hiking Archives - Oh My Dog!

Running With Dogs: How to start trail running with your dog

03•28•19

Last year I shared Running With a Dog That Pulls and included a ton of other running tips I’ve picked up along this slowwwww journey of ours.

This weekend, I’ll run my longest distance yet–a 10k–with sights set toward a half marathon in the fall. That, btw, is my uppermost limit. I’m never going to train for anything longer than that, but once I finish the half, I need a new goal.

Here’s my confession: I still don’t like running. I haven’t liked it since I started the C25k trainer app several years ago, and adding miles hasn’t added any love. It’s a slog. I’ve never experienced a “runner’s high.” Instead, I’m usually experiencing something I’ve coined “runner’s relief” when it’s over!

However, I’m committed to it partly because I want to be stronger, partly because I want to feel like I can do it, and partly because it’s Cooper’s greatest joy in all the universe. I can’t rob him of that just because it’s hard, ya know?

So, I’ve decided on trail running. (The photo below is clearly not us! I don’t know how to get a scenic shot of us trail running without, like, bringing a photographer running with us. HA! Plus, there’s nothing so mountainous in central Indiana!)

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I love hiking. I love being outside in the woods, breathing fresh air, enjoying nature. I love the feeling of tired legs after navigating rough terrain, and I love the look on Cooper’s face at the end… that happy, mouth-open pant that means he just had fun. Welp. Why not combine the two!?

You guys know me… as soon as I decided on that idea, I dug into the research. I compiled a lot of useful tips and info, so I want to share that with you in case you’re interested in starting a trail running habit with your dog!

How to start trail running with your dog

First thing’s first: Unless you’re in an off-leash-specific area, never let your dog off leash to run on the trails. It’s disrespectful to other people and dogs in the park, and it’s disrespectful to the wildlife. Trails are cut for a reason. Stay on them and keep your dog on leash. And, obviously (it’s obvious, right? I mean, it should be…) pick up after your dog. Yes, that might mean running miles with a poop bag, but that’s just part of the deal.

With that foundation, here are three tips to get you started running trails with your dog:

Avoid injury. Just like you wouldn’t run a marathon your first day out, you don’t want to clock tons of miles in the beginning of trail running. It’s so much harder than running on pavement or on a track. Your ankles and knees need time, plus you’re using some subtly different muscle groups when you’re trying to stay balanced on terrain than a flat stretch. When this idea first popped into my head, I made a point to jog little stretches of trail on my hikes with Coop. Train like you would for any other race. In fact, it might be smart to start an app or program like C25k on trails even if you’ve already achieved that distance on pavement. It’s good for you and it’s good for your dog to take it slowly. No injuries!
Avoid overheating. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. That goes for you and for your dog. Dehydration can be sneaky, especially if you’re in the shade or at an elevation that feels cool. You’re still sweating a ton, and you and your dog are working really hard. Take water breaks and avoid overheating. And always bring water, even if you’re going a short distance. You just never know, and it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Set limits. It’s your responsibility to make sure your dog doesn’t overdo it. I mean, for you too, of course, but your dog won’t necessarily tell you if he’s sore, tired, or in pain. Caution is the name of the game. This rule also helps ease you into trail running! Start small and slowly build up your miles. Right now, Coop and I run intervals: We run for four minutes and walk for one. We started with less total time, around 30 minutes, and are building up our duration. Today’s run, for instance, was 55 minutes with those intervals. It helps build strength and duration while implementing a set limit–which is good for both you and your dog!

Otherwise, the best way to start is to just start! Hit a trail closest to you and give it a whirl! You won’t get anywhere unless you take those first few steps, ya know?

Trail running gear for your dog… and for you, too!

There’s an entire industry dedicated to gear, but I’m a firm believe in simplifying. You need good shoes. You need a way to hydrate. Your dog needs a collar and harness. Depending on terrain, your dog might also need boots. Beyond that, it’s your choice. You can suit up in all kinds of technical fabrics and carry bits and pieces of gear. I wear a thick pair of running tights from Athleta (thick because I often get sliced by brambles and thorns), layered tops depending on the weather, and a hat. That’s it! Here are a handful of other things to consider:

Water belt: You want to be as hands-free as possible. You’re already holding the leash, and at least for me, I like to have a totally free hand to help with balance. A water belt lets you carry your water, plus a lot fit your phone and a roll of poop bags. This one comes highly recommended, and John uses this one.

