A Beginner’s Guide to Hiking with Your Dog (What to Pack, Safety & Etiquette)

Taking your dog on a walk is one of life’s simple joys. But taking them on a proper hike—up a fell, along a coastal path, or deep into a forest—is a next-level adventure.

It’s an incredible bonding experience, but it’s not just a “longer walk.”

It requires the right preparation, gear, and knowledge to ensure your four-legged friend is just as safe and happy as you are.

Our 3 dogs Obi, Malc and Pete are all working type breeds and they absolutely love and adventure, and walking many miles.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to get started, from the essential gear to the on-trail rules that every responsible dog owner needs to follow.

Before You Hit the Trail: Is Your Dog Ready?

Before you start planning an epic route, it’s important to make an honest assessment of your dog’s capabilities.

Fitness & Breed

Just like us, dogs need to build up their trail fitness. A six-mile hike over rough terrain is a huge undertaking for a dog that’s used to a 30-minute pavement walk.

Start with shorter, easier trails and gradually increase the distance and difficulty.

Be mindful of your dog’s breed; a Basset Hound will have a very different experience on a rocky scramble than a Border Collie.

Even my Pete, a German Wirehaired Pointer, can struggle to know where his feet are so when with him I avoid rocky terrain. But then the Working Cocker Spaniel can fly around most areas.

Age

Be very cautious with puppies. Long, strenuous hikes can damage their developing joints.

Similarly, senior dogs may have arthritis or other conditions that make challenging trails painful. Always go at their pace.

Vet Check-up

If you’re planning your first big hike, it’s always a good idea to have a quick check-up with your vet to ensure your dog is fit and healthy for the adventure ahead.

Your Dog’s Essential Hiking Kit: What to Pack

You have your own backpack, but your canine companion needs their own set of essentials.

A Well-Fitted Harness: A harness is much safer and more comfortable for your dog on uneven terrain than a standard neck collar. It gives you better control and avoids putting strain on their neck if they pull or stumble.

A Sturdy Lead (and a Spare): A good-quality, non-retractable lead is essential for all the times you’ll need it (which we’ll cover in a moment). A spare lead in your pack is a great backup in case one breaks.

Water & a Collapsible Bowl: This is the number one essential. Dogs can’t sweat like we do and get dehydrated much faster.

Never assume there will be safe, drinkable water on the trail. Carry at least as much water for your dog as you do for yourself, and have a lightweight, collapsible bowl for them to drink from easily.

Poo Bags (Lots of Them): There is no “poo fairy” on a mountain. As we’ll see in our etiquette section, means everything gets packed out. Bring more bags than you think you’ll need.

Dog-Specific First Aid Kit: You should already be carrying an essential hiking first aid kit for yourself.

Your dog’s kit can be an addition to this and should include items like a tick remover, paw wax for sore pads, and any specific medications they need.

High-Energy Snacks: Just like you, your dog is burning extra calories. Bring some of their favourite high-energy treats to keep their spirits and energy levels up on the trail.

A Towel (for the car): This isn’t for the trail itself, but you’ll be incredibly glad you have it. No matter the weather, a dog will find the muddiest bog or the wettest stream. A towel in the boot of the car is a post-hike lifesaver.

Trail Safety & Etiquette: Being a Responsible Owner

This is the most important part of hiking with a dog in the UK. Our access to the countryside is a privilege, and following these rules is non-negotiable.

1. Livestock & The Countryside Code

This is the golden rule. Our beautiful walking landscapes are also working farms.

• Always put your dog on a short lead near farm animals. No exceptions. Even the most well-behaved dog can be seen as a threat, which can cause sheep (especially pregnant ewes) or cattle to panic and injure themselves.
• A farmer is legally entitled to protect their livestock, which can have tragic consequences for your dog.
• This is a core part of the UK Countryside Code, which is the essential rulebook for all UK walkers.

For those scared of walking through cow fields with ther dogs you can read our guide at: Walking Through Cow Fields With Dogs and What To do

2. Poo & Leave No Trace

The Leave No Trace principle is simple: “Pack It In, Pack It Out.”

• Bag It, Bin It: You must pick up your dog’s poo, every single time.
• Carry it With You: Do not leave the filled bag on the side of the trail, even if you “plan to get it on the way back.” This is littering. Carry it with you until you find a proper bin, which is often back at the car park. A double-wrapped bag or a “poo pot” (a hard-sided container) can help with the smell.
• Why? Dog faeces can transmit diseases to wildlife and livestock and pollute water sources.

3. Respect Wildlife

• Keep your dog under close control, especially on open moorland or coastal paths during bird nesting season (typically March-July). Ground-nesting birds are incredibly vulnerable.
• Don’t let your dog chase rabbits, squirrels, or other wildlife.

4. Other Walkers & Dogs

Remember that not everyone loves dogs, and not all other dogs on the trail are friendly.

• Always be courteous. If you see other walkers approaching, bring your dog in close and put them on a lead if necessary.
• Never let your dog run up to strangers or other dogs without asking first.

5. Know the Hazards

• Heatstroke: This is a serious and often fatal risk. Dogs can’t handle heat as well as we can. On warm days, plan your walk for early morning or late evening, choose a route with plenty of shade and water, and know the signs of heatstroke. For more details, read our full guide on looking after your dog in hot weather.
• Ticks: After any walk, especially through long grass or bracken, check your dog (and yourself) for ticks.
• Adders: In the warmer months, be aware of adders (the UK’s only venomous snake). Keep your dog on the path and if they are bitten, seek veterinary help immediately.

Conclusion: A Shared Adventure

Hiking with your dog is one of the most rewarding experiences you can have. It just requires a bit of extra thought and preparation.

By packing the right gear and, most importantly, being a responsible and considerate owner, you’re not just ensuring a great day out for you and your companion—you’re helping to protect the trails and ensure they stay open and welcoming for everyone.

Many of our guided walks are very dog friendly too!