YOUR DOG'S BEST LIFE

Everything your dog needs to live a happy and active life.

  • Club Services

    • Daycare
    • Overnight
    • Pricing
    • Become a Member
  • Dog Training & Sports

    • Dog Training
    • Training Partners
    • Set up Consultation
    • Group Classes
    • Book Classes Online

Login Club Services

Login Sports & Training

About
Blog: Off the Leash
Questions? Let’s Talk!
contact@fitdog.com (310) 828 - 3647
Follow us on Social Media:
Login: Daycare/Boarding
Login: Training/Classes
  • Beat Boredom
    • Enrichment
    • Exercise
      • Hiking
      • Running
  • Caring for Dog
    • Boarding
    • Daycare / Pet Sitting
    • Grooming
    • Products & Gear
  • Dog Training
    • Puppy
  • Dog-Friendly
    • Events
    • Holidays
      • Christmas
      • Halloween
      • Thanksgiving
      • Valentine's Day
    • Local
    • Recipes
    • Travel
  • Health & Wellness
    • Food & Diet
    • Safety
  • Just for Fun
    • Gifts
    • Sincerely, Fitdog
      • Press
    • Spotlight
    • Trends
(310) 828 - 3647

How to prepare for your dog’s first hike

Collapse

Related Posts:

Dog Parks: Harmful or Helpful?
December 12, 2022
Best Backyard Activities for your Dog
July 30, 2020
Foxtails in dogs: A hidden danger on your hiking trail
July 23, 2020
Easy indoor exercises for dogs
March 28, 2020
Scent Work provides mind games for the nosey hound
October 21, 2019
Why you want professional dog hikers in your neighborhood
May 31, 2019
Why your dog’s 30-minute walk isn’t cutting it
May 20, 2019
7 reasons to start urban mushing with your dog
February 21, 2019
Where to take your dog on a snow adventure in SoCal
February 23, 2019
Your dog’s dream vacation
December 17, 2018
Our Favorite Fall Hiking Trails in Los Angeles
September 21, 2021
Preventing the back to school doggy blues
August 18, 2019
Dogs with Jobs: K9 Demonstration Event!
July 23, 2018
5 dangers to avoid when hiking with your dog
March 24, 2022
Transformation Story: Mack
June 08, 2018
Fitdog Does: LACMA’s Barky Brunch
April 17, 2018
Dog Sports: Herding
March 19, 2018
Dog Sports: Mushing
February 27, 2018
Dog Sports: Surfing
May 08, 2018
How a thwarted snow day at Mount Baldy made our pack grow closer
June 12, 2019
Dog Sports: Water Dogs
January 23, 2018
What I Learned at Doggie Cooking Class
January 16, 2018
Doggie DIY: Turn old t-shirts into a rope toy
January 09, 2018
What it’s actually like being a professional dog hiker
November 17, 2017
How to pose your dog for a Howl-o-ween picture
October 11, 2020
Learning with the pro’s at a dog surf competition
September 26, 2017
What was your dog’s original job?
August 03, 2019
Five essential dog training tips for success
July 19, 2017
Why some dogs need more than daycare
June 28, 2017
The best non-stuffing dog toys
April 26, 2017
Categories:
  • Beat Boredom
  • Enrichment
  • Exercise
  • Hiking

Getting ready for your dog’s first hike can be like sending the kids off to school for the first time. Both nervous and exciting, it is a memorable and novel experience. While dogs might have the four-leg advantage over humans when it comes to exercise, that doesn’t mean they should be any less prepared for hiking than us. Getting your dog ready for their first hike can be simple and easy, and allowing them time to recoup afterward can be a relaxing experience for both of you.

Before the Hike

You wouldn’t go on a hike without water or some protein-rich snacks, so why wouldn’t you pack the same for your pup? Orijen makes great freeze-dried snacks that are made of 100% meat and easy to pack. Outward Hound makes a dog backpack that we love, lightweight and tight-fitting so your dog can move easily without feeling like there’s a lumpy sack on their back. Brands like Popware for Pets make collapsible water bowls that fit easily into day packs. A proper pack will ensure you and your dog can enjoy that beautiful vista at the end of your hike.

During the Hike

dog's first hike

It’s important to be aware of your dog’s hiking ability while you’re on the trail. All dogs exercise at their own pace. If your dog is looking thirsty or lagging behind, take generous breaks to ensure you can both enjoy the hike! Additionally, it’s important to remember hike etiquette and be mindful of other dogs, bikes and humans especially on dog-friendly trails in Los Angeles. Once you reach the end of the trail, kick back and enjoy a water break and snack. You will both be grateful and energized for the hike back home.

After the Hike

It is perfectly normal for your dog to be sleepy, hungry, and sore after a hike, especially if they are new to the activity. Just as with humans, a lack of sleep and over-exercising can lead to a depleted immune system. At Fitdog, we make sure all our members who return to daycare after their hikes get a substantial resting period. It’s also wise to give your dog protein-rich foods after the hike in order to help their muscles develop. If your dog is older, chances are their joints aren’t what they used to be, so we recommend NuJoint supplements to help ease soreness and increase longevity in your dog’s active life!

Hiking should be a rewarding experience for you and your dog. Great for bonding, exercise, and socialization, hiking provides residents of Los Angeles reprieve from the hectic city. The bonding doesn’t have to stop at the trailhead or the car ride home, though. End your day with some Netflix and chill so you and your fur baby can be rested and renewed for the week to follow!

Don’t have time to take your dog hiking? No worries. Sign them up for a Canyon Hike at Fitdog.

What did you notice after your dog’s first hike? Comment below!

Fitdog Logo
Angela Brittain

Angela was raised in Las Vegas and lives in Los Angeles. She specializes in creative production and film photography.

Last updated on October 03, 2017
What’s next?
How Pit Bulls went from widely loved to marginalized, bullied and banned

It's no secret that pit bulls have an unfavorable rap. But how accurate is their representation in the media and among people in general? History shows that these dogs were bred in the 19th century for farm herding and family...

read more
More from Off The Leash:
Ways to Help Those Impacted by Los Angeles Fires
January 09, 2025
Top 5 Myths About Separation Anxiety in Dogs
March 12, 2024
Mysterious Dog Illness: Everything you need to know
November 23, 2023
More Fitdog
Fitdog Home
Blog: Off the Leash
About
Employment
Contact Us
Club Services
  • Daycare
  • Overnight
  • Pricing
  • Become a Member
Training & Sports
  • Dog Training
  • Group Classes
  • Book Classes Online
  • Set up a Training Consultation
Located at 1712 21st Street, Santa Monica, CA

Transportation available in Santa Monica, Mar Vista, Palms, Cheviot Hills, West LA, Venice, Marina Del Rey, Brentwood, Pacific Palisades

In home training available throughout Los Angeles

Follow us:

contact@fitdog.com
(310) 828 - 3647
Privacy Policy Terms and Conditions
© 2018-2023 Fitdog. All Rights Reserved.
Designed and Developed by
Employment Inquiry
Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.
What position are you applying for? *
Select your highest level of education *
Let us know about your animal experience (Select any that apply) *
Please do not include care or training of your own dog or pet.
Are you at least 18 years old? *
Do you have a California driver's license? *
How did you learn about Fitdog? *
Click or drag a file to this area to upload.
(pdf, doc, png, jpeg, jpg up to 1MB)
Loading