HIKING

No question about it... Alaskan malamutes love the outdoors and love spending time with their owners. A malamute can be a lot of fun on a hike or a camping trip, especially if you’re going alone.

Should you take your dog?

As much fun as you both have together in the outdoors, there are times when your dog would be much better off with a pet sitter. If you’re going to a National Park, dogs are not allowed on these trails. Dogs and fishing trips don’t go well together either. Whether they traipse through the water or bark at nearby squirrels - dogs generally have a way of scaring the fish away. Your dog shouldn’t go on an extended trip unless they’re in good physical condition (translate: they don’t spend all day on the couch and line up at the dinner table for daily scraps) and accustomed to go on long walks.

What to bring for your dog

Okay, so your Alaskan Malamute in great shape, is well-behaved, and you’re taking him to a dog-friendly area to hike. Please make sure that he has proper identification (collar ID tags have saved many a dog from lonely time in an animal shelter), is current on all vaccinations incl. rabies vaccines and a safe, sturdy leash & collar.

Advised to take a long lead (10 to 12 meters) for hiking. It gives the dogs a bit more freedom and gives you the ability to reign them in should you encounter unfriendly critters (or folks) on the trail. There are people that actually don’t like dogs and don’t take too kindly to meeting even friendly canines on the trail. Keep your Mal on his leash, just in case, and you can help him steer clear of the undesirables you meet along the way. A little obedience training wouldn’t hurt, either. If you have a dog that you want to take with you on the trail, obedience training will make you both a lot happier in the long run.

For longer trips on the trail, its advised for you to take a backpack to carry all extras and food and water. If you’re hiking in an area with few clean, or safe, water sources, make sure that you bring along enough water for your Mal, too. Dogs like to drink smaller amounts more frequently than we do, so if you’re not near a good source of water, make sure that you give him a little drink every hour or so. Take along one of those collapsible water bowls, or a Sierra cup to make it a little easier. The collapsible dishes are great - they weigh next to nothing and you can crush them into any shape to fit into wherever it’s most convenient.

Before heading out on the trail, make sure that your dog is not only up-to-date on all of his vaccinations and has adequate flea/tick protection. Use a product like Frontline, which is fairly effective for at least 6 weeks, and resists water very well. Also check your dog over each night for ticks, just in case the medicine didn’t quite do the job.

You must plan for and prepare your dog for your hiking experiences, REMEMBER;

	Obtain a proper dog license (if required) and attach an ID tag to your dogs collar.
	Make sure your dog has updated vaccinations, nails trimmed and is in good health. Get a Rabies tag and attach it to their collar.
	It is important that your dog be properly trained. Not only for obedience but for fitness and endurance. Start out with small hikes and increase the distance as both you and your dog are conditioned.
	Like us, proper nutrition is important for keeping up a dogs energy level when being active. To avoid sickness, do not feed your dog right before you exercise or hike. Feed them afterward when they are rested.
	Verify that dogs are permitted on the trails you wish to hike. Many national and state parks do not allow dogs.
	Always keep your dog on a leash. It is your responsibility to keep your dog under control at all times. Do not allow them to chase wildlife, other dogs, or other hikers.
	Closely supervise your dog around children, other hikers and other dogs.
	Bring plenty of water and a bowl for your dog. This helps maintain their energy level and also keeps them from becoming dehydrated. Dogs can get overheated quickly especially if they have a dark or heavy coat.
	Avoid hiking and other activities in the heat of the day. Hike in the early morning or evening to avoid overheating.
	Bring a little food/treats if staying out for an extended period of time.
	Take along a first aid kit. Most injuries to dogs occur on the pads of their feet. Hiking can cause cut and scraps from rocks, sticks, thorns, ice etc. To avoid burning their feet, do not walk your dog on hot surfaces. have a pair of sledding booties in case of foot injuries.
	For your sake, keep your dog out of poison ivy etc.
	Bring a towel to clean up your dog if necessary.
	Clean up after your dog. Ziplock bags are ideal for clean up and disposal.
	Dogs can also give you an early warning for approaching hikers, animals or other dangers. Pay attention and be alert.
	Be aware that your dog may have increased exposure to ticks and fleas. Other diseases can also be obtained from wild animals and insects. Consider a Lyme disease vaccine.