Shoes: I live in central Indiana. We have very little rugged terrain. Plus, I’m not conditioned for super steep or rocky stuff yet, so I honestly just wear plain old running shoes. These are my current ones, and I love them. If I were to get super technical with trail running, I’d probably look into this brand because it’s so renowned for trail shoes. Maybe someday. Regardless, I’m a firm believer in just being where you are in the process, so there’s no need to spend a ton on shoes unless you want or need to.

Harness: I absolutely do not recommend running with just a collar + leash because it puts too much pressure on your pup’s neck. Cooper wears this one most often, which we selected for visibility. You can’t miss him in that thing. However, it doesn’t quite adjust to a perfect fit on him because he has unique proportions. I’m in the process of looking for another option that’s at least equally visible. The other one we use is this one if I need him to carry some of his own stuff, like pickup bags or a water dish.

Bug spray: Both Coop and I seem to be tick magnets. He’s on a preventative, but I also spray us both down with a bug spray before we hit the trails (except in winter months). And to be completely honest? I just spray myself with the spray I buy for Coop and the cats, which is Easy Defense from Only Natural Pet.

Sunscreen: I advocate for sunscreen 365 days a year for any activity, but it’s especially important to have a good one when you’re sweating. I love the Sun Bum brand in both the lotion and the spray. For your dog, consider a product like nose protection.

Paw butter: For a post-run treatment, a paw butter helps soothe rough spots. We currently use this one, although we did get a free sample of it about a year ago so don’t have other brands to compare it to… although it has lasted a whole year, so there’s that!

Safety Precautions

Once you’re ready to go, there are a few other things you need to think about:

Weather: Dress for the conditions where you live, obviously, but I suggest layers. It’s easier to take a jacket off and tie it around your waist than it is to freeze because it’s cooler under the tree canopy than you prepared for. Stash some dry clothes in your car–along with a towel–to deal with mud or water. And if it’s too hot, don’t run. It’s not worth it for you or for your dog.

Animals: Most of the time, you can avoid wild animals by staying on cut trails. You’ll make plenty of noise together to keep most animals at bay. Don’t go off trail, and don’t let your dog off leash.

Dehydration and exhaustion: Stay hydrated. Bring something to munch on for you and your dog if you’re going a long distance. Wear sunscreen and appropriate layers. Set–and follow–limits for you and your dog.

Know before you go: I recommend starting your training on trails you know, but if you’re exploring somewhere new, check an online map first. Read reviews or blog posts of the trails. Get a sense of what you’re getting into before you go so you can dress and pack your supplies accordingly.

Trail running with your dog is FUN!

If you’re prepared and willing to work into it, trail running with your dog is super fun! It’s far more interesting to breathe fresh air and look at trees than it is to breathe exhaust and look at rows of houses. And it’s a different kind of challenge than just running on pavement.

Have you ever tried trail running with your pup? I tried to cover all the 101-level stuff I could think of here, but if I left you with any questions, please leave them in the comments! Or, if you have experience running trails with your pup, what would you add to this list? Have I missed anything important or do you have any extra tips? I’d love to learn in the comments!

Dog-Friendly Vacations: Plan your trip around your pup!

01•29•19

We recently returned from Cooper’s vacation!

We’ve done this almost annually since Emmett’s youngest days with us. We pack our bags and head to a cabin in the woods somewhere for a long weekend of pet-approved activities: hiking, napping, snacking, whatever!

It’s super fun to plan a trip around your dog because… well… let’s talk vacations for a minute first.

We ALL need to step away from time to time. Even the most KonMaried among us carry stress, and vacations provide the opportunity to get out of the grind and recharge. Dogs? Well, they don’t have the same daily burden. (Thank goodness, right? It’s one of the things that makes dogs so magical!) But lotsa dogs get bored. And even if your dog never gets bored, your dog loves you and loves the opportunity to bond and play!

One caveat: This is about planning a vacation around YOUR dog. Back in 2006, we could take Em anywhere, and he loved nothing more than sitting on a pet-friendly patio and getting showered with attention and food. He could tour a winery as easily as he could hike a trail and be just as happy doing either. If your dog is like that, that’s GREAT! You can do just about anything for your pup’s vacation!

