Doggie Gear

“Angie & I are gonna pick up our German Shepherd puppy this weekend and want to outfit her for hikes this fall & winter. What to get besides a pack-pack?”

“colapsable water bowl”

“Bark'n boots, or something like them.”

“you doing overnights with her?”

“Trekking poles”

“Jingle Bell for collar.”

“Think about some sort of jecket, depending on how long her fur is. Sleeping mat, something to tie her up with.”

“oh, and get one of those small LEDs for her collar, or I think you can get whole collars that light up now. Handy for finding dog in the dark.”

“We'll be taking her on some overnighters. I hadn't thought about a bell or led collar.
Thanks.”

“Hey there,
I found a collapsible doggie bowl for about $3 at Target. They also have llittle doggie booties-- pretty cheap! (I saw someone walking their dog with the booties... ;-) )

Funny thing... I don't even have a dog... LOL”

“I found a collapsible bowl at one of the dollar stores for......a dollar.

I like having a retractible leash to use when it's necessary to have your dog leashed while hiking. What's nice is to clip it to your waist belt with a caribiner for hands-free use.

You can pick up a bear bell for a couple bucks at most gear stores to use on the collar.”

“Just bring the dog. The dog can use your cup to drink out of, or the dog can drink out of the creeks or mud puddles. Heck just put the dog food on the ground. I let mine sleep out under the stars unless it is raining and then he has his own tarp to sleep under. Don't put a bell on the dog.”

“Hoping you want to be a fulling informed and prepared backcountry user, I'll suggest you check the regulations in your area and see if there are any limitations on dogs in the backcountry (federal, state, and local). I won't post any links here - last time I did I almost got beheaded.”

“Hey Currahee, good to hear about the dog. I inherited a chocolate lab mix puppy about 6 months ago, but was already almost a year old so am just now going back and trying to teach him all the things he needs to know but have had fun with it so far. Haven't had him on the hiking trail yet, but we took him for his first canoe ride a couple of weeks ago and he did really well despite us holding on to him just in case:)”

“phydeux- Those who know me here, know I play by the rules. I have no intention of taking her where the law states she can't be. I know I hate it when people ignore regulations and impose themselves on others.
BBill knox - We'll have to introduce them this fall.”

“Currahee - thanks for the consideration. Enjoy your new pup!”

“I recommend a good obedience class.

When the time comes to put the pack on, put some treats in it, nothing else, for the first few times. After the dog sees treats coming out of the pack, he/she won't usually be adverse to carrying it.

OK, a gear thingy...I use a old, cut down foam pad, for my dog. It weights next to nothing and she likes to sleep on it. I have a friend that uses an old , modified sleeping bag (Just the foot section) for her dog to sleep in. We do camp in some rather cold weather, the dogs need protection too.”

“Don't forget a tennis ball for incamp enjoyment.

And a zip-loc bag to store it in (when wet) in your pack.”

“Don't exercise him too hard until he's fully-grown...about a year old. Have your vet do a check on him at that time to make sure his bones and joints are healthy.

I'd say keep the hiking down to short to mid-distance dayhikes until then. A pup can do some real damage if it gets worked too hard before its bones are fully developed. Also, if the dog could be prone to joint diseases like hip dysplasia (any large breed dog, really), you want to make sure the dog doesn't have the condition before you work it pretty hard.

That gives you plenty of time to work on training and getting used to the gear before you take the dog out.

LOTS of info here, including training, activities (including hiking), gear and other stuff.
http://www.dogscouts.com/

Also, be very sensitive to your dog's heat sensitivity. Some dogs do very well in the heat, some don't. Mine doesn't. He's got a highly insulative black coat. In the summertime, I have to pay close attention to make sure he isn't coming down with heat stroke. I have to bring lots of extra water for him and make sure that on hot days, I engineer our outings so that he has plenty of chances to jump in the water to cool off.

Don't let your dog drink out of creeks or puddles if you can. Dogs can be susceptible to giardia just like we are. I had to have my dog treated for it when he was a pup.

