If you plan to take your dog out for fun, be sure to consider its breed type. Dogs of different breeds vary greatly in physical condition. If you insist on taking a small companion dog on long hikes, make sure to give it plenty of rest or start building up its fitness early—don’t push it too hard.
Taking the whole family out while leaving your dog at home can be worrisome, and taking your dog along is also a form of exercise for it. It gets to experience more of nature, and interacting with the outdoors and strangers is a unique experience for dogs. The more experiences a pet dog has, the better its temperament will be, and the smarter it will become. But what should you pay attention to when taking your dog on a trip?
1. Pay Attention to the Dog’s Breed: Many dogs are homebody types. For example, I have two dogs—one is a Poodle and the other is a Shih Tzu—and their reactions to going out are very different. The Poodle is a hunting breed, so it can adapt to many mountain conditions and has good stamina. The Shih Tzu, on the other hand, is a companion breed and not suited for long walks or mountain trails. That’s why I never take it hiking with me. So, if you want to take your dog out, be mindful of its breed type. Dogs differ significantly in physicality, and if you must take a companion breed on long hikes, ensure it gets enough rest or start training it early—you can’t force it.
2. Mind the Training Approach: Many dogs show fear when encountering difficult situations, such as walking across distant rocks for the first time or crossing a small stream. In such cases, never resort to scolding or hitting. Instead, encourage your dog to overcome its fear and try on its own. Don’t spoil it—let it realize that it can manage. Often, dogs take advantage of their owners’ emotions. I once took my Poodle across a hanging ladder in the mountains many times, but one day a friend, seeing it acting cautious and scared, carried it across. On the way back, the dog pretended not to dare cross again, looking back at my friend as if expecting to be carried over the bridge again. So we must all pay attention to how we train our dogs—if it can do it, let it do it on its own, rather than indulging it.
3. Prepare Water and Food: Dogs can often drink directly from mountain springs without much issue, but it’s still best to carry plenty of water. Dogs need hydration during long treks. They can actually go half a day without food, but water is essential. You can let them drink straight from your hand—using a bowl is wasteful and inconvenient to carry. As for food, based on my experience, boiled eggs are the most convenient—they’re nutritious and dogs love them. For my 20-pound Poodle, four eggs are enough for half a day.
4. Overnight Rest: Try not to take your dog too deep into the mountains. A day trip with a round trip is ideal. But if you need to stay overnight, remember to secure your dog with a leash when sleeping. If you have evening plans, take your dog along too—don’t leave it alone in an unfamiliar environment. Staying active with everyone is a unique experience for your dog, and leaving it alone at a hotel can also be unsafe.
5. Rain and Sun Protection: Mountain trips often bring sudden showers, so it’s best to bring a waterproof jacket for your dog. Dogs don’t mind rain, but getting their fur wet makes them prone to catching colds. For their health, it’s good to be prepared. In summer, avoid prolonged sun exposure and excessive walking during peak heat. Take it slow, and if you or your dog get too tired, take a break to enjoy the scenery.
6. Cleaning Up: After a day in the mountains, many people immediately bathe their dogs because they get very dirty. However, it’s better to let your dog rest first, recover its energy overnight, and then bathe and dry it the next morning when you’ve both had time to settle down.
7. Stay Safe: Stick to safe areas as much as possible. If you encounter cliffs or difficult sections, use a leash to guide your dog. This helps reduce its fear and, in critical moments, the leash might even save its life.