Cooper, though… Coop isn’t like that one iota. Public places stress him out. Each time I’ve taken him to a cafe patio to train, he’s been so anxious that he wouldn’t take any treats, even if I ordered him his own plate of something yummy like scrambled eggs! That type of vacation would simply not be a fun, enriching, bonding experience. However, he loves exercise. He loves to run. He loves to hike. He loves a physical challenge, and we haven’t been able to do much of that since Violet came along, so we decided for Coop’s vacation this year, we’d take him on some longer, harder hikes than he’s had in a couple years.

So, we found a pet-friendly cabin rental near the park we wanted to hit, and off we went!

If this idea intrigues you and you might want to take your dog’s vacation, here are a few things that have (and have not) worked for us that might help get you started!

How to go on vacation with your dog:

Plan everything. Obviously you can’t really, truly plan everything, and you do want to allow for spontaneous stops along the way, but once you pick your destination, spend a chunk of time googling everything pet-friendly you might want to do along with the city names. Here are a couple examples: pet-friendly cafes in Indianapolis, or dog-friendly wineries in Nashville, or whatever. We love GoPetFriendly.com for this, too, since we only ever road trip with Cooper. Have a list of places saved in your phone so you’re not stuck trying to find somewhere your dog can go and losing precious vacation time! BTW, don’t forget to plan down time to snuggle your pup!
Book pet-friendly accommodations. Don’t be that guy who sneaks your dog in. It ruins it for the rest of us. We strive to book cabin rentals or AirBNB-style places to stay because it’s usually quieter with a more home-like vibe, which Coop strongly prefers. Plus, they usually come equipped with everything you need to prepare all your own food, which is a necessity if you’re traveling with a dog like Coop who just can’t do outdoor restaurants, or if you’re traveling in a season where you can’t eat outside, or if you’re simply trying to save money. This time around, we found a perfect spot just by googling: pet-friendly cabin rentals in Brown County, Indiana.
Pack for comfort. OK, we’re not talking a backpacking trip here (that requires a whole other mindset, of packing for necessity). In this case, pack what makes your dog comfy: his regular bed, a special blanket, food, of course, and treats, a bowl and water dish, toys, and so on. We bring a cooler since Coop eats The Farmer’s Dog, and I always bring a stash of chew toys. I always bring an extra leash, too, just in case, far more pickup bags than we could possibly need, a flashlight for night-time potty breaks, and seasonally-appropriate apparel. Honestly? Not counting food, Cooper’s bags outnumber ours every time! But, it helps him to settle into a place if he has his home comforts!
Pack for safety. In addition to the comfy items, when you travel with your pup, bring a pet-specific first aid kit, a tool to remove a tick, your preferred paw treatment, and anything else that’s appropriate to the season, location, and adventures you have planned. There’s no worse feeling than driving around an unfamiliar place trying to find the right item in the right store when you have an emergency. I’d also highly recommend storing your pet’s vet records on a jump drive you can toss in your glove compartment along with the name and number of a pre-researched vet that is near where you’re staying. If you find yourself in an emergency situation, it’s helpful to have that already on hand.
Have fun! Don’t stress about timetables or hitting must-see spots. Your dog certainly isn’t, and this is his time with you! Focus on fun. Find things to do you’ll both enjoy, especially that much-needed downtime. This is vacation, after all!

Planning your vacation around your pet simply means that you get to do fun stuff together away from home! 🙂 It’s an awesome way to build your bond, to enjoy some time away, and to go on a new adventure. You’ll love the memories you make together, and you’ll have a great time–all that really matters!

Have you ever taken a trip for your pup? Do you typically take your dog on vacation? Would you consider planning all or part of a family vacation around your dog’s preferences and personality? Let’s share in the comments!

Additional resources:

Hiking with Dogs: Winter Safety Tips

DIY Travel Blanket

How to Pack for a Dog-Friendly Road Trip

Hiking With Dogs: Winter Safety Tips

11•16•18

We love to get outside all year round, and we live in Indiana–it gets cold! and dark! and snowy!

In fact, the day I’m writing this, we experienced an ice storm overnight that closed schools, and now it’s snowing on top of the ice. This weather makes me want to bundle up, throw Coop’s coat and boots on, and hit the trails!

Why?

Because they will be quiet! We’ll have the place to ourselves! Everything is so pretty coated in a dusting of ice and snow!

Of course, when you’re hiking in the winter, you need to take some extra steps and precautions that you wouldn’t in, say, spring. I compiled our top tips, the things we do each time, but please know that this is situation- and weather-dependent. Use caution. Be safe. Always default to common sense. This list isn’t exhaustive–just the bare-bones basics–so I’d love to hear what you’d add to it in the comments!

