The REALITIES of Backpacking with a Dog
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 29 авг 2024
- Hey Friends! Backpacking with a dog is a very rewarding experience, but at the same time it's a HUGE responsibility. So today, let’s talk about some of the realities of backpacking with dogs. If you enjoyed my other videos on the topic of backpacking with dogs be sure to let me know!
Be sure to check out some of my other dog related content too!
-Gear My Dogs Take Backpacking: seagrasstosass...
-Backpacking Food for Dogs: seagrasstosass...
-Budget Dog Backpack Review: seagrasstosass...
As well as the FOLLOW-UP to this video where I respond to your comments, questions, and criticism: • Responding to Your Com...
Outro music: “Carry On” by The New Valleys
Want to support this channel and help me buy more food for my dogs? Here’s how:
-Sign up for my quarterly newsletter: seagrasstosassafras.com/newsletter
-Check out some of my downloadable trip itineraries: seagrasstosassafras.com/support
-Or buy me a coffee: buymeacoffee.com/seagrass
Gus and I have been hiking together for 8 yrs now. He's my wingman, my best buddy. I trained him to be a trail dog. He loves the trail, when I break out his packs he's like a kid at Chrstmas. I always remember though to hike his hike not mine. Gus will be 9 in June and he is also a cancer survivor. Great video.
How sweet! Y'all are approaching a decade of friendship and adventures together. Is he a Blue Heeler?
I've seen a couple of your videos! I really enjoyed "Why RUclips Hikers Suck" Alot of the sentiments resonated with me.
@SeagrasstoSassafras Yes, Gus is a Blue Heeler. Smartest most loyal dog I have ever had the joy of being around. He's also spoiled rotten 🙂. He is starting to slow down a bit, but much like myself, his brain tells him he can do something, but the body says nope, if you do ill make you pay. He still hangs right in there with me though.
That's good though, y'all are staying active as you both age.
My brother-in-law has a Heeler. He's a hoot! That breed is just so full of personality.
It’s not all great. Once you start bringing your dog out in the trail, you can never take a dog-free hike because they will smell it on you two weeks out. Having to deal with that look of betrayal is such a pain in the ass lol
🤣 It's so true!
My girl Maggie is a year n a half, I found her when she was small. She's a blue heeler/border collie and I knew almost from the start this energetic little thing would be my hiking buddy.
Even in the heat she loves to just go. We've been both hiking and back country camping together. I couldn't be more thankful for her, especially when she spots something like a bison near the trail before me. (Yes, that has happened.)
I look forward to many years with her and both us learning more with each thing we do together
Every night in my tent with my border collie pit mix on the appalachian trail she would be so alert. It was unsettling at first but that sense of security knowing she was there to protect me was comforting.
You are exactly right on people and lack of respect for other dogs and their owners. I have a 6 year old Wire Haired Dachshund that is a walking companion, tracker, and backpacker. When we are out in the public, I do not allow people of other dogs to approach us. Americans believe that our dogs are out in public to be greeted and approached by them. I have taught my dog to ignore strangers and their animals. My dog does not view strangers as someone or something to play with. The American public needs to embrace the same attitude, ignore dogs in public. Just started watching your videos. Thanks.
Well I like it when my dog socialized with other dogs. They are pack animals. They love playing with other dogs. Although for off leash training, I teach my dog to ignore other people unless I tell her it’s ok to approach them.
@@hiphop2uThere is a difference between socializing your dog and expecting it to be a hyper fur ball that is open to the public.
I’m European and I despise the way Americans engage with their dogs. Many are not trained. Many are reactive and under exercised. In our cities we can take our puppy and they ignore other dogs and people.
THIS MEANS THEY ARE SOCIALIZED and get adequate social engagement.
Dogs are pack animals. Pack. That means they are able to define in and out groups. They need to know who their family is and it is quite unhealthy for dogs to keep “noticing” play buddies. Play when it’s safe and both parties allow. That’s it.
I wish more owners did this - it's respectful behavior in both the human and dog world to ignore passerbys. Plus you never know which people have a fear of dogs, or which dogs are reactive. So thank you!
