Quadrapeds? - The Colorado Trail

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#1

I am hoping to thru hike the CT this summer and am planning to bring my dog, Scoober. I’ve never done any long hikes with a dog though and am wondering if anyone has and has suggestion. What type of weight do expect her to carry, good packs, sleeping pads, food planning, etc. She is about 60 lbs and is a lab/hound/ridgeback/somesortofawsome/whoknows mix. I was considering cutting down an old down confider into a small packable size for her to sleep on. Any thoughts and suggestions will help.

hydrology of the Banjo

#2

Uh-oh. Stand by.

bullet

#3

Hope you are wearing your flame retardant clothing. :slight_smile:

Having said that…

Do an honest assessment of your dog: Is it in shape? Well behaved? Would you be willing to change up your trip to accommodate your dog?

Though written for the AT, this guide is useful for hiking with dogs on long trails:

http://snipurl.com/27ro7
http://snipurl.com/27roa

Also, be aware that dogs are NOT allowed in Waterton Canyon (the first ~7 miles of the trail). You’ll have to find a way to start a little up the trail.

I wouldn’t take a dog personally as it is a huge responsibility. YMMV.

Paul Mags

#4

Mags,
Thanks for that link, it had a lot of useful info. I saw that fact about Waterton Canyon in the guidebook and figured I would just start at segment 2. I just moved out of Leadville last summer so if things aren’t working out I can always abort to a friends place and launch multiple shorter trips around there. It’s all about spending as much time in the woods before school starts again, however I’d like to get the CT under my belt.

Hydrology of the Banjo

#5

Mags,
Thanks for that link, it had a lot of useful info. I saw that fact about Waterton Canyon in the guidebook and figured I would just start at segment 2. I just moved out of Leadville last summer so if things aren’t working out I can always abort to a friends place and launch multiple shorter trips around there. It’s all about spending as much time in the woods before school starts again, however I’d like to get the CT under my belt.

Hydrology of the Banjo

#6

'It’s all about spending as much time in the woods"

Ain’t that the truth.

Have a blast. Sounds like you are doing your research and you (and your dog) should have a good hike. Flexibility is the key; having a bail out option in Leadville is a good backup.

If you need any info about the CT, give me a holler.

Paul Mags

#7

Keep doggie on leash or (if well trained to voice controls) behind you. Treat doggie’s poop like your own (i.e., bury it in a cathole). Be sure to condition the dog thoroughly before your hike to get him muscled up enough to carry his pack and to toughen up his pads. Take doggie boots along for rocky or graveled areas. Keep close track of your dog’s physical condition. Use Frontline or K9 Advantix monthly and comb him nighly (to get off any loose ticks) before putting him in your tent.

Realize that a lot of people have had bad experiences with dogs and are therefore quite hostile to or downright scared of them… Don’t let your dog run ahead and greet hikers with the inevitable crotch sniff–normal for dogs but very unnerving for many people. Also, many otherwise sweet and friendly dogs become protective and even aggressive in unfamiliar situations–the reason the leash is preferred. Keep your dog out of other people’s way and under control. It’s really important that you and your dog do not do anything to provide ammunition for the “ban all dogs” crowd. Show them that you can be good citizens!

It’s a lot more work taking your dog with you, but, IMHO, the rewards are worth it!

grannyhiker

#8

I wanted to give some good advice about how to best prepare your buddy for a long hike. But I just can’t help myself. After years of seeing way too many worn-out dogs on long-distance hikes, I just don’t believe the vast majority of them are built for it. Unless you have a lot of experience backpacking (not day-hiking) with your dog, the CT is no place to try it for the first time. It’s a lot more work (for both you and him) than you can imagine. Far more people send dogs home after a week on a trail than make it all the way to the end. But to the extent that your mind is already made up, best of luck and good health to you both.

Matt

#9

I agree with Matt. Dogs are not pack animals and in my opinion should not carry a pack. That means the owner has to burden the extra weight and as any long distance hiker knows every once counts. If your dog shys away from letting you put on his pack rest assured it is a burden for him. Also for the most part only dogs in their prime (around 2-3 years of age)adjust well to high milage day after day. The rest might make the trip but usually not the better for wear. I belive that there is a place for dogs on the trail as long as their owners are truly the dogs best friend. Good luck:)

stealthblew