Essential Tips for Hiking With your Dog in California

Discover top tips for hiking with your dog in California this summer. Learn safety tips, etiquette, and tools to conquer the great outdoors with your furry friend!

CALIFORNIA DOG-FRIENDLY TRAVEL: WHAT TO DO

Katie Abendroth

5/12/2024

Read this before hiking with your dog in California this summer!

As the weather warms up and beautiful trails are calling, are you excited to explore the great outdoors by hiking with your dog this summer?

Hiked before, but wanting to increase your distance or geography this summer?

Whether you live in California or just visiting, hiking with your dog by your side can be a great way to bond and exercise. Yet every year, there are news stories about hikers who had emergencies due to lack of preparation or knowledge about the area they were visiting.

In this article, I'll hike through everything you need to know to prepare for a day hike with your canine companion in California this summer.

So if you are visiting the beautiful, expansive hiking trails that California offers, here are 10 top tips about hiking with your dog in California that will make positive memories for a lifetime.

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California: The Ultimate Hiking Destination

First, let's clarify why California is such a great destination for hiking with you dog this summer.

California is an enormous state, bringing visitors from all over the world.

Only when I moved to California did I appreciate the wide range of landscapes and topography you can find here.

Whether you are looking for flat, paved trails, or wanting to hike mountains off the beaten path, you can find them in the Golden State.

Welcoming over 270 million tourist each year, there are countless options for visitors.

However, preparation is one of the most important parts of a successful outdoor adventure. Check out these top tips!

Dog Safety Check

Make sure your dog is physically fit

If you are planning summer hikes with your pup, start training now.

Just as we have to build up endurance for a 5K or strenuous vacation, our dogs do too.

If your dog spends a lot of time at home, practice longer hikes and different terrain as your vacation or day hike approaches.

Hiking shorter segments over rougher terrain will help your pups toughen their paws and increase their cardiovascular endurance.

Recently I took my dog on a 3-mile hike, and had to carry him the last part of the journey. This may not be possible if you have a large dog or are hiking on uneven terrain, so practice now.

Get Proper Dog Hiking Gear

You don't need a ton of hiking gear, but you do need a few essentials if you are going to be out all day.

Most importantly grab a portable dog water bowl to hydrate your furry friend on a hike, like the one pictured here.

Also grab a rugged harness and get your dog used to wearing it, so they don't slip out of a collar at the sight of a squirrel.

Finally, a first aid kit is essential in case your dog has an injury on the trail.

Visit the Vet

Before you travel to California with your dog, visit the vet for a checkup.

Make sure your dog's rabies, parvo, and heartworm/flea/tick prevention are up to date.

Many hotels will require an immunization record for your pet, even if they are dog-friendly hotels, so be sure to get a copy.

Check local weather & regulations

It's easy to find great recommendations for day hikes and camping options for dog owners in California, so map a clear route.

Make sure to check the weather before you head out, especially for heat advisories.

Make sure dogs are allowed on the trail or park you are entering.

Routing Your Trip

Choose trails based on your dog's ability

Carefully map your route and be sure to bring a paper map of your route. There are lots of spots in rural California trails where you will not have any wifi or cell service.

Consider your dog's ability not only for distance but their tolerance for heat and altitude if you are heading to the mountains.

Given the stimulation of a new environment, and allowing time for breaks, plan to hike a shorter distance than your dog would handle at home.

Keep your dog leashed

Your dog will be as excited as you are to explore the great outdoors, but not everyone else is dog-friendly.

Out of respect for other travelers and hikers, keep you dog on a leash. It is required by law and important for your pet's safety.

Trainers recommend a 6-7ft. leash, not a retractable leash that can break or tangle.

Hiking Citizenship

Leave No Trace

Pack in pack out is a common phrase you will see on California trails and beaches.

Always bring doggy poop bags and dispose of all mess properly to preserve the ecosystem you are visiting.

Other Considerations

Practice commands

Think about camping or hiking from your dog's perspective. Sensory Explosion!

Before you leave, practice these commands in different settings with different distractions:

Name recall "Here"
"Leave it"
"Stay"

These commands should be second nature and immediate so practice, practice, practice.

You don't want your dog starting a situationship with that cool black and white striped critter with it's tail up!

Prepare for wildlife

Speaking of striped critters, your dog may encounter wildlife.

Leave wildlife in the wild.

Do NOT try to take selfies with wildlife, let your dog chase animals, or try to "greet" wildlife.

Bears, coyotes, and bobcats are common in California. Be sure to check precautions on wildlife and give them space.

If you are going to an area that has bear sightings, bring bear spray and review precautions.

Protect Paws

Every summer, first responders have to assist with dog rescues. If you have a large dog, you will not be able to carry them down a mountain trail if their paws are blistered or bloody.

If you invest in dog booties, get your dog used to wearing them before you travel.

There are also paw balms you can buy to spread over your pet's paw pads.

Paw booties are recommended for hot or wet distances, or sharp terrain. However, they won't be comfortable right away so get your dog used to them.