If you know me, then you know I rarely ride without Juniper, my shaggy little trail dog sidekick. She has trekked several thousand miles over her six years of life , most notably walking the entire way when I rode from Las Vegas to Carson City. I can’t imagine riding without a dog. But while I love having Juniper along for adventures, to be honest, it is not always easy. If you are thinking about bringing your pup on a trail ride, there are some things that you should consider.
The Good and the Bad
Dogs can serve an important safety role on the trail. They see and smell things that we cannot, which makes them a great alert system when there is something potentially dangerous in the environment. Their presence can be a deterrent to wild animals. Many times I have asked Juniper to move off territorial wild horses or ornery bulls on the trail. If you ride and horse camp solo like I do, the presence of a dog can make you feel safer. Especially at night, I know that no person or animal is going to sneak up on our tent without Juniper letting me know.
But, there are a lot of downsides to dogs on the trail too. You may be limited on where you can ride because some equestrian trails have leash laws or don’t allow dogs at all. The horse-friendly Fay-Luther Trail in Carson Valley, for example, does not allow off leash dogs certain months of the year to protect wildlife. National Parks are notoriously strict about dogs on trails.
Dogs require extra logistics. You’ll need to consider the temperature – maybe you can ride when it’s a sunny 85 degrees but some dogs might overheat. Is there water on the trail or do you need to carry extra water in your saddlebags? What is the plan if your dog gets injured and can’t walk? Also consider that dogs are distracting on the trail. You’ve got to keep an eye on them so that’s less time for you to be focused on riding and enjoying the trail.
Consider Breed and Size
It’s important to think about what the dog was bred for when considering if it will make a good trail companion. Some dogs were bred to work closely alongside humans, so they tend to be more biddable and have a natural inclination to stay close to their person. Other dogs were bred to work independently, so they can be less likely to listen. (*cough huskies cough*) Sighthounds (greyhounds, salukis, borzois, etc.) and scenthounds (beagles, bloodhounds, basenjis, etc.) have great endurance but very strong prey drives.
Not all dogs are physically suited for the trail life. Overly large or small breeds generally lack the stamina, joint health, or respiratory function to travel long miles. Small flat-faced breeds (pugs, bulldogs, Boston terriers, etc.) have difficulty breathing and can overheat easily. Large breeds (mastiffs, German shepherds, Great Danes) are prone to joint issues, which can be exacerbated by rigerous exercise.
There’s a reason a lot of equestrians tend to lean toward the herding breeds like border collies, heelers, Australian shepherds, etc. These breeds are smart, hearty, and have a tendency to be “Velcro” dogs. Labradors, Retrievers, and Dalmatians also can make for good trail dogs. Despite their small size, Jack Russell Terriers are also popular because they can easily ride along in the saddle!
Training, Practice, and More Training
No matter what breed you decide to take on the trail, it is crucial that they are trained. Unless you are carrying the dog in the saddle, they will be on the ground off leash. A good off leash trail dog must be obedient and have good recall. They should stick close to you and your horse, listen to verbal commands, and not be inclined to chase. In addition to wildlife, you may also encounter hikers, bicyclists, dog walkers, etc. Your dog should not run up to any of them. If that means getting out of the saddle to temporarily leash your dog, then do so.
It’s important for trail dogs to know: come, leave it, wait, go ahead/behind, drink water and/or get in the water. On the trail is not the time to try to teach these things. Work on these skills at home or in a class with a professional, then slowly start to introduce them on the trail. Your dog should also know how to avoid getting stepped on by a horse, meaning they should walk under them. Unfortunately, sometimes this is a lesson that takes getting stepped on a time or two to learn.
Personally, I also train my dog to ride in the saddle in case of an emergency. She can be picked up and put in the saddle, and she knows how to balance herself once we’re moving. This can be a lifesaver in situations where the dog is unable to walk for some reason. Of course, you’ll also need to train your horse to allow a dog to be in the saddle too. Don’t wait for an emergency to try this for the first time!
Come Prepared and Ride Safe
Ready to hit the trail with your well-trained dog? Make sure they have a safe and enjoyable experience by packing the right gear for them. Here is a list of some of the things that I carry in the saddlebags for my dog:
- Extra water
- A collapsible bowl or container to drink out of
- Leash
- Treats/kibble
- Boots (Ruffwear makes good ones, but there are other companies. I only carry one for emergencies, but some people like their dogs to wear them all the time.)
- Electrolytes (Yes, there are specifically dog electrolytes and they can be a lifesaver when desert riding.)
- Tick remover/tweezers
- Poop bags
Also, make sure your dog is wearing a collar with identification! Take water breaks often and keep an eye on your dog’s stamina throughout the ride to make sure they aren’t over exerting themselves. Just as we are attuned to our horses during a ride, we need to stay attuned to our loyal trail dogs.
