Close your eyes and draw in your imagination: you are walking along a mountain path, the wind and alpine aromas tickle the tip of your nose, green slopes and snow-capped peaks open up around you... and your faithful dog runs next to you with a happy face 😉 This is happiness!
Whether it's hiking in the Dolomites or hiking in the Carpathians, there are plenty of options for a tourist with a dog to spend their vacation. But is it possible to take your dog to snowy mountains, long treks, and high-altitude climbs? Or is it easy for them to participate in group tours? And is it true that large dog breeds are better for hiking than small ones? Let's find out!
Double responsibility, but also double happiness. For many Great Danes, an outing of this kind is the best way to release energy, feel free and run around a lot. If you think that only large breeds are suitable for hiking, we are ready to argue... Of course, large dogs have advantages - strong paws, endurance and strength. However, you can safely take small dogs to the mountains. For example, a Jack Russell Terrier - these mini-explorers, despite their size, are full of energy and stubbornness, they are not afraid of difficult routes, and adventures only inspire them. In other words: it all depends not on the size of the animal, but on the character, physical shape, mood of the pet and its ability to obey!
At the same time, we do not forget that mountains always involve risks. So before you go on a trip with your tailed friend, it's important to weigh the pros and cons of outdoor activities.
Let's start with the pros. The mountain climate, fresh air, and physical activity will certainly bring a lot of benefits to the body of both the dog and its owner. Being outdoors reduces stress, improves mood, and charges you with positive energy. It also prevents obesity, strengthens the cardiovascular system, and improves breathing. Regular hiking strengthens muscles, improves coordination, and maintains overall physical health. Therefore, for four-legged explorers, the mountains will be a real source of vital energy, as well as new territories, smells, traces, and emotions. By the way, don't forget that it's important for owners to prepare properly for hiking - read our article from the team leader of the Kuluar club Ivan Kucheryavyi.
There is also a flip side to the coin that needs to be paid special attention to! Forewarned is forearmed 😉
Going hiking with your dog is cool - checked by the KULUAR club team! We know from our own experience how important it is, so we do not discourage tour participants from taking their pets with them. After all, for many people, a pet is not just a pet, but a full-fledged family member.
Here, for example, is a hiking dog named Alpa. Her owner Anna loves to travel with her beauty: "My favorite companion is an Australian Shepherd/Aussie mix."
"The Alps are adapted to training, jogging and an active lifestyle. It would be a disaster to lock her up at home, but running around all day in fields of snowy virgin soil or in the mountains is the best thing that can happen to her! Alpa also trains constantly, we work with a dog handler, so he can do many cool and spectacular tricks.
Running 30-50 kilometers behind the bike is a joy for the dog. And the mountains - where without them! For the first time, Alpa went on a hike as a 5-month-old puppy. On the first day, we walked 15 km with a normal set. She was a smart girl, she endured everything, only at every halt she went to sleep and was super focused on the way down - just to get there, just to get there... She leads a very active lifestyle, so a 10-day hike with her own backpack was just another adventure for her."
KULUAR respects such a warm relationship and is happy to support tourists who want to give their tailed friend a special experience.
We've had participants with dogs come with us many times, and most of the time it was cool. But at the same time, there are a number of problems and difficulties. A dog can get hurt, bite someone, or be attacked by wild animals or other people's dogs. You need to accept that the owner is fully responsible for the dog and its actions (if the owner has to leave the route due to problems with the animal, we do not recalculate the cost).
Also, please note the mandatory conditions for dogs to participate in group (not individual) tours of the Backstage:
You will agree that the conditions are quite appropriate. A dog in a hike is not only cool photos and vivid emotions, but also a great responsibility! Thank you for your understanding 😉
Have you made up your mind yet? Then a few more words about preparation! Firstly, you have to be mentally prepared to take full responsibility for your dog and its actions (a team leader is responsible only for the safety and comfort of people, and people are responsible for their animals). Don't forget that dog papers and all necessary vaccinations are a must! Be sure to keep your inquisitive four-legged friend on a leash on slippery and steep areas, periodically check paws for scratches and bruises, and monitor the general condition of your pet. Signs of fatigue or injury may not be immediately apparent. For example, Alpa adapted on the first day: she was a little bit skidding on the turns (because of her own backpack on her back), and the next day she was already walking confidently like a model 😉
It's no secret that dogs, especially those who are not used to long hikes, need regular breaks. At the halt, be sure to give your Great Dane a rest, a drink, and a snack. After all, he, like a human, can get tired, and this is normal. Speaking of snacks and food, we recommend choosing high-calorie food that will provide your dog with energy, be light and easy to transport, and not spoil. According to Anya, Alpa's backpack was filled with only her food and treats (total weight of about 2 kg). Despite this, the dog lost the same 2 kg in one outing. What can you say, activist athlete!
Read more about what you need to consider if you want to go with your dog as part of trekking with KULUAR in the article Answers to frequently asked questions about trekking.
Start with physical training. Gradually increase the activity, gradually accustoming your dog to longer distances. Add elements of endurance training, you can start with walks on uneven surfaces, such as pebbles or forest soil. Don't forget about yourself, too - train your "physicality" before you go to the mountains.
Work on your pet's obedience, making sure he knows and follows basic commands well. It is important that your dog returns on command, even in the presence of distractions (such as other animals).
The right equipment will make the hike comfortable and safe for both you and your dog. What you need for this:
Before active exercise, we recommend not overfeeding your dog. A light breakfast with a small amount of food will be better absorbed and will not lead to heaviness in the stomach. In the dark, it is useful to attach a reflective element or a small flashlight to the collar so as not to lose sight of the dog. And how to spend the night in a tent with a dog or in an equipped campsite - we report!
Healthy sleep is the key to success, and this applies to both of you. To avoid any unpleasant surprises, be sure to check with KULUAR consultants before the trip about all organizational issues regarding camping, as some places place strict restrictions on tails. Ideally, a cozy and windless place with a source of clean water. If you decide that your pet will sleep under the same "roof" with you, take your own tent (not a rented one). By the way, the article How to Choose a Tent for Hiking in the Mountains will help you choose a suitable "house".
A compact rug, blanket, or special sleeping bag will help to set up a sleeping place for both of them so that the dog can rest in warmth and comfort. This is especially important in the cold season or on damp surfaces. In summer, insect protection will also come in handy.
Important: don't forget the fecal matter bags, keep it clean, and put food and garbage in closed containers. Be attentive to the Great Dane's well-being and the slightest changes in his behavior, excluding the risks posed by wildlife and non-standard foreign conditions.
We don't just organize hikes - we create an atmosphere where your tailed friend will become part of the team! At KULUAR, we know how important it is for both you and your pet to feel comfortable: from a convenient route to a friendly attitude from all participants. No doubt, every trip with us will remain in the hearts of both of you for many years!