Читать книгу The Trail Hound's Handbook - Ellen Eastwood - Страница 8

SOME DOGS ARE MOUNTAIN GOATS

— Others Just Enjoy a Good Hike !—

Before you hit the trail, you have to ask yourself, “Just what kind of animal do we have here?” As Alpha, it’s your responsibility to know your dog’s unique abilities and limitations. Consider stamina, health, and physical build carefully before hiking off in the wrong direction.

Circle the Traits that Describe Your Dog

Tally Your Selections, and Then Use the Following Pages to Choose the Type of Trails that Suit Your Pal Best

______ Green

______ Blue

______ Black

If Your Dog Is Looking Green

COUCH POTATO

If the traits that describe your dog are primarily green, chances are that he or she will prefer a gentler hike or need special consideration along the way.

LAPDOG The dog that prefers warming laps to running laps obviously will prefer shorter hikes with frequent breaks.

PUG NOSE The same goes for the pug-nosed pooch. Boxers, bulldogs, Pekingese, and pugs, for example, have flatter snouts that make breathing and self-cooling much more difficult. Technically referred to as brachycephalic, these broad-skulled, short-nosed dogs are especially vulnerable to the dangers of heat stroke. Protect yours by setting a slow pace and taking frequent stops.

WEE WAGGER Starting out with a pup? Introduce her to hiking on soft, short nature trails close to home. For dogs younger than 12–14 months, long, rigorous hikes can damage still-growing joints and bones.

OLD FELLER Older dogs also appreciate some babying to accommodate their senior stamina, achy joints, and other health conditions that can come with age. Give the old guy every advantage. If arthritis slows your pack from the get-go, invest in a lightweight ramp that allows your dog easy access to the car, or stick to easy paths close to home.

Short, interesting hikes with frequent rests beat staying home alone any day.

Your dog would climb mountains to please you, even if it wasn’t so much fun. Just make sure that you don’t bite off more than your dog can chew.

Less active dogs should start slow—working their way up from the evening stroll to brisk walks and greater distances before doing any serious hiking.

To avoid injury and maximize the fun, dogs and humans alike need to be well exercised and in good physical condition before bagging the summit.

SHORT, STUBBY LEGS SHORT LEGS work harder to keep up with the pack, and dainty paws will find steep or rocky paths a challenge at any pace. Be prepared with a Plan B should your pup poop out before you do. A backpack-style pet carrier may be a worthwhile accessory for your smallest hikers.

Petite Paws

SHOWING SKIN Can you see skin through your dog’s fur/hair? Dogs with thin coats and light-colored hair are more sensitive to the sun, as are breeds with a pink or dappled nose. PINK NOSE Before you head out, ask your veterinarian to suggest the best ways to protect your dog from sunburn. Shoot for morning hikes to avoid some of the heat and sun, and take frequent water breaks in the shade.

Remember your manners. If your young pup hasn’t mastered basic obedience commands and social skills, you’re likely to run into trouble on the trail.

Training outdoors, with all its natural distractions, is a must. Sidewalk encounters and regular doggy play dates (on and off her own turf) also prepare your pet for peacefully crossing paths with others.

If your dog is accustomed to voicing her excitement, remember that backcountry barking disturbs hikers and wildlife alike. Teach your pal to bark on command, so she’ll also understand a firm “No barking” on the trail.

LONG, FLOWING MANE Perhaps your dog wears her hair long and loose. As you praise your pal for her super stamina and marvelous trail manners, check her hair carefully for burrs, debris, and the well-hidden tick. Such souvenirs you can do without!

STHE BASENJI IS THE ONLY DOG BREED THAT CAN’T BARK.

If daring and dexterity are qualities exemplified in your particular pooch, you may find that your dog enjoys rock hopping and bouldering as much as you. Just make sure to look before he leaps. Loose rocks, mossy crossings, and natural crevices can twist and trap slender legs and paws.

Trails carpeted with loose, uneven rock (called scree) can be tough on your dog’s dogs, so check toes and footpads often, and watch your dog for limping or discomfort.