I consider my dog's microchip to be an essential part of his gear.

Your shepherd probably won't need a jacket, except unless it's REALLY cold...but booties will be a good idea (at least to start with). My dog's feet are fine on more groomed trails, but if it's rocky, his feet need some protection.”

“I told Khatru that you all were talking about booties...he just barked his ARSE off in a laughing like manner...he called them "rooties" hehehehe...then he fell over on his side laughing and roaring. booties!!! only if your gonna be doing some SERIOUS treking on ice.

the other ideas are good ones...and Khatru has a small cow bell that allows me to keep an ear on him, useful unless your NOT going to let the dog off his leash. I like Khatru to run free and he listens quite well now that he's a big boy dog of 6.

Canoeing...get a PFD for your dog...if you love him, you'll share your wealth and buy him all the same quality gear you would for yourself. Lotus makes a GREAT PFD, and so does Granite gear. Khatru has the Lotus and it really makes a difference! He does NOT stay in the canoe. He swims! and runs the 20 miles that I float. Its amazing watching him be a dog and run to his hearts content. and the bell is a great way to track him without seeing him...treat your dog with front line plus. its expensive, but essential because the more ticks they pick up and die, the less there are that will get on us humans. ALSO...

If your alergic to poison ivy and let your dog run freely through the verge, then expect to have poison ivy...ALOT!

Other than that great points brought up by everyone...I find toys to be a waste though. Khatru is usually too exhausted to want to play, and just wants to eat and sleep. Which works for me.

Have fun and congrats to all the great dog owners...DOT, LHH...(dogs on trail, leave humans home).”

“Thanks again folks. As always a few crack-pots and loads of great advise.
How much is it to have one of those microchips implanted?”

“I got a microchip implanted in my dog for $40 but I think you can get it for less if you check for deals. I made sure to have the vet check it during a routine exam to make sure it's working properly.”

“How old is the dog ?”

“He's 2 years old now. Had the chip put in when he was 6 months, at the same time as he got neutered.”

“I am referring to Currahee's dog.”

“She's nine weeks old.”

“Well she has a few weeks of vacation left, then she should start school. If you know what I mean. About 12 to 13 weeks is a good age to start with the basic's. Daily for about 5 to 10 minutes. Then recess for 15 minutes, working up to more time each week.”

“a male dog...LOL...but seriously, i'd recomend taking her to the vet for a good old fashioned check up...they'll be able to tell you how good of condition your dog's in...one of mine has epilepse(sp)...i too have found some good cheep supplies at a dollar store”

“Get dayhiker to tell you his story about his dog and the clifts at Sipsey.

It's not a nice story but it's something to be aware of. :-(”

“insulted. I'm taken aback with this tone. I spend my valuable time writing valuable information and all I get is being called a "crackpot". I'll have you know that I'm neither or either (whichever you choose). The advice I gave was based upon 6 years of traveling with my dog on trail and river. If you choose to assume that what I have to say is nonsense...well then...phhhhhhtttt to you. go and get your doggie gloves...you'll be the laughing stock of the dog world. all the other dogs will be wondering what type of human your dog has. but never you mind what I have to say...I'm a crackpot...a CRACKPOT!!! heavens! what will the neighbors say.”

“Oh yeah Currahee, not sure if this is true or not but I read somewhere that a dog's bones do not stop growing until after 2 years, so they advised not loading a pack for the dog until then; although of course it would be fine to get him used to having an empty pack on. My best friend's dog has a Kelty pack and it seemed to be made really well. I haven't had a chance to get one for my dog yet.”

“Whats your darling daughters name Currahee??”

