Thinking About Taking Your Dog on a Fall Hike? Here’s What You’ll Need!
With the weather cooling off, the leaves changing, and your dog’s endless energy, have you been thinking about going on a hike together? Maybe there’s a park or trail you’ve been eyeing for months, wondering if your pup would enjoy exploring it too. Taking your dog out to sniff new surroundings, potentially meet other people or dogs (something to keep in mind when picking your spot!), and enjoy the fresh air can be a fantastic way to exercise, enrich, and bond with your pup. Let’s talk about the gear that will make your day out even better!
The Right Collar and Harness
Start with a well-fitted collar and harness - two essentials for hiking with your dog. Flat collars are the most common and comfortable for everyday wear. You’ll often find them made of nylon, leather, or most recently, Biothane, which is waterproof, durable, and easy to clean. If you’re someone who prefers a quieter collar, many options offer embroidered or engraved details to avoid the jingle of tags. But if you love the charm of fun tags, there are so many cute options to choose from! I can easily spend hours browsing Etsy for the perfect font and design that matches each of my dog’s personalities.
Here are some shops I’ve personally bought from:
Customized Collars: Marityn Dog
Stylish Collars: The Oxford Dog and A Joyful Bird
Fun Tags: Colorwin, Rebel Tags, or Castor and Noble—all of these shops offer gorgeous, customizable tags!
Harnesses for Adventure
A comfortable, well-fitting harness is essential for any outdoor adventure. Most harnesses are made from nylon, polyester, mesh, or cotton and come in a variety of styles to suit your dog’s needs.
I’m a huge fan of Ruffwear harnesses for outdoor adventures. They’re durable, well-made, and seem to fit almost every dog I’ve tried them on. My own pups love their Ruffwear Front Range harnesses, and they’re perfect for our hikes!
If you’re looking for something a bit lighter, I highly recommend the Blue-9 Balance Harness. It’s adjustable, comfortable, and even has a buckle on the neck, which is perfect for dogs who aren’t fans of having a harness pulled over their head.
Don’t Forget the Long Line!
A long line gives your dog extra space to explore and sniff around while still being safe. My absolute favorite long lines are from High Tail Hikes. Their Biothane leashes are top-notch! I’ve been using their 20-foot line for years, and it’s held up wonderfully. (Bonus: If you shop through this post, you’ll get 10% off your purchase!)
Extras for the Road
Be sure to bring along some essentials:
Water & a Collapsible Bowl: Hydration is key, even in cooler weather!
Bags: Always be ready for clean-up.
A Towel: Perfect if your dog is a swimmer or loves splashing in puddles.
Layered Gear for Your Dog: Temperatures can drop quickly, especially in the morning or late afternoon. A lightweight, breathable dog jacket can help keep them cozy if it gets chilly.
Tick Protection: Even in cooler weather, ticks can still be active in wooded areas. Make sure your dog’s flea and tick prevention is up to date, and consider bringing a tick remover tool just in case.
Pet First Aid Kit: A small pet first aid kit with bandages, tweezers, and antiseptic wipes is great for handling any unexpected scrapes or paw injuries.
New Jersey is full of beautiful hiking spots that are perfect for leaf-peeping this season! Take in the fall colors, breathe in the crisp air, and enjoy the quality time with your dog.
Happy hiking!
These 3 are always up for a fun weekend on the trails. Look at those smiles!
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