Dogs will often soldier on when they should be taking R & R. If necessary, make the command decision to fall back and safeguard your heroic troops.

True-blue Companions

True-blue companions can go the extra mile with their longer legs; larger, more stable paws; and a coat that provides natural sun protection.

Although hardy, these hardworking hounds, like all dogs, need plenty of water when on the go. Shorter muzzles (less effective at cooling) and bushy, black coats may mean your thirsty dog will need even more.

BIG BONED It’s the loving dog owner who honestly evaluates her beloved, big-boned beauty. How much of your dog’s girth is macho muscle, and how much is love handles? Dogs carrying extra body fat will get a more intense, cardio workout. Watch for signs that she’s had enough.

Woolly Mammoth

A dog’s coat may also dictate what type of hiking suits him best.

Is your dog likely to be overdressed? Fido’s fur can help protect him from the sun’s burning rays, but it can also trap dangerous amounts of body heat. Carry extra water, and start your hikes early in the day, when temperatures are cooler.

When you return home, don’t forget to check all that fur for ticks and trail trash.

Under normal conditions, hiking dogs need at least two to three times as much water as they ordinarily drink at home. Crank up the heat and humidity, or the difficulty of terrain, and your dog will need even more. To avoid coming up short, it’s smart to turn back when half of your water supply is gone.

NATURAL HUNTER Breeds that are known as hunters, herders, or all-around workhorses are apt to relish the challenge of rough terrain and rambling trails.

ON THE SCENT Scent trails and wildlife sightings can be particularly stimulating for these eager companions, so make sure that you have a firm grip on the leash at all times. You and your dog are, after all, guests in nature. Good manners dictate that you refrain from running wild and terrorizing your hosts.

The bigger the beast, the more it takes to control his enthusiasm for life.

YOUR DOG SHOULD ALWAYS WEAR A SNUG NECK COLLAR WITH RABIES TAG, LICENSE, AND ID ATTACHED.

MIGHTY MUTT Obedience training and real-life experience are the only ways to truly equip yourself to deal with this force of nature. There’s no way around it—literally—since you’re guaranteed to meet up with others (and their dogs) on skinny paths and trails.

If you use a training collar when working with your pet, you’re not alone. When used correctly, training collars that tighten around a dog’s neck, chest, or shoulders provide your dog with feedback that reinforces proper behavior.

When gearing up for a hike, however, it’s best to leave this particular training tool at home. Such collars present a choking hazard should your pet escape and become entangled in the underbrush, or need to be reeled in to safety.

A simple, well-fitted body harness can provide adequate control while safeguarding your pet against neck strain and injury.

Dogs who love exercise can sometimes overdo it. Rest, regular snacks, and plenty of water will keep your hiker in good health.

If Our Survey Paints Your Dog Black

If your dog is faster than a speeding Frisbee and able to leap tall staircases in a single bound, you may find it tough to keep up with your heroic companion on the trail.

Just don’t let that kind of power get away from you.

HOOKED ON LEASHES Always keep a leash on your dog, not only for his safety but also that of the hikers and wildlife around you. Nothing brings out your dog’s wild side like the wilderness.

To some extent, a dog’s endurance on the trail increases with the length of her nose.

Unlike you, dogs can’t work up a nice, cooling sweat when they’re hot. Instead, they utilize the evaporative cooling capacity provided by the mouth and tongue—they pant. Breeds with longer snouts and tongues make better panters because there’s more saliva-slicked surface to increase evaporation. Plus, long, straight nasal passages mean that the breathing comes easier as well. Cool!

SURE FOOTED Sturdy, well-conditioned dogs often make perfect pack mules. Many are fully willing and able to carry some or all of their food and water supply on the trail. Just make sure that you don’t saddle your pet with this new responsibility out of the blue.

Like all smart hikers, your dog should break in new gear long before reaching the trailhead. Begin with an empty pack around the house before moving on to a trial run through the neighborhood. Give your dog time to get comfortable with the experience, or you may end up carrying the dog pack on the trail.