Originally Posted by
Gambit McCrae
Pre Disclaimer** My post may sound negative, sorry in advance - I am in no way telling you to not do things with your dog, this is just my personal opinion
Taking a dog anywhere (IMO) is a nuisance. It is a nuisance for me, and when me needs time to shower, or run in the store, now the dog is a nuisance to whom ever I have to ask to watch him for me. He also becomes a nuisance when he is barking, and others can hear him.
Those things being said, if you are going solo then your options are to ask others to sit with the dog while you shower, go in the store etc.
The dog should be able to carry a small backpack (After 1 year old)- I have seen many on the trail, beagles even. One thing that will help is to purchase food that is for work dogs. This will allow you to pack less dog food per day, and get more out of the food you pack.
To protect the tent floor buy a piece of tyvek and cut it to the shape of your tent floor. a little Velcro square in each corner and your good to go. I put my dog in my vestibule while I sleep. That way when he decides he's gotta take a big ol explosive crap in the middle of the night, at least its not splatting on my head (talking from 1700 miles with a dog experience here)
Your "anything else I need to know" clause:
Your hiking your dogs hike, He is not hiking yours. Your trip will revolve around yes no answers that directly relate to what the dog can or can not do, or where he can and can not go.
Check the dogs pads after every peak, different terrains can shred a dogs pads in only a couple miles.
Understand that not everyone wants to pet, play with, babysit or have your dog beg for their food while they are eating dinner.
People do not want a dog, especially a "silly" dog, in the shelter with their $200 sleeping pad, or their $500 down bag, or any of their other stuff. Dogs like to burry and nest, and they LOVE doing it on pads and in sleeping bags when no one is watching.
Understand that by you saying "oh don't worry he doesn't bite" does not automatically earn the trust of all hikers. (How often I have heard that, and then as I go to pet said nice dog, it growls and snaps)
Post Disclaimer** A lot of folks troll the dog forum here to just tell people "leave your dog at home" - - That is not my purpose even tho my post may sound harsh, it is really just the facts of hiking with a dog. Have a great time with your pup!