UrbanAnimal

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Dear UrbanAnimal,

My six-year-old Labrador retriever, Tristan, and I are looking forward to long hikes and camping together this summer. Tristan was a rescue dog that I adopted from a shelter in December and although he's healthy and has lots of energy, he's always been a city dog, walked on-leash on sidewalks. I want to take him hiking off-leash. Any advice before we hit the trails?

Ursula

Dear Ursula,

Tristan is one lucky dog. Walking on-leash on city sidewalks versus hiking off-leash through the woods, sounds like a good trade and I'm sure most dogs would jump at the chance to hit the great outdoors. Fresh air, lots of exercise and the tantalizing scents of flora and fauna. And it's a whole new way for you to bond with Tristan while allowing him to discover his dogness.

All dogs can hike, regardless of their breed, age or physique, but some, such as retrievers, setters, collies and other "outdoorsy" types are genetically programmed to cover long distances and navigate challenging terrain. Dogs that are smaller in stature, elderly, overweight or otherwise compromised can hike too, but owners need to tailor the type and length of hike to each dog's capabilities.

A Labrador retriever like Tristan is built for the job but a breed such as a bulldog, for example, will be better suited to shorter hikes on flat terrain with more frequent rest stops.

Don't pack your tent just yet.

We're just emerging from a long winter and many dogs have succumbed to couch potato status over the past few months. Now is the time to take a look at Tristan's daily exercise schedule and plan to get him (and you) into the well-oiled hiking machines you know you are.

First and foremost book an appointment with Tristan's veterinarian. Yes, I know, everyone who reads this column must groan when reading my constant "Visit your vet" rants. But even perfectly healthy dogs like Tristan need regular vet checks plus extra checks prior to embarking on physically demanding pastimes such as hiking or any other activity that requires a sound, healthy body.

Tell your veterinarian about your plans and he or she will concentrate on issues such as heart health, body weight and general physical condition.

When he's given a clean bill of health, slowly increase his exercise sessions and begin taking him to locations that allow him off-leash. If he's not reliable on recall (comes to you when called), start working on obedience commands. Think porcupines, skunks and other wildlife. The idea is to spend the day reveling in nature, not cooling your heels at the emergency clinic while Tristan undergoes painful quill extraction.

And I don't know of any car deodorizer that effectively removes the fresh scent of "eau du skunk" after a happy day of hiking. An obedient dog is in everyone's best interest and the wildlife will thank you for it, too.

If you're planning to have Tristan carry a doggie backpack during your hikes, you'll want him to get used to the idea now. Many pet supply stores will soon have their spring stock of backpacks and other doggie outdoor accessories available and it's best to choose one as soon as possible and let Tristan become accustomed to it by wearing it around the house and on your daily walks. If a doggie backpack is in your plans, ask your veterinarian to recommend the type of pack best suited to his physique and the amount of weight he should be expected to carry.

There are a growing number of companies offering group hiking trips for dogs and their owners. Even if you plan to hike alone in the future, organized outings can be a great way to discover new trails and meet new friends. One popular group, Dog Paddling Adventures, organizes dog hikes along with paddling, camping and snowshoeing adventures for dogs and people of all types and skill level. Check them out at www.dogpaddlingadventures.com.

E-mail jacque-newman@rogers.com with a question, comment or suggestion.