CT & my dog - The Colorado Trail

imported
#1

I’m planning on hiking all or part of the CT for the first time this year. I’ve been asking everyone about the logistics of bringing my dog. She’s my backpacking partner and so she’s pretty much part of the deal. A small 25 lb Sheltie. If I bring her how do I work out the logistics of grabbing a shower in a trail town or trying to stay overnight at a hostel or something? Am I pretty much stuck with staying on the trail the whole trip?

Has anyone gone with their dog? What was it like? Any tips?

Thanks!

Farrell

#2

I think the most important thing would be to not do too many miles. Those little legs need to take a lot more steps Also inspect his/her feet every few miles. I would suggest a leash. There are scum sucking dog owners whose dogs may want to hurt yours. Yoou could pick him/her up and defend yourself with a hiking pole. I really like Shelties.

Blue Jay

#3

Dee Dee is a little trooper. She’s great on the trail and always seems to do twice the mileage as she tends to run back and forth or around me in circles. I usually keep her on a long leash and I usually tether her in camp. Most other dogs really like her (she must smell really good) :slight_smile:

I would really like to hear from someone who has done the trail with their dog because I didn’t want to have to make a bunch of phone calls to the trail towns to find out how dog friendly they may or may not be. I seem to be having trouble finding anyone who has!

Farrell

#4

I’ve hiked a lot with my white German Shepard and it is easier to get rides hitching with her than by myself. I never found it hard to find a dog friendly place all along the AT including CT. My dog carries her own pack. I carry a 15’ leash which is what I use to tie her to my pack with while I’m shopping, doing laundry or eating in a restaurant. The big question is “did you train your dog for hiking.”

superman/winter

#5

Train? How? We practice voice control but she’ll be on leash when we hike. Oh, do you mean exercise? We’ll both be training and getting in shape together before we go.

?

Farrell