As we all know, COVID-19 threw a wrench in any and all plans we had for 2020. The virus forced us to change the way we live, including what kinds of activities we did with our pets. With people being told to socially distance and stay away from crowds, there was a huge amount of people who’s only option for recreation was to hit the trails and pick up an outdoor hobby. For many, this is a great chance to spend some quality time with your four-legged friends. I wanted to include some advice on how to do so safely and keeping the experience fun for the both of you.

The first thing to know is whether or not your dog is allowed on the trails with you. Some national parks, like Yellowstone and Grand Teton, do not allow dogs on the trail. I did not know this when I went, and had a few rude travelers remind me. But much to their chagrin, my pup is a registered service dog, which means he cannot be denied entry to anywhere. I have also spent countless hours training him, so I knew he would not be a danger to anyone else on the trail or to the wildlife. While I do not agree with the no dogs rule, know that it is a ticketable offense and that you might hear some rude comments from others on the trail. 

In order to ensure a great experience for both you and your dog, I wanted to include a list of essential items. The first thing you need to make sure to bring is a source of water to hydrate your dog, especially on a long hike. Be careful letting your dog drink from natural water sources and make sure the water is clean and is not simply a mud puddle with a little bit of standing water. The next essential item is a comfortable leash that you don’t mind holding for extended periods of time. I highly recommend keeping your pet on a leash while on the trail for the sake of others and your pet. If you find a nice open spot to relax, go ahead and let your pet explore a bit, but keep a watchful eye so they don’t wander off, all the new sights and smells can be overwhelming and cause your pet to get distracted. The last item that should always be with you is a set of bags to pickup after your dog. I know that it is not a fun thing to pickup poop, but please be respectful of others on the trail, because nobody wants to step in that. 

Lastly I just wanted to leave you with some health and safety tips for those who are getting into outdoor recreation with their pets. The exercise and experience is great for your dog, but be sure to monitor their breathing and gait while hiking. Keeping your pup hydrated and taking some breaks when your pup is panting heavily will keep most issues at bay. However, some dogs paws are not accustomed to the extended exercise or the possible jagged rocks on a trail. If your dog starts whining or walking tenderly, check their pads to ensure they are not bleeding or cut in any way. If your dog does sustain an injury, do your best to get them back to the vehicle or at home as soon as possible and keep them from using it too much. Dogs are extremely resilient animals, and normally a couple days rest will do wonders for them. 
Thank you for visiting my page and stay safe!