Many of us like our dogs more than we like people. This is not an unfair statement, although trail people can be some of the nicest, quirkiest people you’ll ever meet. Our dogs are good to their core and our bonds with them are even greater. They teach us, as humans, about unconditional love, loyalty & dedicated companionship. Speaking from experience, both Chris and I have found that backpacking is not only an incredible way to connect with each other, but also, an impeccable means to further bonding with our pup, Miss Raya Sunshine, and growing our memories as a family.
This past season, we have climbed 31 mountains together as a team. Yes, that includes Raya too. People out on the trails and in the backcountry find our little dog (40lb Australian Shepherd) to be pretty impressive, but, no matter what, there will always be critics. There will be people who express their concern and even elude that they feel this is cruel to the dog. We’ve been asked by those who are not backpackers or hikers where our dog goes when we’re on these trips and honestly, Chris and I were both shocked that it wasn’t understood that she comes with us. She is a dog, and a very busy, hyper-active Australian Shepherd at that. She was meant to work as a farm dog herding sheep and cattle all day long. That is her given job. So, with that said, there is no question that she is psyched when we go on these adventures – teeth chattering, high-pitched yipping excitement. These trips actually allow her to exert all of her pent up energy and work the way she was born to. She loves these trips and that is no exaggeration. Be warned if you say the words “hike” or “adventure” in front of her – she’ll think we’re about to embark on our next great challenge.
Raya is an EXTREMELY spoiled little lady, so it is safe for anyone to assume that she is very well taken care of and attended to on our trips. Raya has her very own sleeping bag from Enlightened Equipment that is rated for temperatures as low as 20 degrees. I must note, that this bag is not specifically constructed for dogs, but rather little human critters. However, it is perfect for a dog her size (40lbs). It also doesn’t hurt that she is absolutely in love with it. She will not lay on her dog bed ever – she maybe has voluntarily done so a handful of times – but her sleeping bag is an entirely different story …
Other gear that we’ve invested in for Raya include the following items:
- Lightweight food bowl by Ruffwear
- Lightweight, foldable water dish (made from recycled bike tires – pretty cool, right?!)
- Dog boots by Ruffwear (for tender paws & colder weather)
- High protein dog treats (fuel for different times throughout the day, especially on multi-day trips)
- Wellness Core Salmon Treats
- Plato Jerky Minis
- Zuke’s Power Bones
- Zuke’s Jerky
- Harness by Ruffwear (link shows what we have, but we’d recommend one with a handle)
- Hiking pack by Ruffwear
- Leash (we had this already, but always good to take with you to have for when needed)
- First aid items such as a wound care cream, etc. (obtained via our local veterinarian)
Although there are some mountains that are not entirely dog friendly (Mount Monadnock, in NH, for example), we have found that there are many trails & wilderness areas within New England, or on the outskirts, that allow our favorite furry critter to come along for the ride. So far, we have visited and recommend the following wilderness areas in the highlighted locations:
- Catskills (NY)
- Taconic Range (CT & MA)
- Green Mountains (VT)
- White Mountains (NH)
- Pemigewasset Wilderness
- Sandwich Range Wilderness
- Wild River Wilderness
- Berkshires (MA)
- Mount Greylock Reservation
- Appalachian Trail in N. Adams, MA to the VT border (southern terminus of the Long Trail)
Of course, any dog who embarks on backcountry adventures should be well-trained and socialized. There will be other people out and about and other dogs as well. There will also be situations that arise that require your dog to listen to your command for their own and your own safety. Furthermore, when camping at designated tenting areas, any backcountry dog should be polite (i.e. not barking all night or running around untamed and disturbing other adventurers). With that said, after a day full of hiking, it is most likely safe to say that your furry friend will be pooped, mellowed out, and ready to take it easy.
[*Before calling it a day, do not forget to include your dog’s food and treats in your bear bag*]
On our most recent trip, we met another dog owner at the Liberty Spring designated camping area (camping area closest to the summit of Mt. Liberty). She remarked on how relaxed Raya was and asked Chris if he had any tips that she could use to help her dog to be just as relaxed once at camp. Chris suggested that she consider bringing an item from home to increase her dog’s comfort level and provide a little reminder of a familiar, safe place. He told her about Raya’s sleeping bag, how much she absolutely adores it, and how we tend to bring her sleeping bag with us to places beyond those where we camp. Therefore, when it comes with us camping, she recognizes it immediately and already has an affinity for it. The woman found this helpful as she had never considered it prior and was feeling a bit discouraged by her dog’s restlessness even after a full day on the mountain. All in all, the more a dog gets acclimated to the entire experience, the more familiar, comfortable, and second nature the entire adventure becomes.
Of course, during the day, be sure to keep your dog hydrated. Although water from streams is tempting and convenient, just like your water, the dog’s water should be filtered or treated to prevent illness. Some dogs can be easily trained to drink from your hydration pack or water bottle making for a handy process that does not include a dog bowl every time your dog is thirsty. We have found this to be extremely useful and Raya does really well with this technique when we’re on the move.
As mentioned earlier, we also bring plenty of protein-packed treats for replenishment on the trail. Just like we are, our dogs are working and require energy to refuel. Protein packed treats are a convenient and effective way to provide nourishment efficiently.
Most importantly, always pay attention to your dog’s behaviors and actions on the trail. Be sure to keep a keen eye for any changes that may indicate something is wrong. For instance, take note if your furry friend starts limping (sign of possible injury), has not peed in quite some time (may be dehydrated), etc. We must pay attention to our dogs in the backcountry the way we must listen to our own bodies. It is imperative to health and well-being.
Adventuring with your best furry pal is the ultimate way to make some of your best memories together and grow that bond. Our dogs are some of the best companions for backpacking and hiking trips. They too love a good challenge and get tail-wagging excited to join you in the great outdoors. We have taken our girl with us to conquer 31 mountains and we could not imagine her not being apart of these experiences. She is apart of our team as much as we are apart of her pack.
Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions or comments. Private emails can be sent to fullscend@gmail.com.
As always, thank you so much for your support and readership.
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