Orange County offers locals and visitors a range of trails and hiking opportunities to do with their pets. The experience can be different each time, whether you choose the beach or the mountains, the right trail will be a comfortable fit for your dog’s tolerance and keep him safe.
Not all dogs are suited to hiking, and some become skittish when the terrain is unfamiliar. When deciding to try the experience, it’s important to introduce your pup gradually. A dog training program can give you the tools to help acclimate your dog to varied settings and unique terrains.
Browse this content describing qualified and reputable trainers who tailor their programs to suit your dog’s needs. When approaching each dog as an individual, the pup has a better chance of meeting goals and achieving success.
Hiking The Trails with Your Furry Companion
Trails in Orange County are usually posted as dog-friendly, but it’s important to do much research before heading out to ensure it’s friendly for your pup.
Steer clear of trails that are not clearly marked as dog-friendly; if dogs are restricted, it’s usually due to state regulations or to prevent the potential for an altercation with wildlife. A few ways to find the best trail include:
- Dog-friendly trail blogs: Many enthusiastic hikers with furry companions will write blogs to guide those just starting their adventures. They advise where the friendliest trails are and give in-depth details on what to expect along each path.
- Apps on hiking trails: Apps are ideal, but it’s important to use the filters to find dog-friendly hikes.
- Guidebooks: You may not have service, and trail guidebooks are a great resource. They are detailed in their descriptions, letting hikers know the trail conditions, and usually include a helpful map.
- Word-of-mouth: In the same vein as a blog, other pet parents offer loads of advice on which trails are the most fun and comfortable for dogs. Social media is a good place to interact with parents by joining groups or community forums.
Taking your dog hiking is the best way to get regular exercise, a vital part of a pup’s wellness. It not only strengthens them physically but stimulates their mind.
Visit Best Orange County Hikes With Dogs – HikingGuy.com – for details on the best Orange County Hikes for dogs. Here are a few tips to remember before heading out with your canine.
Start slowly and small
When introducing a dog to hiking, you want to stick with an easy and simple trail. While most dogs love being outside, all need to build up their stamina before being challenged to multiple miles.
As he physically becomes stronger, you can progressively build up to longer trails and then work into those that are more challenging. A dog trainer is a good resource for helping acclimate your pup to different settings and diverse terrain.
The recommendation is to start with paved or gravel paths and graduate from that point to dirt trails and higher elevations.
Leash or no leash
In most wilderness locations, leashes are required. Refrain from retractable leashes; instead use shorter, stable leashes of no greater than six feet long. The retractable leash gives a dog too much freedom and the potential for harm. It’s important to see ahead of him to ensure the path is safe.
You also want him to be close to prevent unwanted interactions with wildlife or other hikers who don’t want the attention. Regardless if your dog is well-mannered or friendly, other pups might not be so much.
If it’s unclear whether a trail is friendly for dogs, don’t follow it. You want to research for definitive descriptions and conditions. You can check websites for local/state/national information.
Doggy credentials
Your pup should be fully vaccinated and up-to-date with these before hiking, including flea/tick protection and heartworm prevention. Being outdoors with wildlife and varied pests exposes dogs to potential health risks.
When back home, it’s important to do a thorough inspection over your dog’s body to check for fleas and ticks; the neck, around the ears, under the shoulder blades, and in the groin are common places to find hiding pests.
Your dog needs an updated ID with his rabies tag attached to his collar. This should include your contact details. Microchipping can be life-saving if your pup gets separated from you along the way. When your contact details are on his tag, the people who find him can get him back to you.
Training
An excellent resource before introducing hiking to your dog is a qualified and reliable dog trainer to either teach or refresh previous training on obedience and specifically responding to verbal cues. The primary cues you want to focus on when hiking include leave it, here or come, stay, and sit.
If you’re on a leash-free trail, you must be able to call him back to you when he strays too far or grab his attention away from wildlife or foliage he may try to sample.
In addition to working with a dog trainer, signing on for puppy CPR and first aid is essential. These classes are available for minimal cost through various organizations, including local pet rescues. A first aid kit is a vital part of the supplies you should bring in your pack.
Food and water are also a necessity. Higher-calorie foods are good when you’re taking a multiple-mile hike. The vet can offer recommendations on which foods are better to include for your specific dog’s diet and a calorie limit to stick to when feeding.
Dogs should consume roughly “3 fluid ounces of water per 2.2 lbs.,” depending on age, breed, and his activity level. This will increase considerably when out in extreme temperatures and with strenuous activity. Always bring more than you believe your pup might need to prevent dehydration and overheating.
Final Thought
Orange County is home to an array of pup-friendly trails, each in a different setting and with diverse terrain. View here for favored trails in the county. The objective as a new pet parent is to find a trail that’s friendly for your dog’s current comfort and tolerance and gradually build from that point.
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