All great points you touched! Definitely a huge responsibility when taking your dog out on trail, but at the same time, so rewarding. If choosing between going solo or going solo with my dog, I'd always choose to take my dog when conditions are right. You do get that sense of being solo, but with a good friend who can provide some comfort when things get difficult. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
I definitely think it's a big responsibility to bring our furry friends along on adventures - but so rewarding at the same time. I love watching them enjoy the view or play in the water along the way ... just knowing they're enjoying it as much as me. Unfortunately, mine got labeled "that dog" after she got startled and the guy started warning other people about her ... when all she did was bark then immediately come back to my side. So, I certainly think it's important to know how your furry friends react to different situations and people.
Some of the guys in my backpacking group bring their dogs backpacking with us. So far, we have not had any problems with them on the trail.
That's good! I think it just depends on the dog. Some are more laid back in new environments (like the trail) while others are more high strung.
So true, hiking with a dog is like solo hiking while not solo, lol. Also comforting not feeling alone and vulnerable on those hikes where you’ll go miles and miles never seeing another hiker.
I “solo” hike with my Presa Canario, and always keep an eye on him for any clues of him alerting to something, it’s very comforting while still feeling you’re in nature enjoying it alone.
I haven't heard of Presa Canario before, so I looked them up... OH MY they are so beautiful! 😍 I imagine about the same size as a Cane Corso?
Sounds like he's a great trail companion! That comfort dogs offer in long stretches of solitude is absolutely priceless.
@@SeagrasstoSassafras Yes they're similar and often confused for each other.
The Cane Corso is an Italian Mastiff while the Presa Canario is from The Canary Islands.
The Corso is generally thinner but taller, while the Presa is wider and longer.
But yes, he's a great companion and great protection on the trail. This past weekend we hiked Glenn Falls, Ranger Falls Loop, and Whiteside Mountain Trail in the North Carolina Highlands.
@@anthonysuarez980off leash? How is your pupper with other off leash dogs?
That's a big NOPE for me. I've had pretty bad experiences with folks insisting their off leash dog is friendly and that not being the case 😬
Dogs have extraordinary hearing and sense of smell, and they can sense danger before we do. I hike with my big German sheperd and we have a great time. The important thing is to have the dog socialized with people and other dogs, and to be trained to obey commands. I usually let him roam free, but if we approach bikers or horses I put him on a leash. Some people are frightened of dogs, especially large ones, and will overreact when surprised by dogs. It is the owner's responsibility to control the dog at all times. Do that, and you will have a good time.
This!!! 100% this. Specially the last part. My dog is my everything, well behaved and thinks everyone is her friend. That said i never let her w/o a leash on the trail cause i know not everyone like dogs as much as i do, for me is more important to keep my dog safe and make other people feel safe than leting everyone know how great my girl is. It also exhasperates me the people who let their dog loose and claim "it's ok, he's friendly" yeah, maybe, but my dog may get scared or anxious if approached suddenly and then throw a bite at yours which may then respond back and get us in a fight.
And finally those people who think that because a dog is very well behaved at home but only take it to the woods once or twice a year: the dog may behave very different in a new environment they're not used to, so having a very well behaved dog when you're watching series in your living room doesn't guarantee it'll behave the same outdoors where theres a lot of stimulus he's not used to.
I'm glad what I shared resonated with you! Absolutely right, making sure everyone involved (especially your dog) is safe on the trail is key. 😊
Hundred percent agree. Me and my pup trained each other for many years, eventually it got to the point where he looked at me or I looked at him and we both knew exactly what was needed. He was so if I may say a Rock Climbing Fool
Lol! "Rock Climbing Fool" I love that. Nothing beats those moments when they're totally in sync with us. 👣🐾 It's amazing the bonds we form with our canine companions.
I'm a new dog momma! I've taken my rattie girl out to a local trail a few times and want to expand. I was thinking about what camping might look like. I've been a little scared of going on my own but now I have new adventure ideas! But I need to be realistic about things. This video helped in a lot of ways in how to handle interactions, setting boundaries, and assigning some work to the dog. We've been together only a month so it's way early. But I hope that we get to do more adventurous things like camping with others who have experience with dogs in the woods this summer.
