Hiking with your guide dog can be an incredible bonding experience, blending adventure and trust. Although our guide dogs have undergone extensive training, hiking on rugged terrain may not have been part of their formal training. Yet, if you are up for the challenge, most guide dogs will be up for the adventure. This guide is designed to ensure that you and your guide are prepared for safe, enjoyable, and trail-worthy outings. Let us get ready to hit the trails with tails wagging!
Maintaining your guide dog’s health is crucial, especially for active adventures like hiking. Your guide should be kept at or close to its target weight, which every handler is given during training. Excessive weight gain can lead to heart problems, overheating, injury, and a slew of other health risks. Just as we need proper conditioning to sustain the demands of a hike, so too do our dogs. Additionally, consider prioritizing joint health. Nutramax Laboratories offers free Dasuquin or Cosequin supplements for working guide dogs from Guiding Eyes for the Blind. These supplements support joint cartilage production and protect against breakdown, ensuring your guide remains active and comfortable. For more information on how to receive these supplements and additional veterinary-related assistance, please visit: Graduate Center-Graduate Funds.
A well-stocked bag of supplies ensures your guide dog’s comfort and safety during hikes. Items should include the following:
Make a comprehensive plan for you and your guide before setting off on your next woodsy adventure. Start small; your first hike does not have to be the longest or most challenging one. This helps you and your dog grow accustomed to the activity at the right pace for you as a team.
Consider the following:
Ensure your guide dog’s leash and harness are secure, comfortable, and properly fitted. Some handlers choose to use the Unifly harness, while others choose the standard leather harness. If you are unsure of which harness you should use, contact Guiding Eyes for assistance with your specific circumstance. Remember, a harness should never be utilized for extra balance; it is simply a guiding tool. If you need added stability, consider carrying a hiking pole. Per Guiding Eyes for the Blind’s policy, you should never take your dog off-leash unless you are in a secure, fenced area. Hiking is no exception; your guide should always be on a leash to monitor and protect them from wildlife, other dogs, and other trail hazards. Your guide should always wear ID and Rabies tags in the event you are separated for any reason. Check with Guiding Eyes about the use of head collars and other equipment for hiking and/or daily use.
Choose a trail appropriate for you and your dog and consider the terrain. Some trails may have uneven or slippery surfaces, sharp rocks, or steep inclines, which pose injury risks for your guide. Consider downloading the “All Trails” app, which provides trail information like difficulty level, type of terrain, and other hikers’ reviews. Start with a flat, wide trail to build confidence, familiarity, communication, and skills as a team.
Consider the following:
Hike at a pace that is comfortable for both you and your guide. Take frequent breaks to let your dog rest, hydrate, and cool down, especially on hot days. Keep in mind that your pace with your dog on uneven terrain and while using a hiking pole might differ from your pace on a sidewalk. If you would like to allow your dog the opportunity to cool off in the water, avoid dirty, stagnant bodies of water that contain copious amounts of algae, such as blue-green algae, which is incredibly harmful to any dog. For more information on blue-green algae, please read this informative article from: Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. You should also avoid large, fast-moving streams and rivers that have the potential for strong currents. Allow your dog to drink fresh water from your supplies.
Be mindful and educate yourself about trail conditions and potential hazards such as:
In the event your guide ingests something potentially toxic, such as a mushroom, quick action is essential.
While this process can be stressful, staying calm and following these steps ensures your guide receives the care they need.
Offer clean, fresh water from your pack to your dog regularly to prevent dehydration. Snacks like kibble or healthy, high-protein treats can help maintain their energy on longer hikes. Just be mindful of the calories!
As a reminder, Ruffwear offers a Pro Purchase Program for guide dog handlers with a 40% discount on all products, should you choose their equipment. Gear up with pick-up bag holders, booties, bowls, and other trail essentials. You can complete your Pro Purchase Program Discounts Application to receive these perks.
With thoughtful preparation and the resources available to you as a Guiding Eyes graduate, you are ready to explore the great outdoors with your guide dog. When you hike with your guide, trust and communication deepen as you tackle new challenges. Stay in tune with your dog. By focusing on the trail as a team, you will discover the unique joys and surprises that make every adventure special. Together, there is no limit to the memories and milestones you can achieve. We encourage you to share your hiking tips with us so this guide can continue to grow and assist others. Happy trails!