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5 Winter Safety Tips for Hiking With Dogs

Dress for the weather.

Obviously, right? You pile on your boots, wool socks, coat, hat, gloves, the works! You might even own a suite of technical fabrics designed with the cold in mind. But what about your dog?

Winter weather is vicious on your dog’s paws, especially if you traverse rugged terrain that’s wet or frozen. While not all dogs will tolerate boots, most can learn to wear them with practice (and treats and praise). Cooper wears these all winter long. Yes, they’re pricey, but they’ve last years and hundreds of miles, and his paws are protected from the elements. Same goes for a jacket or sweater: You know your dog and your dog’s comfort level. Cooper always wears a jacket. He runs cold, and we’ve learned over the years he hikes better and has more stamina if he’s bundled up. Our late shepherd, Lucas, would tolerate one if we insisted but never needed one. Know your dog, and know the conditions you’re going to be hiking in–but always err on the side of caution.

BTW, don’t forget you also need sunscreen in the winter!! When you’re dressing, screen up any exposed skin. The winter sun can be harsh, especially at higher elevations!

Drink plenty of water.

It’s easy to remember to hydrate in the summer. You’re hot and sweating buckets. In the winter, sweat often makes you feel colder, and the air seems drier, so it’s easier to forget to hydrate. However, it’s vital for you and your pup. Always pack plenty of water for both of you. If your dog carries a pack, he can stow his own on one side and yours on the other. This is the pack Cooper wears. It comfortable fits a water bottle on either side, and we have a collapsible water dish (not this but super similar) for him.

Be reflective!

Mornings are dark. Afternoons are dark. These short winter days, combined with often-overcast, gray skies and precipitation make visibility tough. Both you and your dog should wear reflective or neon gear no matter what time of day you head out. Low visibility can cause trouble, particularly if you live somewhere where people hunt in the winter. Even if you aren’t in a hunting area, though, bright colors and reflective wear are simple safety steps that don’t take any extra effort but can prevent big problems. Bonus: Stash a flashlight or headlamp in your pack as an extra safety measure.

Keep your pup on leash.

Of course, if you’re in a leash-required park, you’re a responsible dog owner so obviously your dog is leashed. (Right?!) However, even if you’re in an area where off-leash is OK, winter isn’t a safe time for your dog to dash off. Why? Well, one really big reason is frozen water might appear solid to your dog but crack as soon as he gets out on the ice. So dangerous. Another reason is that sound travels differently in the winter, especially in snow-covered terrain, and you and your pup can get separated much more easily. Finally, if your dog tends to sniff out animals, lots are in hibernation or dormancy and don’t appreciate being disturbed. It could even kill them. Keep your pup on leash all winter long!

Hike a trail you know.

This is a recommendation someone made to me at a trade show when we were talking winter hiking gear, and it made so much sense: If you’ve never hiked an area before, winter isn’t the time to try it out. Snow covers the trail. Many, even in maintained parks, aren’t broken during the winter months. Markers might be obscured or down. It’s harder to find your way in the depths of winter. Now, if you’re considering a park that’s well-managed year-round, go for it. Or, at least, ask the park rangers if it’s a good time to try a trail. But, err on the side of safety and stick with trails, parks, and climbs you’re familiar with during the winter months.

Other than that, have fun! Hiking with your dog in the winter can be fun and rewarding. Everything is quiet. The terrain looks totally fresh and clean blanketed in snow. You can usually push a little longer and farther than if you’re in the beating-down sun. If you have a reactive or fearful pup like Cooper, you almost always have the trails to yourself, which is so awesome!

Get outside! Have fun! Be safe!

Hikers: What would you add to this list? Do you get out in the winter? Or do you like to hibernate, too? Does your dog perform well in the cold? Or is your pup a nap-fireside dog?

Summer Hiking Tips for You and Your Dog

07•31•17

You guys. It’s the last month of summer.

HOW did that happen!?!

Winter takes AGES.

But summer?

Gone in a flash.

But, we still have a month! We love doing stuff outside all summer long… reading on the porch, swimming, wogging (walking + jogging), grilling out…

Most of all, we love hiking.

Why is hiking a family fave?

Well, for one thing, it’s a wonderful way to enjoy the great outdoors without being in direct sun. That’s a big one for me, and it’s especially important now that Violet hikes with us because she can’t wear sunscreen until she’s six months old! Being out of the sun is great for Cooper, too, because he stays cooler than when we’re out in the open.

