Dayhike Report/ Doggie's First Hike

“I took my new doggie for his first dayhike today. At the last minute I decided to do a short loop at South Cumberland Recreation Area.

We did the Grundy Forest Day Loop (2miles) and a short side trip to Sycamore Falls (.7 miles each way) for a total of approximately 3.4 miles.

Dog: Chocolate
Age: approx 17 months
Weight: 75 lbs

I inherited the dog kind of late in his puppyhood for training so have been kind of catching him up on things that a trail dog needs to know.

He did really well for his first time out. Like all chocolate labs apparently, he loves the water, so this was a great first hike for him. For one, there is the Fiery Gizzard Creek paralleling the trail for most of the hike, and for two, it was raining most of the hike.

Other than some excessive pulling behavior (which I didn't mind as much on the uphill sections), he did very well. On the slick rocks in the downhill or precariously perched on a cliff section, this pulling is a little less desirable.

By the end of the hike, he was pulling much less, and was turning around frequently checking my progress. Toward the end, he was also stopping and waiting for me to catch up on command and slowing up (albeit briefly) on command as well.

So I guess that in summary, I am surprized at how quickly he learns and maybe with a few more trips and some attention, he will become the perfect trail dog:)

Sorry guys, no pictures this time:(”

“congrats on your new dog,and many miles of happy hiking- my dog is 6 years old now and loves to hike but she also has the problem with pulling behavior, I cant seem to break her of it-”

“I use the Gentle Leader on my lab when we are hiking. It wraps around her muzzle, but still allows her to eat, drink, bark, whatever. When she tries to pull, it pulls her head down so she learns to not pull as much. Since she is almost as big as me, this collar has been a lifesaver. Literally.”

“I have bought a harness, which has helped some,because sometimes while excited she would pull so hard as to be choking herself,but she still does pull- thanks for the tip ill see if I can find one-”

“Thanks for the advice folks. From what I hear, when he gets to be about 3 years old his personality should settle down a little bit:)

I purchased a No-Pull Harness from Tractor Supply a month or so ago and it works really well...not sure how it works...it fits on him like a regular harness but you have to put his paws through it. (It has fuzzy fur to protect where it touches the doggie)...but I didn't take it because I thought it might over a few miles cause irritation....but maybe I will pack it next time.

embear - I didn't realize you had a lab. How old is she? Yeah the pulling kind of made me think about if he had been hiking with a less experienced or smaller hiker. You know those first steps that wind around to the right when starting the Grundy Forest Day Loop before descending to the rock shelter? I just about skated down those in the rain holding on to his leash:)”

“Every dog owner should be a sucessful graduate of a dog obedience class. No dog should go out without such an owner. The dogs love to please their owners and will willingly heel, instead of pulling.

Have fun with your new dog.
last edited: 8/02/05 7:49:56 AM”

“NS, have you ever had a lab??? LOL

Yes BBK, my lab is about 3 and has NOT calmed down. She is the most hyper dog I have ever seen. Shes also about 80 lbs.

I have taken her to the Fiery Gizard many times, and I usually keep her on the leash until the boulder field. Sometimes it is just too dangerous to hold on. She is good about staying close and on the trail.

http://community.webshots.com/photo/205262224/205275208zOJrTL
last edited: 8/02/05 10:10:20 AM”

“embear - Have you ever completed a dog obedience class? LOL.”

“nowslimmer, I think you are right:) But the doggie isn't through training me yet;)

embear, your doggie is awfully cute:) The not calming down in 3 years leaves me something to look forward to I guess:) So when are you heading West anyway? Are you getting to take some time off in between?

The first experiment with this doggie of mine was to take it out in my new canoe. I bought one a few months ago, but took me awhile to be brave enough to take him along. I even made him sit and stay in the canoe a few times in the backyard:) lol...He did admirably well though. Just have to keep him in the boat:)

Currahee just got a new puppy too. So maybe there will be somebody left in TN to hike with after the mass exodus to CO:)”

“NS, yes, but not with me.

BBK, I am leaving Thurs AM. Start a new job on Monday. I will have no time of to explore, but, injured my foot wakeboarding last weekend anyways so I cant walk. :(

I took Layla in a canoe and she stayed in for about 1.2 seconds. It was funny though because she swam right along beside me in the river but got caught in a few rapids. She loved it.

Hey, I think I am the only one from TN moving to CO? Where the hell is currahee anyways? Havent seen him around lately.”

“Sorry to hear about your foot embear. Maybe it will be better in a few weeks so you can explore your new surroundings soon.

When I was out there the last part of December, I really enjoyed it. I camped on my way in at 7801 feet in Sugarite Canyon State Park in New Mexico. (the one extra foot in elevation was the snow I pitched the tent on:) ). Was really nice, but I am sure it is crowded in the on-season; of course I had it all to myself at 12 degrees and snow:) For the rest of the trip, I did some day exploring around Rocky Mountain National Park and Roosevelt National Forest, but I have to make it back sometime and do some snowshoeing with Roam; I ended up not getting a chance to on that trip. I had to head back to TN for work early New Year's Day.

Yeah I haven't seen Currahee around since he posted about getting the new puppy actually...maybe he is busy with that:)
last edited: 8/02/05 11:45:28 AM”