Shelly & Willie, a golden retriever with questionable judgment, hit the trail last weekend. One of them was prepared. The other was hunting squirrels with zero remorse.
Whether you’re hiking 2 miles of local trails or doing a backcountry overnight, bringing your dog should feel like an adventure—not a hostage negotiation. But without the right training, gear, or mindset, that tail-wagging trail buddy can turn into a 70-pound mud missile on a mission from chaos.
Let’s fix that.
🐕 Basic Training Skills Your Dog Needs Before the Trail
Before you hit the dirt, make sure your pup can handle the basics. Not just because it’s polite—but because it’s safe for both of you.
1. Recall (aka “Come Here, You Maniac”)
- Start in the backyard, move to parks, then trails.
- Use a long lead to train safe off-leash responses.
- Reward every return like they just found a ribeye in the woods.
2. Leash Manners
- Loose leash walking = no shoulder dislocation.
- Practice “heel,” “wait,” and stopping before intersections or trailheads.
- Don’t let your dog greet hikers like a furry torpedo.
3. “Leave It”
- Squirrel? Rotting fish? Random sandwich? Teach your dog that ignoring is golden.
- Start with treats, work up to real-world distractions.
4. Trail Respect
- Stay on-leash unless rules say otherwise.
- No charging strangers, dogs, or chipmunks.
- Bonus: Train your dog to stop and sit when other hikers pass.
🎒 Must-Have Gear for Trail Dogs
If you wouldn’t go hiking barefoot with no water, don’t make your dog do it either. Here’s the Bark & Brass trail-tested list:
✅ Ruffwear Front Range Harness
- Secure fit with front & back clip
- Padded for comfort, even on long treks
- Built-in ID pocket
✅ Fi Smart Collar
- GPS tracker, activity monitor, escape alerts
- Waterproof and nearly bombproof
- Peace of mind when your pup gets squirrel-drunk
✅ Collapsible Water Bowls
- Lightweight, clip to your pack
- Choose silicone or fabric options that fold flat
- Hydrate often, especially in warm weather
✅ Poop Bags (And a Real Plan to Use Them)
- Biodegradable preferred
- Bring extras, stash them in a zippered pouch
- No one wants to step in your regrets
✅ Trail Snacks for Dogs
- High-protein treats that won’t melt
- Jerky strips, dental sticks, or kibble in a baggie
- Reward good behavior mid-hike
✅ Pet First Aid Kit
- Tweezers, wraps, antiseptic wipes
- Booties or paw balm for rough terrain
- Include Benadryl (vet-approved dosage!)
🐾 The Squirrel Incident: A Shelly & Willie Story
Last Sunday, I (Shelly) had grand plans: quick 3-mile hike, light breeze, just me, my goofy golden, and nature.
Willie had other plans.
We were half a mile in when a squirrel bolted across the trail. Willie’s pupils dilated. His brain went offline. The leash yanked like a harpoon line. And just like that, I was flying down the hill behind 70 lbs of predator mode.
I ended up in the dirt, swearing. Willie ended up in a bush, proud.
Why do I share this? Because I didn’t reinforce “leave it” before we left. I didn’t clip his leash to the front D-ring on his harness to prevent pulling. I didn’t check the Fi collar battery.
I knew better. I didn’t do better.
Lesson learned: train more. Double-check gear. Never underestimate the power of a squirrel.
💬 Final Tips for a Trail-Worthy Dog
- Pack for your pup like you pack for yourself
- Keep hike distances dog-appropriate
- Don’t forget post-hike care (check for ticks, sore paws, dehydration)
- Praise and treats go a long way
Want your dog to be the kind of trail partner people remember for the right reasons? It takes prep, patience, and the right peanut butter-flavored bribes.
And when it all clicks? You’re not just hiking—you’re making memories that smell like pine and slobber.