Hiking, Backpacking, and Thru-Hiking: Small Dogs vs. Big Dogs Pros and Cons
Вставка
- Опубліковано 4 лип 2024
- Is bigger always better or do small dogs really rule the roost in the hiking world?
There are many different things to consider when deciding whether to hike with a small dog or backpack with a big dog. From how easy it would be to carry them to how much THEY can carry, both have their pros and cons. Fortunately, I have been hiking with my own small AND big dog for the last 6 years and can offer some insights to the similarities and differences.
And in case you are wondering, yes small dogs make great hiking, backpacking, and thru-hiking companions too!
Get your FREE eBook: mailchi.mp/020d2e7206e6/backp...
If you want to follow us on the “socials”, here’s how:
Instagram: @the_most_important_step
Website: themostimportantstep.com
Subscribe: / baileybremner
Like what you’re seeing and want more? Or just want to help us shed some weight?
Make Amazon purchases using our link (we get a small commission!): amzn.to/3wlAt8p
Make a one time donation to support more gear reviews and vlogs: paypal.me/baileybremner
Join my patreon for exclusive perks: / baileybremner
Music:
chill. by sakura Hz / sakurahertz Creative Commons - Attribution 3.0 Unported - CC BY 3.0 creativecommons.org/licenses/b... Music promoted by Audio Library • Chill - sakura Hz (No ...
Photo Credits:
"Rattle Snake" by photogism is licensed under CC BY 2.0
"Coyote - New Mexico" by T100Timlen is marked with CC0 1.0
Well done! This is the best most objective video I've seen on the subject, and I've watched quite a few, but you definitely speak from experience in that makes all the difference.
This is just awesome to see thank you .
That was a lot of great information! And big dogs for me! :-)
Just started taking my 9 month old Boston Terrier on longer hikes. We've been hiking in the woods since she was 8 weeks and I am amazed how great she is as a small dog. Luckily she has a good nose for a Boston and she did 14 miles the other day on the AT with a ton of energy left over. Still figuring out exactly what she needs for food but this is a perfect channel for me right now! Love the content!
Yay! So glad that I can provide content that is helpful!
Congratulations on your new companion and your big day on trail! Definitely don’t be afraid to reach out if you ever have any questions 😁
My Rottweiler happily carry her own and all my gear... in a dog snowsled. 😁 she's like a 🚂 locomotive.
They are wonderful draft dogs! That’s awesome that you guys do that!
“Foresty Forest”His dog Rocko is the best hiking dog 👍
Australian Cattle Dog❤😊
You don't need to be carrying out poop. Just take a stick and bury it. I grew up in the woods. I see people with plastic bags in the wild also picking up the poop and end up loosing it or throwing it down. What do you think happens with the bears, coyotes and other wild animals?
Hi James, I actually have switched over to primarily burying their poop; however, that isn’t always feasible. Dogs aren’t always considerate about going in LNT friendly areas and while you can certainly use the chopstick method to move the turd, sometimes that isn’t feasible either.
I usually recommend taking compostable/corn starch poop bags when hiking (and just in daily life in general). While they absolutely still need to be packed out, they break down faster than traditional plastic bags.
If you’ve watched some of my other videos you know that I am a huge proponent of NOT leaving poop bags on the side of the trail with the plan of coming back later. I would say 99.9 times out of 100 those are the bags you’re finding. I know some people are bothered by the smell, but there are plenty of smell proof containers like Nalgene water bottles and Opsaks.
Hope this helps clarify some things!
Bailey
👍🏼
So appreciate you. I just want a solid dog who will appreciate my requests. I had a Jack Russell. She was a nut job but once we got training straight she followed suit. Absolutely wonderful but a handful everyday. She us gone. Next round. Thinking between a Rhodesian, and a poodle. Thoughts? So want a Collie but I know that a fools errand. I'm building a camper trailer. I want to start camping and want a off trailer dog. ideas of breed?
Love you vids. You rock.
What did you do for ticks for your small dog in warmer climate?
To be perfectly honest, 97% of the hiking I’ve done has been in places where ticks are essentially non existent (the Rockies and Alaska), so I have never really had to worry about it for my dog.
I do hear folks talk about using wondercide and I’ve used permethrin for flies with dogs, so that could be an option in addition to your regular flea/tick treatment. Sorry I’m not more help!
One thing people who hike with their dogs need to remember is to hike your dogs hike. When Gus and I hit the back country I put his needs, health and safety first and foremost. One other thing is water crossings, I witnesses a golden retriever fall into swift water last summer and it was heartbreaking, the dog managed to get out but only after being swept downstream 20 yards or so. The dog had no recall and the owners were irresponsible as I watched then for some time.
I got a medium 25 pound ish border collie… I feel like everything was in between my situation. Worse it seems the packs themselves are designed for below 20 pounds of over 30. I’ve seen nothing in between. So a small one on my girl or a big one that looks awkward???
Logic tells me go big but damn I just want it to fit….I don’t want to end up carrying it!!!
Would you think that a medium dog would be the best compromise?
