By Dawn Celapino
March 22, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) –Spring is a great time of year. Flowers are in bloom, the weather is beautiful, and there are a lot of great places to go hiking with your dog in San Diego County.
The following are important things to consider when hiking with your dog:
1/ Your dog needs to build up their endurance just as a person does. So please don’t take fido on a 10 mile hike the first time out!
2/ Check the rules of the trails, dogs are not allowed on all trails. For example, they are not allowed on the trails in most state parks.
3/ Remember that your dog does not wear shoes, check your dogs paws often for burrs, rocks or foxtails. Also check for cracked pads as some dogs have sensitive feet.
4/ WATER! Don’t forget it! You AND your dog need adequate water. Don’t wait until your dog is panting to give him some, keep him well hydrated.
5/ Be careful—there are coyotes and mountain lions in our nearby canyons. In the spring and summer months, rattlesnakes are on the trails as well. Keep your dog leashed and near you for safety reasons.
6/ And as always—be a responsible parent and please pick up after your dog!
If you are not sure where to hike or are afraid to do so alone, Leash Your Fitness does a hike series that is lead by a Wilderness First Aid/Pet First Aid certified person that will help you with building the endurance for you and your dog. Each month the hike gets a little longer or tougher to help you and your dog with your fitness.
For more information please visit www.LEASHYOURFITNESS.com
Dawn Celapino is a fitness trainer with www.LeashYourFitness.com. She has taught yoga, kickboxing, boot camp & sculpting classes in corporate, outdoor & residential settings. Dawn loves to run, hike, mountain & road bike, kayak, swim, surf, & yoga. As long as her Cairn Terrier, Jack, is with her, she is happy.
Comments
Dogs are a great added
Dogs are a great added protection for women alone on hikes too.
True - too bad Chelsea King didn't have a large dog with her....
Perhaps a rottweiler or German Shepherd at her side might've made her attacker think twice.
Though having a dog isn't a fool proof means of self protection....as OJ's ex-wife learned the hard way.