I'm so glad you found this video helpful. It's definitely a good idea to start out slow 😌 One of the first overnight trips I took with my girl Nora was at a state park I was already familiar with. It was just 1 mile to the site, but we got the hang of things in a somewhat controlled environment. It's totally normal to be a little scared or nervous to get out there on your own. Especially with a dog. Maybe try camping at a few local campgrounds or state parks first to "practice" for those bigger adventures! 😁
@@SeagrasstoSassafras I appreciate your response. I agree with trying something short and local. I do have a state park really close by. A single overnight would be a really great step. Thanks for the thought because I didn't even consider a little sleep over. That's great advice.
Such an informative video. Thanks for being so vulnerable and open about this topic.
I haven’t gone backpacking with my dog yet but it’s in the plans. I have done a lot of walking out in nature with her though and I agree with you that there seems to be a strange expectation from people of how your dog should behave when they want to pet the dog. I really appreciate when people respect and understand that my dog and myself have boundaries for both our safety/comfort and the safety/comfort of those around us.
I have done training with my dog since she was a pup and I agree that training is a life long commitment. I think my biggest annoyance and what is particularly dangerous is when other dog owners assume their dog is “friendly” based off of a few interactions they have had with other dogs or people and then proceed to have their dogs roam off lead without a good recall. Again there seems to be a lack of recognition that dogs are animals and that they don’t have to like or get along with every other dog they meet but it is ABSOLUTELY your responsibility as a dog owner to have your dog under control at all times around other dogs and people (like on a leash when you don’t have any information on the dog your coming up to)
Luckily for the most part I haven’t had many bad experiences and I think talking about it so eloquently as you have in this video sends some information out there on the walking/hiking and camping with dogs experience.
I'm so glad you found my video informative and that you appreciated the overall message. 😊 And thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts on this topic.
It sounds like you've given your own doggo a good foundation of training and experiences in the woods before diving into the world of backpacking. I wish y'all many safe and fun adventures together, whether that's overnight on the trail or just out for the day.
Never camped with my dog before, thinking about taking the jump this spring/summer, thank you for your candor, I think you explained yourself well and your concerns/praise of camping with the dog,
I too have a GSD, he's 5 and very well trained luckily, I'll report back on how it went, I expect we will encounter very similar situations! - Thanks
Can't wait to hear how it goes! Hopefully y'all have a great time out there. Camping with dogs is certainly worth it despite the challenges.
I have a Malinois and Border Collie....both are rescues. My BC lived in the streets of Mexico for a very very very long time. My Mal came from a loving home where circumstances changed. Idk if its bcuz my BC is soooo grateful or what but he feels the need to protect me from strangers. While the Mal goes in for pets, my BC goes for the jugular😂😂😂 with "my people" the border collie is a love bug who smiles on command or whenever he wants something. He is quite the charmer actually ❤ I am definitely a "dog person" but i totally understand what you are saying and its sooooo true.
It's so funny how vastly different two dog's personalities can be and how their experiences shape it. You'd think the Mal would be the fierce protector. 😆
@@SeagrasstoSassafras the Mal prefers to lay in the hammock with me and her ball while she's in the crook of my atm and head tucked under my chin....she reminds me soooo much of my Berner who died last year...shes got the same temperament except add ADHD 🤣🤣🤣
Everyone Who's backpacking alone! especially women...we need to be careful. This is my main concern...I'd love to hike solo but the risk of other people...with bad intentions is frightening.
I'm actually covering this topic in an upcoming Q&A video! I plan to share a few other options for feeling safer while hiking besides bringing a dog 🥾⛰️
Great vid. I've had many dogs in my life yet I found this very insightful. Planning my next companion who I want as a trail buddy. Thank you.
You are right, not only on the trail it is like that...a walk in the park is the same...
Great video. So glad I stumbled across it. Taking my shepherd camping/hiking to Monongahela next week.
