EXPLORING THE BENEFITS OF HIKING WITH DOGS

We all know hiking is a wonderful outdoor activity that offers many physical, mental, and emotional benefits. For many of us, the hiking experience can be elevated to new heights when embarking on these adventure and enjoying the outdoors with our four-legged kids. 

Not only does it deepens the bond between human and their fur-babies, but also provides a number of advantages for both. Check out our clips on these benefits 

Mental Health and Stress Reduction

One of the main reasons I hike is for a good mental health balance. It's easy to enjoy the beauty of nature and peace that the outdoors can bring. All of this is even better when enjoyed with our canine companions and the perfect antidote to stress and anxiety. 

Did you know that spending time in the outdoors can reduce cortisol levels and promote the release of endorphins? Just sharing the outdoors space with my dog gives me emotional support and a great sense of comfort and security.  

Physical Fitness and Exercise

Perhaps the most apparent benefit of them all is physical activity. Most dogs are by nature active, very energetic and thrive on regular exercise. Hiking provides dogs a wonderful opportunity to run, jump, explore, and zoomie! All which help maintain their overall health. 

Simultaneously, as a dog owner, I too get to reap the benefits of increased physical activity as hiking engages different muscle groups and improves cardiovascular health, helps with weight management and supports maintain endurance  

Sense of Security

As a female hiker, one of the most valuable benefits of hiking with my dog is an enhanced sense of security. Dogs are highly perceptive animals known for their acute senses and protective instincts. Having a canine companion with an extra nose and set of ears and eyes on the trails definitely brings me peace of mind. 

During our hikes, Khai has detected wildlife and other hikers approaching, serving as great alert system before I even see them.  Having a dog during your hikes is also a great way to deter wildlife from approaching, reducing the likelihood of dangerous encounters with coyotes, skunks, and with proper training, even rattlesnakes. 

The sense of security has been very comforting to me, especially when exploring remote or unfamiliar areas, completely transforming the hiking experience to a more relaxed and enjoyable one. 

Bonding and Social Interaction

Hiking is a great way to strengthen the bond between humans and our canine companions and build a stronger connection. Our shared love for adventure and mutual reliance on the trails creates a unique bond between us. 

It is a great way to change the scenery and increase social interaction with other hikers and dogs, if desired. In addition, dogs are great conversation starters and help facilitate connections with fellow outdoors enthusiasts. We have met other hikers with dogs this way, but please remember, not all hikers or dogs want to engage socially while on the trails. Follow social cues and never assume it is okay to pet dogs without permission.

Better Sleep and overall relaxation 

The benefits of hiking certainly extend beyond the trails. Regular physical activity like hiking has been linked to better sleep patterns for both humans and dogs. For humans, physical activity and exposure to natural light has been known to regulate circadian rhythms, making it much easier to fall asleep and enjoy a more restful night. 

For dogs, the physical and mental stimulation during outdoor adventures can be tiring as well. Helping to (in most cases) reduce stress and anxiety and promotive more restful sleep. 

Responsibility and Environmental Awareness

Everyone is responsible to adhere to the Leave No Trace principles.  REI share these principles to be; "plan ahead and prepare, camp and travel on reliable surfaces, dispose of water properly, leave what you find, minimize campfire impacts, respect wildlife, and be considerate of other visitors."

These apply even more so for dog owners who must pick up after themselves and their dogs, ensure their pets do not disturb wildlife or damage natural habitats. These are responsibilities that fosters a deeper respect for the environment and encourages sustainable hiking practices for all. 

So, whether it's a leisurely stroll through the city, a forest hike or a challenging mountain ascent, hiking with dogs is a wonderful adventure that offers countless advantages and creates  beautiful lasting memories.

Sources:

McNicholas, J., & Collis, G. M. (2000). The Impact of Pets on Human Health and Psychological Well-Being: Fact, Fiction, or Hypothesis? Anthrozoös, 13(2), 93-105. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6751071/

Lundberg, N. R., & Miller, J. A. (2016). Evaluation of the Dogs, Physical Activity, and Walking (Dogs PAW) Intervention. Nursing Research, 65(3), 208-218. https://journals.lww.com/nursingresearchonline/abstract/2016/05000/evaluation_of_the_dogs,_physical_activity,_and.4.aspx