“i wouldn't do the pack just yet.
the collapsible water bowl is something i'd get though. lots of times that and a leash is all i take for my dog. i just feed him whatever i eat for dinner after i get done. he doesn't seem to do anything with dog food except distribute it to the bugs and squirrels.
in the winter time i just cover him up with my fleece jacket and he does fine. of course i leave him home if it's gonna be too cold. i tried bringing along a small pad but it doesn't really get used. he still weasels his way halfway onto my pad.
when you do get a pack for the dog make sure it has drainholes and the fabric doesn't hold water. i know some of them are nylonish material that don't soak up water, get one of those. also some of the packs have a thing on them that you can leave the leash attatched and fold it up and velcro it down with the end sticking out so you can grab it real quick and dont' have to worry about attatching the leash to the collar every time you need to grab on. be smart and don't think you can have a huge dog on a leash at all times. there will be times going over and under stuff and up and down tricky spots that a leash won't be long enough.
i agree with stikmon about the booties being crap.”

“Congrats on the new addition to the fam. There is a great yahoo group called "traildog" that I found to be very useful years and years ago when I found it. It's all about how to get started, doggie gear reviews, trail reviews, park reviews, etc. I don't post much now, but there is always informative discussion with great stories (there are over 1000 members to this group). I met msilver and sparky there originally BTT (before trai talk)! :)

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Traildog/

Also, I agree with others about carrying weight too soon. Buy the pack now for training purposes, but I wouldn't have any weight hauling for quite some time. Many large breeds do damage to the cruciate ligament or hips during the growth process if they overexert. Of course, there are other injuries too, but just take it easy on the new pup while he/she is growing.

Booties are good for some, but IMHO it is better to keep the pads conditioned, by regular hikes/walks on varied surfaces. I never had a dog keep the booties on and, since they temperature regulate a lot via the feet, I never liked the idea of covering 'em.

Asher-dog wears a backpack from wolfpacks

top of the line packs with numerous features (reflective piping, leash clip and stash pocket on top, custom fit) that I highly endorse.

good luck!”

“My dog has an outwordhound pack that I really love. I got it on ebay but I've seen them at pet stores. The thing I like most about it is it's 2 parts. One part fastens to the dog and has velcro. The pack itself also has velcro. When you stop to take a break or if you're crossing a creak you can just lift the pack off the dog with out actually undoing all the straps and then it attaches very easily when you're ready to go again. I agree with waiting a bit to add weight if your dog is still young but when you do rember to load it just like yours. Make sure it's balanced. Nobody likes a lopsided dog. :)”

“Relax Stikky. My comment was about the trekking pole suggestion. (Missouri folks sure are sensitive).
We haven't named her yet. We like the Idea of naming her Trevi (yes, after the fountain). Thanks for the advise on pack weight.”

“LOL, stiky got all hot and bothered and you weren't even talking bout him, roflol. Just like Khatru!
Seriously I was thinking about getting a very small pack for my Rat Terrier. He just loves to walk in the park, but I worry that he is just too small (16lbs),too old and has too many back problems for it. Besides he can't stand to ride in the car or truck. He is the only dog I have ever had that didn't love to ride and hang his head out the window. He got picked up by the pound when he was un-neutered and spent the day in doggy jail. He still thinks he is going back I guess!”

“True that some large breed dogs don't completely stop growing until 2yrs old, but at 1yr, most dogs can be checked out for hip and joint problems. I have consistently read that 1 year is okay to start working and conditioning the dog.

Don't get the pack too early...I got my dog his pack too early, and now he's grown out of it. Funny thing, he has odd measurements and most packs don't fit right. I'm going to have to go custom for him.”

“I'm catching crap for giving crap to ens on another thread. I should stick to my southern friends and leave those uptight east coast dudes alone. LOL...thank you for the clarification...now if you;ll excuse me, I need to go flog myself in punishment.

DOGS RULE!!!

Khatru and I were wrestlin outside tonight...I was on all fours and he did this spin move and came up behind me and head butted me and knocked me over. It was a riot. I came up with grass in my mouth. then I jumped on him and rolled him over and tossed him a bit and he came up bristlin and tried to get me down agian...it was real fun.”

“here's a story that most dog owners have experienced...i was awoken at 4:00 this morning by the wonderful sound of my dog yakking...dog's are great :)”