Sounds like fun! I hope y'all have a great time together 👣🐾
Perfectly put n nice dogs..I'm lucky enough to have a bull grey hound half malinois n U stated everything Right in breed's instincts boundaries and doing Ur best to b respectful and protect U URS and everything else.. quality 🙏
Main reason i bought my malinois puppy is to have a buddy on my adventures! Absolutely love it going in multiple day trips this summer😍
That's awesome! How old is your doggo now? Wishing you guys lots of fun adventures together. I'd love to hear how some of those outings go!
Cant wait to take my rescue Malinois hiking ❤❤❤
Aw, this was a great video, especially since I just got to experience hiking/camping with an exceptionally awesome doggo firsthand. ❤
Haha. I'll be sure to let Nora know she's exceptionally awesome.
I'm so glad we got some trail time together! That video you got of her chomping on the block of kindling CRACKED ME UP 🤣
Love hiking w my Dutchie- he’s great company and loves to b outdoors on the trail
Dutch shepherd? How is he with the cold? Like 10c°
@@adriananic8258 great…hiked 1.5 w him today 1 degree… gone snowshoeing w him bf… loves all conditions
@@schwartz6660 age? Sleeps with or without bag?
True true! All of it! Great video!
Thank you so much :)
Btw be sure to keep me updated on the new pack if that's what you decide to do.
I've watch "Foresty Forest" videos. He is a mountain climber who lives in a 4 wheel drive van who climbs mountains, not cliffs, but mountains and takes his Jack Russell with him. She is amazingly coordinated, and doesn't wander off. I've seen another Jack Russell running a Rocky mountain ridge and was amazed to see the balance and coordination, more like a cat. They are also small, less food and water.
Wow! I'll have to check that out 😲 I can’t personally say I've seen many Jack Russells on the trail. It sounds like they're incredible climbers though. Aussies, GSD, and Heelers seem to be the current trend with backpackers Lol.
@@SeagrasstoSassafras I didn't know that about Jack Russells either until I saw the videos. Outside of Foresty Forest I found that video of the ridge run, "Jack Russell Terrier Trail Run", RUclips.
@@SeagrasstoSassafras Also, Jack Russells don't seem to bark much, a definite plus!
Agreed 👍 😁
My sister has a Jack Russell and they definitely have big personalities and are very cool dogs. They like to hunt mice too.
I think people don't know how to pet a dog they don't know. The only way is getting down at its level from 1,5 meter, twist knees not to face it, look at the ground and lay your arm with open hand. Dog decides to come or not. If it comes, you won't get biten 'cause it is asking to be pet. If it ignores you or growls, don't ask for more. Yep people like to throw their hand on the head from their size : this is domination act from dog perspective. So i think this is our responsability as owners to educate people, as well as a lesson to understand the difference between taking and offerring, in order to make the world a better place.
Very good point! Our veterinarian actually uses this same approach when introducing herself to patients. It definitely puts our dogs at ease when they see her.
Very important!!
Subscribed. Thank you! great insight! Adjusted my Exectations thanks to you! This was really really interesting! Thank you!! so so so much!!!
So glad you enjoyed the video! Thank you for watching 😁
I have been doing a mix of extreme hiking mixed with very dense urban travel, i have a collie cross kelpie farm dog so the urban stuff has been the most difficult but he is super good on trains and this video although from another country 100% validated some of our findings when we started training for adventures
So really true what you say, exspecialy tey just wanna be with you, soo rewarding.....love your topic... i hought i was alone whos think so...thkx!!
Dogs only seemed to become so important and trendy if I may, in the early 90s with the boom in outdoor life. Imho. Lol. Now they are our best friends and so spoiled. Lol
You're not wrong! 😆 What makes me laugh is it was pretty common at one time for dogs to be an outside pet with their own shelter in the yard. Nowadays there are subscription based meal services for dogs! Oh how times have changed 🤣🙄
Love those monster ears on your pup.
