Getting Outdoors with your Dog

Check out our interview with Camping Pet on “How to train your dog for adventure activities”

We asked mountain guide and dog owner Jon Asher for some advice on backpacking and canoeing with dogs. Jon has been a guide for over ten years and owns Wild Mountain Online, which is a specialty shop that has a unique mix of outdoor gear for people and dogs. He offers some valuable advice for novice and experienced dog hikers.

1. Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I have been in the outdoor business since 1991. I owned a rafting company for about ten years then got into the outdoor retail business. I continue to work as a rafting, hiking, and snowshoeing guide with my wife, Janet. We spend our free time outdoors hiking, camping, river rafting, canoeing, snowshoeing, and cross country skiing. Everything we do is with our dogs, Rio and Lily.

2. What advice would you give a dog owner who wants to start backpacking with their dog?

Get a comfortable pack for your dog prior to leaving on the trip. Start with short excursions and build up the miles. Use booties and healing paw wax to help their paws stay healthy.

3. How do you fit a dog for a backpack?

Most packs are fitted by length from neck to start of the tail, and the girth or widest measurement around the dog’s chest. Don’t oversize the pack because you need them to carry more. Put treats in the new pack and make it fun to wear. READ MORE