Take Your Dog on a Hike!

A Trail Etiquette Guide for Dog Owners

There’s nothing quite like hitting the trails with your dog. Whether you’re exploring shady forest paths, winding mountain tracks, or local nature preserves, hiking offers a wonderful way to connect—with nature and your canine companion. But before you grab the leash and lace up those boots, let’s talk about how to make the hike enjoyable for everyone on the trail.

Why Trail Etiquette Matters

Hiking with your dog isn't just about burning energy—it's about respectful coexistence. Perfect leash manners are not required, but the ability to communicate between owners and dogs is critical. When communication is limited to a few basic skills, owners need to spend more time managing the environment. As communication grows, dogs are able to experience more freedom and make better choices along the trail. You’re also sharing the trail with bikers, joggers, kids, wildlife, and other dogs. Good etiquette ensures safety, reduces stress, and encourages dog-friendly access to outdoor spaces.

1. Leash Up Unless Otherwise Stated

Even if your dog has a solid recall, many trails require leashes. Not everyone is comfortable around dogs, and a leash helps you prevent unwanted greetings or wildlife chases. A hands-free leash or longline can give your pup freedom while keeping everyone safe. When we do group walks, most dogs are either a 15 foot longline or 30 foot longline depending on the skills of the dog and how wide & busy the trail is.

Pro Tip: Choose a leash length that gives room to sniff but not so long it becomes a trip hazard.

The longer leash allows dogs to move at a different speed than us slower humans and allows them to reach more of the amazing smells they are after. Check out this video from a recent Group Walk to see Belle, Libby and Lana enjoying the trail on a longline.

2. Let Them Sniff and Explore

Sniffing is more than fun—it’s mentally enriching and relaxing for your dog. Just like we enjoy taking in the views, dogs explore their world through scent. Give them time to investigate logs, leaf piles, and new smells.

When we allow our dogs to sniff in nature areas, we let them find natural reinforcement! Sure we can & should take some treats on the hike, especially for emergencies. However the scents in most natural environments are going to be way more reinforcing to most dogs then food. If I'm going to give my dogs treats on the trail, I'm likely going to toss it on the ground to encourage them to sniff a specific area, or more importantly away from an area they may want but we don't want them to have.  

Remember: It’s a hike with your dog, not a march. Let them set the pace sometimes! Generally they want to go faster than us but when they find something good and want to stop, we should stop and wait for them to enjoy the spot.

3. Pack Trail Snacks and Water

Bring a collapsible water bowl and extra water for both of you. Dehydration can sneak up fast, especially on sunny days. I tend to pick walking trails by water sources so that I don't have to carry as much with me. I also keep a thermos of water in the car so there is cool water waiting for us when we get back to the car. Our walks are generally less than an hour long so a sports water bottle and a collapsible bowl is generally enough. I also teach my dog how to drink water out of my hand and squeezed through a sports cap. 

A few high-value treats or trail-friendly snacks help with motivation and reinforcing good behavior on the go. While I don't use very many treats on the trail, a high value treat is great when and emergency or something scary pops up. Treats can also be tossed away from you and your dog if an off leash dog heads your way. 

 

4. Watch for Hazards

Roots, rocks, burrs, sharp sticks, and even stinging insects can be a hazard. Keep an eye on your pup’s paws. I keep a few simple first aid supplies in my treat bag and a larger first aid kit in the car. I tend to need these supplies more than my dog due to my frequent falls, but no one wants to leave a blood trail all the way back to the car. 

Take breaks often and check for foxtails, thorns, and pests such as ticks! Where we live, ticks are unavoidable so a preventative is a must and regular tick checks along the way are important. We do not have poisonous snakes to deal with, but these can be deadly in some areas. Take a look around your area for hazards that are more common in your area. Even water can be hazardous due to poisonous algae and the creatures that live in it.

Quick Check: Is your dog panting hard, lagging behind, or looking for shade? Time for a break. Dehydration and heat distress can quickly become major issues if we do not notice the early warning signs.

5. Share the Trail with Courtesy

Step aside for faster-moving trail users, and use cues like “sit” or “stay” to help your dog calmly observe others passing by. Azul has a "Stay on your side" cue that tells him to ignore what's coming and keep walking forward on the side of the trail he is on. Belle is still working on this so when distractions come towards us, I will typically call her back to me asking her to heel or stay with me as the distraction passes.

If another dog approaches, give space and avoid tight greetings unless both dogs are relaxed and the owners are on board. As a rule, we are not greeting dogs we meet on the trail unless it is someone I recognize. We try to give enough space between us that all dogs feel safe, calm & happy. If that is not possible, that is when the tasty treats come out!

Not every trail dog wants to make friends—and that’s okay! Remember some dogs may appear as if they want to greet as they pull their human towards the other dog and some dogs may be loud, barky beasts even when they are really friendly. 

Most owners are doing the best they can, so try not to cast judgement if their manners are not perfect. We all are on our own training journey with our dogs. Unsolicited advice rarely goes over well!

6. Leave No Trace—Yes, Even Poop

Pick up after your dog every time. Yes, even on backcountry trails. Dog waste carries harmful bacteria that can contaminate water and harm local ecosystems. If there’s no bin, double-bag it and carry it out.

Trail rules: Take only pictures, leave only footprints!

There are lots of cute poo bag holders out there that will clip to your leash or your beltloop. Treat it as a an accessory that is as important as your cell phone and keys.  Don't leave home without it!

 

7. Choose Dog-Friendly Trails

Not all trails are created equal! Consider:

• Distance & incline (based on your dog’s fitness level)
• Shade and water access
• Rules around dogs (on- vs. off-leash)
• Trail surfaces—avoid hot or sharp terrain

Most trails near me require the dog to be on leash. State laws require a leash or under verbal control at all times. This means your dog should not be approaching strangers without permission.

Trails that are off the beaten path are generally more likely to be pet friendly. Big tourist areas that have heavy foot traffic may not be pet friendly or have stricter requirements for dogs. Most beaches are not pet friendly, but may have a a pet area at one end of the beach. 

Unless your dog is a task trained service dog, do not take them on a trail that is not pet-friendly! And if your dog is a service dog, check with the local rangers or DNR to see if there are protected species nearby that your dog may put in jeopardy by taking your dog on the trail. 

Make It a Joyful Adventure

Above all, hiking should be fun—for both ends of the leash! If you're not having fun, chances are your dog is not either! You should enjoy your time in nature, away from constantly checking your phone or stressing about household chores. Bring curiosity, patience, and a sense of adventure. When you tune into your dog’s needs and support their comfort, hiking becomes a shared experience that builds trust and deepens your bond.

If you are stressed by your dog's behavior on the trail check out our Leash Manners E-Book, the "Creating a Leash You Love" Workshop, or schedule an appointment for a full Behavior Evaluation & Training Planning.

Ready to hit the trail with the Yooper Paws Group Walks?

Email me to get the latest schedule at yooperpaws@gmail.com