Haha both of them have donkey ears 😆
Thank you!!!! Definitely makes me feel better when faced with A**holes! My dog is very protective and nothing gets near me...sometimes even my husband....but, I pull him far away from the trail, make him sit... he's even starting to get off the trail without prompting....but he still growls and if someone tries to talk, he will bark. He's learning with age and trying to socialize him, we live extremely 'rural' and he will fight with other dogs...sooo many people let their dogs run free...it's hard to take him but even harder to not. He will not eat or drink until I'm home....every single time, for any reason 🫤
Thank you. First video that I have seen from you. I agree that some people are confused and just assumed all stray dogs want to be petted. Is that a word? I like that you just calmly ask that people not pet your dog. It may be a lie, but just say my dog is weary around strangers. I feel that once you have stated something; then the person is simply being rude. Most people will listen and go with their day. Again thanks and looking forward to seeing other videos.
So glad you enjoyed the video! I'd say petted is a word. Lol. MAJORITY of the time folks are totally understanding and move on. But it's good to have a plan in mind for those few times when they're not. Thanks for watching and leaving a comment 😊
@@SeagrasstoSassafrasI am absolutely shocked. I keep seeing and hearing how different American attitudes are towards animals, but I am really shook.
Here, in Europe, dogs are considered yours and people “unsee” them. Yes, in restaurants or places people will notice the animal and be nice, but touching? Never.
Dogs are to be ignored by anyone not responsible. ESPECIALLY ON TRAILS. This doesn’t mean that you have to completely disregard the dog, but just give it a small wink and “heyyy” then move on.
That's so interesting to me! Just how different the culture is around animals in other countries. People can get pretty weird over here in the US when it comes to dogs 😅
@@UpsideDown853I wish people were like that here in the U.S. I've been through 2 dog attacks with my dogs, and while I personally like dogs in general, I don't like or trust other people's dogs off-leash or want other people I don't know messing with my dog.
Love your dog knowledge!
Thanks so much for watching 😊
Your dog, your rules.
Exactly right! Thanks for watching 😊
I try and give my puppy every opportunity to meet other dogs of all sizes and people. I think it’s important that the dog learns how to interact with different dogs and personalities. Of course nothing is forced and you kinda get a read on ppl if they want their dog to interact
Just started extreme hiking with my collie x kelpie and he is a natural climber
OK, first let me say I love you. I want to marry you. Great video you made, especially about the boundaries, it’s very good advice. Me and my two are about to take our first hike. They are totally under my control. One is seven years old. One is nine years old and I think we’re gonna have fun. But never thought about not letting other people pet them especially when we are on the trail. Thank you.
Haha! I'm truly flattered.
That's so exciting. Hopefully, you three have a great adventure together. I'd love to know how it goes.
I’m worried about my dog puncturing gear with their claws. Besides trying to trim the claws, do you have any advice?
Sleeping pads are most at risk in my experience! 🙄 My dogs damaged two different sleeping pads, unfortunately. Apart from trimming their nails, the only other advice I can give is having a wide mat your dog can lay on in the tent. Being consistent about not allowing them to walk on your own sleeping gear is also really important. Hopefully that helps 🫤
@@SeagrasstoSassafras
Thank you
What about going into town for resupply with a dog. I'm worried about hitchiking from the trail to the Post office and into town.
You're not the only one with those questions. I wish I had good advice on resupply strategies to give you! ☹️ Unfortunately, all my experience has been with section hikes where resupply wasn't needed.
How can I hike with my dog while using trekking poles without staying tangled?
The best solution I've found is to use a retractable leash, which I attach to my hipbelt. I can still control how much slack my dog has without getting it wrapped around the poles. They also make "hands-free" leashes that clip around the waist. There's bungee cord and handle loops on them to control slack. Hope those ideas help!
I’m planning a section hike. Really want my dog, along but how do you deal with resupply shopping along trails?
Unfortunately, I can't give much advice on this one. 😔 I've only had one trip in which I needed to resupply shop while with my dog. In that situation there was a really sweet lady outside the store who agreed to watch my dog for me while I ran my errand. Hopefully someone with more experience can chime in with advice!
Any “tent camping” advice for comfort due to a back injury from rodeolife…?
