My dog, RAT, and I in Green Mountain Ntnl Forest

Bringing the doggy definitely makes choices more limited and puts more strain on you physically and mentally as you go.

Hiking/bushwhacking was so much extra work as he is so small and some of the areas are so steep and rocky. Quite a few times I just had to lift him up a ledge/rock or carry him over some debris.

My small dog is coyote and bear bait. I had to have him ON my hip at all times. I couldn't tie him off to a tree or anything for even a minute as he can get snatched up really quick. When I was stationary, I'd hook him onto my belt. Remington makes a really cool reflective leash with an adjustable length and a caribiner built into the design.

My other dog I go out with is a large treewalking coonhound, but his size and strength carry a different set of advantages and dangers on the trail. If you want full freedom, either don't bring a dog or bring one that is extremely well-trained and built for your particular adventure (mine is not). If you want a really enjoyable time with your best friend at the cost of hauling some "extra weight" around, it is well worth it.
 
jay i'm picturing you w/ a purse w/ a dog in it like paris hilton! lol sorry coulnd't resist. i could NEVER hook our dog to my belt. chloe (1/2 sheppard 1/2 pitbull) would drag me down the trail at 100 mph and Brody (1/2 chi 1/2 min pin) doesn't walk on a leash. you drag him and he rolls like a log. i guess i'll go w/ taking no dogs hiking :(
 
Hah! I've seen people with a harness like the baby ones that they strap to their chest to carry dogs. I'll grab one of those and a pink izula to match it and I'm set. :D

And, yeah, the coonhound is so powerful that I would never think to take him anywhere there are any cliffs. He is way too brave and agile. I'll take him on flat ground here in PA only.

This was the first time I ever took this small pup with me and it will not be the last. However, next time I'll just take him on access roads and snowmobile trails and make a separate time to do my minimalist hiking and camping.
 
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