I will be hiking northbound from springer Mtn and doing the first 109 miles at the end of September. This is my first section attempt of the AT to see if i really like it, because id like to do the whole thing one day! I am soloish. I will be hiking with my service dog. We have been training on trails here in Fl and doing good. He is adapting to trail etiquette pretty well so far. I plan for us to stay in a tent the whole time as to not disturb the shelters. we are very good at LNT He has only barked more than once at a hog and at a gator, both quickly moved along, but they were single solitary animals. I have heard people talk of packs of wild hogs/boars attacking dogs and bears. I'm not paranoid, I just really want to be prepared and know what to do so I don't panic (which we all know can be worse) And here's where my questions begin.....
Hogs- Will hogs attack my dog? Only if he barks at them? How do we avoid a pack of hogs in the event there is one? What do I do in the event hogs attack my dog?
Bears- Will bears attack my dog on the AT? Has this happened? If he barks will they charge us and/ or attack? If we see a bear, how can we avoid him/ how can I get my dog to back away as apposed to turning around? If he barks and alerts the bear, can we still back away safely? What do I do if a bear charges and/ or attacks my dog/me?
Food- Do I need to store my dogs food in a bear bag and hang it as well? I have read books about long hikes with dogs and them losing their apatite, is there anything you can recommend to prevent this or ways to get them to eat?
Parasites- I have heard frontline is the best for fleas, ticks, and Mosquitos but would you recommend something better? Are there other parasites to worry about? If so, what and how to i prevent them or combat them? I will be filtering his water as well, so no worries about water parasites.
Ok, I think that is it so far for questions with my dog! I appreciate any, and all advice