My husband had awful back pain when tent camping. My friend recommended the Thermarest Neoair Topo Lux sleeping pad (wide version) and it made a significant difference! The pad is 4" thick and has a really plush feel to it. It's on the heavier side 1.7 lbs, but the added comfort is worth the weight IMO. Hope that gear suggestion helps!
@@SeagrasstoSassafras thank you so much. I will check it out
Do you have any advice for a dog who doesn't sleep well on the trail?
Have you tried bringing something from home the dog can curl up with like a towel or t-shirt? 🤔 Maybe the familiar smells of home will help them feel more comfortable in an unfamiliar place. Just an idea 🤷♀️
@@SeagrasstoSassafras His dog bed helped when car camping one time, but that was also in my car. I think it might be the noise he's not used to.
Hmm... I know my dogs become less sensitive to noise as we spend more time camping. I wish I had a better solution for you like ultralight sound canceling doggy earmuffs 😩😆
@@SeagrasstoSassafras ha, that would be great! Though knowing my dog, he'd constantly take them off.
🤣
What is your ignore command, and how did you train it? I don't know that one. I rely on my dog's excellent sit stay if he gets distracted, excitable, or if the trail is too narrow to pass widely. He's a pitt bull mix so I hold him to high behavior standards. I avoid little dogs on the trail. The little dog owners is often very irresponsible and allow their dog to get in my dog's personal space. Littke dogs need training, too. And retractible leashes are the same as not having a leash. They offer no control if their dog does something they shouldn't. I avoid all dogs who walk their hiker. The hiker should be walking the dog. The most recent one I saw on trail was a goldie tethered to someone's waist. But the lady being walked freaked out because my pittie was sitting calmly on his lead, and she thought he didn't give a leash on. Big dogs don't trigger prey drive for my dog. He just watched curiously as the hyper goldie dragged the lady everywhere.
Our ignore command is "leave it." We started training them to respond to it using toys and objects in the yard. Once they learned leave it with stationary things, we started using it on the trail in reference to people and other dogs we passed. Works well for us.
@Seagrass to Sassafras oh, we hVe that command. I gyess u dudnt think to use ut fir people and ither dogs. I use it when he finds dead things or food
What about dogs and bears
I haven't had any encounters with bears while backpacking with my dogs.
This is a month old but… generally speaking bears do not like dogs. Like they don’t like them at all and will leave the area before you’re close to avoid them. Unless you’re near a nest or something of that nature. In that case it no different than you dealing with a bear and you should have bear spray. Now how your dog reacts is on you and the training that’s been provided. I think thousands of years of dealing with them as pack animals is still instinctual that one means more and to stay away.
I appreciate you weighing in on this topic! From what a lot of Forest Service and Park Rangers have told me, most conflicts between bears and dogs begin with the dog chasing or pursuing the bear.
Would take my dog just for protection.
I train working dogs; we teach neutrality - which means socialization is NOT letting strangers touch or interact with them and not allowing strange dogs to greet or approach the dogs both as puppies and as adults.
Dogs being social animals is not quite what most people think it means.
Neutrality is essentially micromanaging what a dog is exposed to - you cannot control other people and you cannot control other dogs. If something spooks your dog, you then have to go back and work on something that could have been preventable. If a dog grows up knowing other dogs and people exist, but they're not part of that dog's life - dogs tend to not be over the top about greeting and on the flip side they are less likely to have fears or nervousness associated with other people or animals. Of course breeds and genetics play into the overall success in this, but the concept applies.
Interesting! That makes a lot of sense. Thanks for sharing your perspective as a trainer 😊
What state are you in?
I hike predominantly in North and South Carolina.
@@SeagrasstoSassafras nice. California is tough on dogs. Whack
hi, thank for share
Good video but I think you are teaching your dogs to be defensive of strangers by avoiding them. Total socialization is the key. It is actually not much different than people being scared of different races or ethnicities.. Really don't mean to get too deep or ..you know. Treat everyone equally , your dog will probably too.
As a solo female who takes her dogs hiking for the purpose of protection, it's important that they remain cautious of strangers.