I agree with the muzzle, though it’s easy to make one out of other materials such as glaze wrap or a bandana in a pinch. I’ve hiked with my dogs in some of the remotest landscapes in the US (Alaska off trail, Central Idaho, etc) as well as more technical hikes (class 2+ and easy class 3 climbs) and still have never felt the need for a harness even hiking solo with a 70 lb GSD. If you feel you need it then by all means bring it, but I wouldn’t say it is mandatory for everyone.

That’s a great idea! I always feel like I’m forgetting something for the dogs on day hikes and having a go bad would probably help with that.

Prima also likes to bring toys sometimes too!

Good point that some may use it this way! Just always be sure to buy a quality product if that’s it’s intended use and be careful that you don’t get hurt in the process of trying to save your dog

@@TheMostImportantStep Of course! :) My dogs are smaller so I have been able to save them easily! lol We use Pupia harnesses and also have used the PS+ brand from Pet Supplies Plus here in the southern US. Cheers and safe hiking!!

Yes, i agree. we also use a harness when hiking in mountains/ but it has to fit properly, so our girl (always puppy😆) doesn't get hurt when trying to save her.

Good point, there are certainly a lot of uses for harnesses also including preventing Houdini dogs from getting away. I was primarily addressing the most common reasons I see people ask for harness recommendations for in a hiking specific situation

Yes! Also the gear can be so different depending on hiking style and where someone is hiking! I would hate to tell someone they need a piece of gear that wouldn’t be helpful where they hike or with the dog they have

@@TheMostImportantStep So true!

Definitely a good tip! I had a vet suggest using gauze wrap (or similar) to make a muzzle in an emergency, which is why I don’t personally carry one

I feel your pain as Prima can be pretty direct with trying to tell strange dogs that she isn’t interested in saying hi. My suggestion would be to try to set your dog up for success by choosing trails or areas where you live where you can get far enough away from the other dogs that Bandit stays calm. This might be a pretty big distance at first! When he is calm, reward him with something really high in value (treat, toy, etc). Over time you guys can make the distance smaller and smaller until you are right off of the trail, but this might take awhile. Other things that can help is teaching some sort of watch or focus command. This is known as an incompatible behavior because he can’t watch you and watch the other dogs at the same time. I do this with my dog by having her touch my hand in command. You could also try going to some training classes, doing agility or nosework will help him get used to focusing on you around other dogs too! Hope this is helpful!

@@TheMostImportantStep thanks! I’ll have to try that,

Some people use hands free leashes or clip the leash to the hip belt of whatever backpack you are using. Then you will likely need to spend time training your dog to consistently walk in front of you or behind you. I would think that behind wold be easier. I’m generally not a fan of retractable leashes, but if your dog is well trained and behaved that could be a tool to help minimize tangling

Thank you so much for the feedback! I haven’t officially announced it yet, but too will be thru-hiking the CDT this year. Prima, Skittles, and I will be heading SOBO, maybe we will see you on the trail! My plan is to mail boxes for Montana before I leave and cache some food in MT & WY on the drive up to the border from Denver. About once a month I’ll be ordering more dog food and have it delivered to a friend, hostel, etc. Once I get to where that food is, I’ll make dog resupply boxes for the next month or so and mail them out. Alternatively, if you have a good support system at home you could have family or friends send you boxes either to every town or just the small general store type towns. Another option would be to feed puppy food as it is high in calories and you can usually find a few bags in even the smallest town stores. I’m planning to feed a sport dog food (hence the mailing), but my vet did give the okay to feed puppy food so it is actually a valid option! Hope that is helpful and best of luck on your trek! Are you heading NOBO or SOBO?

@@TheMostImportantStep Oh wow, that’s awesome y’all are doing the CDT also! I’m headed NOBO so we just might pass each other. Caching food would be a great idea. I live in SC, so for this trail I couldn’t do that logistically. But I’m definitely going to keep that in mind for future trails. I also never thought about puppy food. It does make sense with it being a calorie dense food. Thank you for the tips and I hope all goes well with your start.

Definitely! Happy trails and see you out there 😁

do not leave the poop. ever. you would be amazed how it adds up with more and more people hiking and bringing dogs. dog poop can have parasites and can contaminate waterways.

check out the OUTSIDE Podcast, lots of interesting info/stories, an excellent one about poop in nature, human and dog poop

Hmmm, I’ve been thinking about it for the last few days and I’m guessing that most pre packaged meals are higher in sodium. If you guys like meal prepping maybe making some of your own meals for her would be a good option. The other thing that is nice about the AT is that the distance between town are a bit shorter than the trails in the west. This makes it easier to pack out fresh food for the first day or two which could help as well! Hope that’s somewhat helpful!

@@TheMostImportantStep yup your right. It is easier on the AT to get fresh foods out on the trail. Hey I hit you up on the Far Out app. We also met up with another through hiker and helped him re up his supply. He was so down to earth. His trail name is “alright alright” lol. Like Matthew Maconhey says lol. We did an interview with him for the podcast I started. You can listen to it anywhere you get your podcasts. It’s called Secret Circus Podcast. Episode 13 “through hikers.” Great kid. Great interview. Any plans on through hiking the entire AT? I’m knocking it out in 2024

That’s super exciting that you’re planning to hike the AT again and good luck with your podcast! The AT is definitely on my list, but further down. I have some routes out in the west that I’d like to hike first.