, that it’ll take some extra focus from your end to make sure your dog stays nearby, well-hydrated, and safe. You’ll both need to learn how to look out for each other.
Start with shorter hikes, no longer than about an hour, with little to no incline so you can gauge their stamina levels and see how they react to winding trails, other hikers, other dogs, the occasional chipmunk or squirrel, and whatever else the trail decides to throw at you. Slowly work your way up to longer and more intense hikes.
The “work of play” is also crucial here. Have a backyard? A local dog park? Use these open areas to work on your verbal commands, to establish yourself as the leader of the pack, and make sure your pup is physically fit and mentally attuned to the realities of a trip to the trail.
Paws
Without the right preparation, rough terrain can be harmful to your dog’s paws. Sharp rocks, hot surfaces, and small debris can take a toll on your friend’s sensitive paw pads.
Frequent outdoor play is certainly a good way to get them used to sprinting around tougher terrains, but you may also want to consider taking some extra measures.
Paw pad wax is a simple way to offer protection to the sensitive paw pads—a big bonus of wax is that it won’t influence how your dog will walk. A more-protective (but more noticeable) alternative is getting special paw booties designed for hiking.
If you’re going with hiking booties for your dog, you can’t just put them on and start. Your dog is going to need to get used to them! Introducing the booties gradually for a few weeks before you go hiking will ensure that your dog can get used to them and learn to walk first.
First, have your dog wear the booties a few minutes per day while indoors. Then, head outside into the yard, and eventually have your pup wear them for full walks.
Training
One of the essentials of hiking with your dog isn’t just about their fitness level—it’s also about their training, too (this is the discipline we mentioned above). You’ll need to ensure that your dog’s obedience training includes obeying commands to stay, come, and ignore distractions—all with the goal of ensuring their safety on the hike.
Obedience training should be done each day for around 15-30 minutes, depending on your dog. If you’re hiking with an all-terrain wheelchair for the first time, be patient with them as they learn to walk next to your chair, how to predict your movements with the chair, and how to stay close enough to hear your commands but far enough away to be clear of the chair.
Equipment and Supplies
So you’ve got your dog’s stamina up, ordered some paw protection, and got them fully trained. Great! What else will you need? Just as you’ll want to bring water and snacks for you, and simple tools for your wheelchair, you’ll want to bring supplies for your four-legged companion as well. Here are some items to consider:
- Treats for training
- Harness and leash
- Food and drink
- Portable water bowl
- Favorite blanket
- Medication
- Doggie first-aid kit
Get the right wheelchair accessories for dog walking
While many dog owners will already have the right leash to walk a dog from their wheelchair, it’s still good to make sure your leash is appropriate for hiking. The most common options are hands-free wheelchair leashes, wristband attachments, or bicycle attachment arms.
For a list of the pros and cons of each accessory, read our post on Tips and Tricks for Walking a Dog from a Wheelchair.
Picking the perfect hike for your dog
Once you’ve got everything together, it’s time to find the perfect hike to enjoy with your dog. But how do you choose?
Hikes with easier terrain are usually better for dogs, and for you, especially in the beginning. It is also essential to ensure that you’re on a dog-friendly trail.
You should take into consideration how far you will need to travel for the hike. If it’s a long drive away, it might be best to find a closer trail or consider turning it into an overnight, camping adventure.
Dog-friendly hikes are usually well-advertised online—run a few online searches for dog-friendly trails, or join a pet-hiking group or forum to connect with other like-minded hikers.