By martinf
18 December 2007 17:39
What do I need to know about long distance walking with (and camping with) a dog?
Answer
By GrahamThompson
A dog and human walking through the landscape is about the most natural form of exercise both a dog and a human can have. The two species have been doing it together for between 10 and 12 thousand years as humans domesticated dogs to aid their hunting and herding requirements.
There is no problem camping with dogs and walking long distances with them. The dog will be happy in both situations. However there are some issues that need to be considered.
Firstly the dog may find camping a scary experience unless he is used to it. So get him used to camping in the garden with you first and then find a quiet campsite. The dog will find the noises scary and may become spooked. To help with this, take along a piece of bedding that that the dog is familiar with and allow him to sleep on that. Also give the dog something to do, such as chew on a rubber Kong toy stuffed with food. Also teach the dog a ‘shush’ command, using food as a reward for not barking at noises. Teaching a ‘leave it’ command is useful if the dog finds other campers interesting, again using food as a reward for turning away from the neighbouring camper. Most importantly of all, never let the dog poo in a camping area without you, the owner, picking it up immediately afterwards. Also keep the dog on a lead, so he cannot run around creating havoc.
When it comes to backpacking the situation is the same as going on any walk. The dog will need to get used to the extra distance, so build it up slowly. It is worth training him to ‘drink some water’ on command, as dogs tend not to understand that there will be no stream to drink from for 10 miles! In terms of age, dogs that are under 12 to 18 months should be kept away from mountain crags and steep drops, as their bodies are not developed enough to take the strain. So sticking to flat paths is recommended up to this age.
In terms of walks, take care to make sure that dogs are allowed along the whole route before setting off. The West Highland Way does not have dog access throughout, for example. Unless your dog is very reliable then keep him on a lead near sheep – and remember that dogs should be on leads at all times in some areas at certain times of the year.
Useful contacts
> ‘You and Your Dog in the Countryside' is a very useful free leaflet available free from – tel. 0870 120 6466.
> The Kennel Club has plenty of information including details of areas with dog control orders – tel. 0870 606 6750; www.thekennelclub.org.uk
> Interactive toys, travel crates and play pens are available from Doggie Solutions – tel. 01276 488119; www.doggiesolutions.co.uk
> Petlog is the largest pet reunification scheme in the UK. It allows your pet to be returned to you if lost – tel. 0870 606 6751; www.petlog.org.uk
> Dog Friendly Places to Stay and Play is the largest database of UK dog-friendly places and includes dog-friendly beaches and pubs. It can be searched at www.dogfriendly.co.uk
> The Pet Travel Scheme (PETS) allows owners to take their pets abroad, although the regulations must be closely adhered to or pets may face quarantine on their return. This requires that the pet is microchipped, vaccinated against and the pet’s passport has been filled in by an approved vet. The details can be studied at www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/quarantine/index.htm – tel. 0870 241 1710.
