Duke's first hike! :)

[TrickyShepherd]

So today, for my birthday.... Will and I took Duke hiking. I haven't been in a really long time due to work, the skin boiling weather here, and just not knowing where good trails were nearby. I used to be an avid hiker when I was younger and in college. After a year or so MIA, I dusted off all my gear, and hit some new trails!

Duke LOVED it!! He was completely in his element. Usually Duke is a more timid, laid back dog. He never goes too far from my side and would rather I go first into new situations. Today... he stayed at the end of his 6ft leash, pulling slightly (which he never does), and his tail wagging like crazy! He loved the bridges, climbing up the hills, and being out in the woods. So happy I have a trail buddy now!

Here's some pictures I got with my phone. (Soon I am buying a new hiking back with room for the DSLR to go along... next time, the pictures will be much better!)
























.... this one I had to sneak into the room for.... which is why it's horrible quality. He was too cute to ignore though.
Duke says all that hiking and outdoor adventures was exhausting!!!

[bryant88]

where did you get that pack?

[Nigel]

Very handsome boy and great looking trail. Why does he wear boots?

[TrickyShepherd]

Originally Posted by bryant88

where did you get that pack?

I got this one from Petsmart about 1.5 years ago. They still have them in blue and pink here. It does the job, especially if it's nothing too straining. We just use it to carry some water, leashes and his little bowl. (Petsmart has some better ones on their website too)

This is the one I really love though (I want to order it soon!):
Singletrak Pack? - Low-Profile Hydration Dog Pack - from Ruffwear

[TrickyShepherd]

Originally Posted by Nigel

Very handsome boy and great looking trail. Why does he wear boots?

Thank you!

We have boots because this trail has a lot of rocks, burs, tree roots, and can be a bit harsh on their paws and footing. Plus the sugar sand here gets hot hot hot!! It'll burn their paws after a little while. It's just to keep his paws safe. Also, ticks are abundant in this area of the woods and the last thing I want is getting them in between his toes. It just makes everything more visible for me.

[bryant88]

Great. Thanks

[Cassidy's Mom]

Awesome pics, looks like a beautiful place to hike, and he's adorable all decked out in his gear!

I'd be careful about putting much weight in that pack, the Outward Hound packs sits pretty far back on the dog. The Ruffwear packs are all designed to carry the weight over the shoulders, not the back, which is safer for the dog. For shorter hikes, where he's not carrying much weight it shouldn't be a big deal though.

[TrickyShepherd]

Originally Posted by Cassidy's Mom

Awesome pics, looks like a beautiful place to hike, and he's adorable all decked out in his gear!

I'd be careful about putting much weight in that pack, the Outward Hound packs sits pretty far back on the dog. The Ruffwear packs are all designed to carry the weight over the shoulders, not the back, which is safer for the dog. For shorter hikes, where he's not carrying much weight it shouldn't be a big deal though.

Thank you! He doesn't mind the gear... seems he knows they help him! Much better then my old golden retriever.. she used to fight it ALL the time. She loved hiking but we always had to take 15 minutes to have tantrums about the gear... then she was fine. Until you reminder her it was on again! lol! Luckily, she was also very agile and light footed... so we very rarely had injuries even without any boots.

And yeah it's not designed the best, that's why we got the size smaller then it recommended. This sits on their shoulders more then anywhere else. His weight would be recommended as x-large, I have the medium. It sits nicely for a cheaper backpack. We also only carry about 5lbs on the dogs. They have it easy.

[Loneforce]

Awesome Pictures! and beautiful scenery.

[Finnick<3]

Beautiful boy and pics! The weather has been perfect for hiking. Mind me asking where you went? I take Finn to Hontoon Island (my side of the St Johns) it's a 3 mile hike round trip which is plenty for Finn now but I'm looking for other longer nature hikes that aren't paved.