Biking and Hiking With Your Dog For Exercise

Biking and Hiking With Your Dog

Biking

Strolling down the street with your dog leashed beside you is not the only way for you to provide your dog with exercise.  Some people like to ride bikes for their own exercise routine and there is equipment that can help you exercise your dog while you ride. It can be dangerous for you to hold your dog’s lead in your hand while bicycling. You can purchase an attachment for your bike that holds the dog at an appropriate distance from your bicycle as he runs along beside you. The attachment typically comes with a harness for your dog. This type of equipment helps make biking with your dog safer—the lead will not get caught in the bike and it also tends to discourage your dog from darting off after a squirrel or cat.

Nature Walks and Hiking

It is important to mention that if you wish to take your dog along on nature walks or hikes, be sure to supply him with appropriate flea and tick protection. A flea or tick collar, or spraying your dog with a long-acting repellant, is a must.  Also, if the trail you are hiking on has sharp stones or rocks, or perhaps even sharp twigs or any broken glass, you may want to consider doggie-boots to protect your pet’s paws. Dog boots are available for almost any size or breed or dog. These boots slip on comfortably right over their paws and fasten securely in place with Velcro. It may be necessary to clip your dog’s toenails before a hike to protect them from getting caught in boots.

If you take your dog for longer hikes, consider taking along a first aid kit for any mishaps. The kit should include items like tweezers (in case of splinters in your dog’s paws. You could also have paw salve in case of sore paws.

If you take a smaller dog with you on a hike for exercise. You might want to take along a small pet carrier in case your pet gets tired. These pet carriers are like baby slings where you carry your pet in bunting-like style. These carriers allow you to continue the hike while permitting your small pet to rest occasionally. While a larger dog may be able to keep up with you on a smaller dog may not. For larger dogs, you may want to consider a pet backpack to help him carry his own equipment. This would be very appropriate for working-class dogs.