Hiking with your Hound

Supply list:

• Flat buckle collar, with current I.D. tag attached
• Limited slip/martingale collar*
• 6 ft. flat leash (no flexi-leads). Leashes cannot be longer than 6 feet.
• Gentle Leader or Halti head collar for dogs that are “pullers”**
• Water bowl, collapsible preferred***
• Bottled water (at least two 16 oz. bottles per hike)
• Small bag of favorite treats
• Tick preventative (recommended-Frontline)
• Sunscreen for white dogs. White dogs are in danger of developing melanoma, just like people. This is available at Canyon Lake Veterinary Hospital.

*A limited slip/martingale collar has an extra piece on it that is attached to the leash. The extra piece is a loop that tightens the collar when the dog pulls on the leash, similar to a traditional choke-chain type collar. This is a flat collar that can be worn by the dog at all times if the dog is supervised. If the pet is not under supervision, this collar should be taken off, as it can become caught on a fence, crate door or even another dogs’ collar. These collars are available at PetSmart, PAWS, and Pet Pantry. Choke chain collars will NOT be used for this class.

**A “Puller” is a dog of any size that exhibits the following:

• Strains at the leash at any time while on a walk
• Coughs and/or wheezes due to pulling
• Can not be held back by the handler
• Jumps up on people or other dogs
• These dogs are the ones that take YOU for a walk, you don’t walk them!
• Gentle Leaders or Halti head collars can be purchased at most pet stores including PetSmart, PAWS and Pet Pantry. Gentle Leader systems are also sold at Canyon Lake Veterinary Hospital.

*** These are nylon containers that can be purchased at PetSmart and at PAWS

First-Aid kit. This will be addressed during the learning session. Please wait to purchase any first aid items until after the session.

OPTIONAL: Pack. Unless you already have a pack for your dog, please wait until after the learning session to purchase this.

HANDLERS:

Comfortable hiking shoes/boots. Waterproof is better. If you don’t already own hiking shoes/boots, purchase them in advance of the class and wear them for a few days prior to the class. You should not have to “break in” footwear, but it’s always good to become accustomed to the feel of a new boot before you wear them for several hours on a trail. If your shoes/boots are not comfortable in the store when you try them on, keep shopping! Also, wear the same socks that you will wear on the trail when you go shopping. ( A good sock is one that provides some cushion on the sole of the foot and is long enough to reach above the top of your boot by a couple of inches).

Back pack. This should be a day pack that will hold your lunch, water for you and your dog, a first aid kit for you and your dog, your camera and your jacket. Comfort is very important! If your backpack straps cut into your armpits or are too big or too small, your hiking experience will be unpleasant.

Sunscreen/insect repellent.

First-Aid kit. The usual items—band-aids of various sizes, antibiotic ointment, Tylenol,etc.

Hat/jacket. A baseball type hat and a light jacket. The jacket should be one that you can shed and put in your backpack when the day gets warmer.

Water. At least two 16 oz bottles of water for you and two for your dog (4 total). We will discuss the dangers of stream water at the learning session.

Lunch. A lunch for you that is trail compatible. All baggies, napkins, wrappers, etc. will come home with you.

Camera. Bring your camera! You will be given the opportunity to share your digital photos with your fellow hikers on a common site.

Binoculars. Optional, but you just never know what we might see!