Plus, it’s a relaxing way to be active!

It’s so peaceful to get out in the woods with Coop. We can walk along, breathe in the fresh air, listen to the birds chirp, and unwind as we get exercise.

We’ve done a ton of hiking–from simple, flat trails to strenuous “what were we thinking” ones–and have gleaned a handful of tips over the miles.

Here are our best summer hiking tips for you and your dog.

(With maybe a baby tip or two thrown in for good measure… like, keep a sunhat in your diaper bag!)

Get the Gear

You don’t have to spend a lot to go for a walk in the woods. There are a few things, though, that make the activity more comfortable. For you, the human end of the leash, get decent shoes and a hat. That’s about it. For your pup, the list is a little longer. In our experience, a harness is your best bet. We like this Ruffwear harness because it’s reflective and because it has a handle in case we need to assist Cooper over a fallen tree or other obstacle, or a Kong paracord harness for simple, short trail walks (the one he’s wearing in the pic above… this is his everyday harness right now).

We always take one big Nalgene water bottle for us to share on a short, easy walk. More if we’re doing harder/longer/hotter. Then, we have a little pop-up water dish that has a carbiner on it. It clips right to Cooper’s harness for him to carry his own!

Depending on where you live, you might want to consider an insect repellent. Where we are in Indiana, ticks are a major problem, so we double up. Cooper uses a bug spray, but then he also wears an Insect Shield bandanna <—- this one is similar to the one we got in our press kit at Global Pet Expo.

I’d also add squeeze cheese to the list if you have a reactive dog like Cooper and need an emergency reward/distraction on the trails…

Plan for the Worst (But, obvi, Expect the Best!)

This one sounds maybe a bit over-the-top. But here’s the thing: You just never know. Toss a first-aid kit in you car. Throw a towel in your trunk. Stash some extra bottles of water, a tube of sunscreen, and a map. A paper one. (Seriously, I can’t tell you how many times we’ve decided to try some new set of trails only to discover there’s no cell signal in the remote spot, and we didn’t actually write down directions to the trail head because we thought our phones would get us there. We keep a road atlas in my car.) A back-up leash can’t hurt either.

Obviously, hiking is super fun, but you want to be prepared for those just-in-cases. If you never touch any of those back-up plans, great, but you’ll have peace of mind knowing they’re there.

Follow the Leash Laws

That’s it. Seriously.

Oh, and pickup after your pup, too.

Get in Trail Shape

Everyone can (and should, imo!) get outside and enjoy the great outdoors. But if you and your pups are couch potatoes, start at a reasonable pace. Pick easier trails that are close to home and gradually build up to harder, longer, more adventurous hikes.

A big part of being in trail shape–and I feel like we intuitively all know this, but it’s far easier said than done for us humans–is good nutrition. Good nutrition is really the cornerstone of any active lifestyle. You can’t have fun being active unless you’re taking care of your body!

The same goes for our pets, and luckily for them, we’re able to learn about what’s best for them and their bodies. For Cooper, you guys know he has such a sensitive system, and food has always been a challenge for us. Plus, he’s turning 7 in a few short weeks, so keeping him lean and strong while supporting his joints is paramount.

I think that sums it up: Have the right gear, be prepared, follow leash laws, and be in good trail shape!

What are YOUR tips for fun, safe summer hiking with your dog? Anything I missed here or any questions YOU have about hitting the trails? I’d love to share and learn in the comments below!

Finally, I’ll leave you with my current fave pic from a hike we took when Violet had JUST come home from the hospital:

Friday Community Question

08•06•10

Happy Friday! I don’t know about you, but I’m very happy that the weekend is (finally) here! After two weeks away, John got home last night, and Emmett and Lucas were so excited… they didn’t know what to do with themselves. They were spinning and hopping and jumping, and I think John was pretty happy with his big welcome-home!

So this weekend, we’re planning on relaxing, getting caught up around the house, and – if it’s not in the triple-digits outside – going for nice long walks. I’m going to make the boys some homemade doggy ice cream as a fun treat, and we’re going to try to get up early on Sunday to take them for a hike around a nearby lake. The last time we went on this particular trail, it was March, and there was still ice on the lake!

Instead of a big debate for today’s community question, I’d love to know:

What special activities (if any) do you plan with your dogs on the weekend? Do you mix up your routine? Do you plan activities around your what your dogs would enjoy? How do you spend your two days off?