Certainly for some folks, depending on what they are looking for! I would say that small dogs would still be easier to travel with and carry due to airline size limits and big dogs would still be more intimidating than medium dogs. It really varies quite a bit depending on the breed, individual, and what you consider to be “big”, “medium”, or “small”.
Any breed recommendations for a medium size dog that sheds minimally but doesn't require frequent grooming visits. A breed that needs about 1 hour a day of exercise minimum but doesn't mind apartment living and frequently being on the road living off grid for months at a time #rvlife.
i think a standard schnauzer might suit your needs.
Pit mixes can be medium-sized (30-45 lb) shed very minimally and do fine with being a couch potato most of the time. The only downside is that apartments will sometimes discriminate against them as an "aggressive breed".
Staffordshire bull terrier
Loved the video,
My biggest question is how far can a small dog hike a day? How many miles could I expect from my athletic mini schnauzer 15lbs?
We generally walk 4 miles each morning but I'm hesitant about her making 15 miles plus a day?
It will depend greatly on the individual dog, their conditioning, structure, etc. That said, terriers are very durable and athletic. My Border Terrier does 15 miles rather easily and frequently hikes 20-25 miles a day on backpacking trips. Her record is 31 miles in a single day. Of course, it’s important to build up to that just like you would yourself
Well that is great news, Her structure and gate is real good. So I don't see an issue there. She seems to be her happiest when we are hiking on a trail in the woods. So I think she may love it. I've actually always thought having a little dog hindered me from doing some more thru hiking so this is exciting. She is just turning 1 yo. Is that gonna be an issue for stamina? How much food do you plan for per day? So your dog does fine with consecutive days of hiking?
Thanks for the Video and response!
I actually think smaller dogs are better for thru hiking. I love my Shepherd, but my life would be so much simpler if I only had my small dog on a thru hike (getting to/from the trail, pack weight, tent size, etc).
Small dogs mature more quickly and regardless there is no scientifically backed evidence that hiking is bad for young dogs, so should be fine. Again, just start slow and really listen to your dog.
Amount of food varies greatly from Dog to dog. I started out feeding 1000 kcals per day to my terrier in the CDT, but cut back since she started to get a bit pudgy. That said, she’s older so doesn’t burn as many calories.
Yes, she is capable of doing big days back to back. We have done 100 mile stretches in 5-6 days multiple times.
Glad to help! Feel free to reach out with any other questions!
@@TheMostImportantStep that great, I will
I'm gonna try to do a few 100 miles on the AZT this spring
@@TheMostImportantStep
So you may get tired of my questions... lol
I'm watching your CDT playlist.
You've had alot of feet issues with the dogs in the past.
I walk my dog on asphalt probably 4 miles a day bit will be increasing that as I prepare with a 2 night 30 mile hike planned as prep.
Do you think I will still have issues when I hit the AZT for a few weeks?
Personally I'm not sure I would be comfortable with anything smaller than maybe a Beagle for an all day Rough country hike. Just seems like to big a Risk of them getting hurt. But then again I don't have experience with long hikes. I have owned multiple dogs in my time though.
What breed is skittles please?
Watch video
in my thinking a emergency beacon/ gps that u can set off rather than carry.
no matter how desperate I might get theres just NO way to carry my buddy !!!! help needs 2 come 2 us 😊
Cast your vote: big dogs or small dogs ⬇️
Hi Bailey 👋🏼 i never thought I’d be a small dog kind of a man but my little Khloe chose me and I’m grateful she did. Your videos back quite a bit of info, I appreciate that so we’ll be watching ya 😊
@@eddiethehitchhikingmaltipo6754 thanks for the feedback, glad to hear the info is helpful 😁
How awesome that you found a good match with your dog!
A 10lb Border Terrier? That has to be the lightest Border on the planet.
Dude bring emergency meds!!!! Antibiotics painkiller/anti inflammatory should be a minimum? I would bring a giardiasis medicine like fenbendazole or metronidazole. I would go metronidazole as it can be used as a human antibiotic/anti fungal as well as animals.
But plenty of basic meds can buy you time of not get your dog damn near cured.
If you can manage I personally would bring a sedative fir your dog. This would be a worse case scenario. Plenty of drugs that can help dogs to be comfortable. I wouldn’t go without a medical kit (real medical kit not neosporin and bandaids)
I think it's important to remember that first aid kits are only as helpful as the knowledge you have to use them. Definitely worth talking to your veterinarian if you are seriously into hiking to see about carrying some emergency medications and other suggested materials.
I am bit surprised you are carrying out all your dog's waste. Can't you just dig a hole like we do for ourselves? I have not hiked as far as you, but I do have about 1,000 miles on the trail with my dog and I have never seen anyone do that.
To be honest, I no longer do that. I do still pack it out on day hikes, but bury it on backpacking trips and thru hikes.
@@TheMostImportantStep Thanks for the update. I just bing watched your CDT and it was amazing and so are you and your two trail mates. You have a vast amount of knowledge, especially when it comes to hiking with your dogs. Thanks for sharing. Take care and I hope you are doing well.