Getting out into the woods with a furry friend can be a very enjoyable experience. He is your ‘best’ friend, so why not bring him with you? Whether both of you head out for a day hike or a few days overnight, you should prepare your four-legged friend for your outing.

A canine backpack can be helpful for you and your pet, and inside you can store his food and water, a lightweight toy and clean up bags. You can bring your friend with you into most outfitting stores to have him fitted for a backpack – much like a human!

Fido’s food and treats can be stored easily in a ziplock bag inside his pack. His water can be kept in drinking bottles much like you would also bring for yourself. If you prefer, you can carry your pet’s necessities – but it will be much easier on you if he learns to carry it himself.

Don’t forget the toys! A lightweight ball or chewtoy is always a welcome reminder of home for both of you.

If you’re planning a few nights out with your friend for the first time, get him familiar with a tent and sleeping arrangements. Set your tent up in the back yard, let your dog enter it and reward him for time spent inside. Get him used to the idea that you and he will be spending a great deal of time in this new ‘home’. Make sure you bring a sleeping pad specifically for your dog. You will be surprised how many dogs will take to the idea of your new shared shelter.

When hiking short or long-term, he also needs to be familiar with the fact that other people are out in the woods too with backpacks and dogs. Have another friend wear one around him, and bring their dog, too. This conditioning can ensure that your furry friend will be less likely to be frightened by the sight of another hiker.

Dogs need First Aid kits, too. And be sure to keep him out of poison ivy, because you can be sure you will be itching if he gets into it.

One extremely important note: be sure to keep your best friend on a leash at all times. It is very tempting to let him be free to go at his own pace and frolic, but it can be a very bad choice. If your friend is off his leash and chooses to run after a wild animal in unfamiliar territory or over a hill, he can get easily disoriented – and your calls may not bring him back. Other hikers will appreciate the fact that your furry friend is on a leash under your control. Remember, not all humans may like your best friend, no matter how much you love him.

When nature ‘calls’ for your little friend, you’ll need to clean up after him. If they can be discarded in public park areas, use plastic cleanup bags. If you have none available or cannot discard of them easily, do as you would for yourself: dig a good sized ‘cathole’ (ahem) and bury his waste. No other hiker wants to encounter what your leashed friend has left behind.

Hiking with your dog means making sure you bring lots of water for both of you. Remember, he cannot always tell you when he/she is thirsty. So encourage your friend to drink as much clean water as possible during your travels. Have him drink when you drink!

Hiking with your canine companion can be a very rewarding experience for dog and his responsible owner. There are new sights and smells that can be enjoyed by both of you! With proper care, you can both enjoy the outdoors together.