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Go on a hiking adventure like a pro – Dogster


The state of the world over the past few years has attracted more and more people to engage in outdoor activities. The trail’s fresh air is a safe place where both humans and dogs can exercise and find some inner peace amidst the beauty of nature. We’ve found three amazing people who make a living from adventures with their four-legged friends.

Blogger: Jen Sotolongo

Blog owner Hikers: Outdoor Adventures with Dogs, Jen Sotolongo’s focus is on sharing how-tos to get outdoors with your dog, adventure trips, and training tips. She is also the author of the recently published books The Essential Guide to Hiking with Dogs: Trail-Tested Tips and Expert Advice for Canine Adventures.

About eight years ago, Jen and her partner quit their jobs and took their dog, Sora, an Australian Shepherd, on a two-year bike trip through Europe and South America. The adventure was recorded as an online travel diary. Brands started to take notice and Jen realized she could make a career out of writing.

Today Jen lives in Oregon with her Red Heeler mix, Sitka, who walks with her on the trails. Of Sitka, Jen explains, “You know he’s built for endurance. Especially when we run off the leash which is my goal as much as possible he just has a blast sniffing everything. ”

A few years ago, Falcon, the world’s leading publisher of outdoor recreation content, approached Jen and asked if she wanted to make a guidebook on dog hiking. She is happy for the opportunity to promote safe interactions for dogs and their humans on the trails. “My goal with the book was to educate people about preferred behavior, while also informing them,” she says. “The book starts before you get your dog to finally hit the trail with your dog.”

Jen’s #1 safety tip is to not assume it’s okay for your dog to approach other dogs on the trail, even if both are unleashed. She recommends training your dog professionally. “It was one of the best decisions I have ever made for my dog,” she said.

Get more tips from Jen at longhaultrekkers.com.

THE DOG HIKING CEO: Amity Noble

© Courtesy Ann-Marie Rollo

Just over six years ago, Amity Noble took her love of walking dogs to the next level and founded the company Hiking dog, serving parts of Massachusetts. She started walking the dog as a part-time job in college. A few years later, she started taking the family dog, half Lab hybrid and half Border Collie named Bandit, hiking to take him out. She discovered that taking his energy on the trails made him a better dog. One day, Amity thought it would be a good idea to bring other dogs to help Bandit socialize. About nine months later, she hired staff due to the amount of business she was taking in. Dogs Go Hiking has officially launched!

Amity hikers check an app in the morning to see what their day will be like and which lucky pups will be with them. Mornings are for a two-hour hike and then a midday break before embarking on a 45-minute adventure in the afternoon. The hiking group is fairly structured, and although Amity points out that her group is not dog trainers, the trail manners are reinforced. The sit-and-stay command is an important and often-occurring key to allowing cyclists and other hikers to safely cross the densely populated trails that dogs visit.

© Courtesy Ann-Marie Rollo

Amity knows her dog clients are having fun. “I think they enjoy seeing their friends,” she explains. “They know when we go to their little coyote friends or when we go to some park that they know there is a pond in it and they can swim. They hear cars or they see pedestrians coming and they just know what they are there for.”

If you’re looking for a similar service in your area, Amity says do your homework. Dog hikers should know the area, their dog’s behavior, and how to give the dog first aid. Most importantly, verify that the company has the proper insurance.

Learn more at doggohiking.com.

TRAIL WRITE: John Fayhee

John Fayhee has written numerous books and articles, and is a longtime contributor to Backpacker magazine. His latest and unpublished book, A long tangent: An old man and his young dog go hiking every day for a solid year, recording time on the trail with his dog, Casey.

© Courtesy of John Fayhee

Casey is not John’s first four-legged partner. In the ’90s, Fayhee adopted a dog from a local shelter in Colorado named Callie. After about six months, the Australian/German Shepherd mix joined him for a two-month hike on the Split Trail. The trip marks the beginning of the duo’s adventures. “I can’t even count the thousands of miles we’ve hiked together,” says John.

Not long after Callie died at the age of 13, John adopted Casey, a Lab mixed worker. She was with her father for most of the 367 consecutive days recorded in his book. He’s not sure if the book will find a publisher but says it’s okay. “It would be difficult to find the right spot in a bookstore to put it. It’s part memoir and part shaking fist. It was a book that I wanted to write.”

John explains: “My dog ​​is my best friend.” Casey is trail trained and is in an area where she can get off the leash. Her human partner must pay attention to where she is and what she is doing. Have a dog to help

John. “I really look inward when I walk because I am thinking about what I am writing,” he explains. “I don’t pay much attention to the natural world I’m hiking in, and the dog makes me hold on to at least one leg in reality.”

Hiking tips

Leslie Doucette is the owner of Chattapoochie Dog Hiking Adventures, leading dogpack hiking adventures in the Atlanta area. She shares some of her top trail tips for safe and fun adventures.

  • Check with your veterinarian to make sure your dog’s physical health is appropriate for the activity level.
  • Make sure your dog has all required vaccinations and is taking anti-parasitic medications.
  • Start with shorter hikes to help your dog build stamina and strengthen his paws.
  • Keep fingernails short to avoid injuring your claws from frost.
  • Know the weather and hike in optimal conditions.
  • Bring snacks and enough fresh water for your dog. Most dogs need 1 to 1/2 ounces of water per pound; more on hot days.
  • Do not give your dog water from lakes, ponds, or puddles as they may harbor dangerous bacteria and/or parasites.
  • Watch for your dog’s panting, frequent rest and/or dry nose: all early signs of heatstroke. If you see any of these signs, find a shady spot and give your dog cool water to drink. Treating the abdomen, armpits, neck and feet with water is very helpful on hot days.
  • Remove all poop bags and poop from the dog.
  • Observe the etiquette on the trail.



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