Hiking with a dog in the mountains – what you should know

🐕🦺 Well prepared on the road

Gathering altitude together – paws and feet on narrow trails, wind in the fur and a view into the distance: hiking with a dog in the mountains creates experiences that bring people together.

But especially in alpine terrain, it takes more than just the desire to exercise: preparation, experience and a keen eye for what is possible and sensible – for your dog and for you.

In this article, you will find concrete tips and important points that play a role along the way – so that your tour is safe, beneficial, and you can really enjoy it together.

🗺️ Route selection

Not every route is suitable for every dog. The key is to determine what your dog can and can't do. Besides fitness, surefootedness, nerves of steel, and experience are essential.

• Ladders and vertical climbing aids: Not feasible for dogs – and dangerous.

• Lattice bridges, exposed trails, slippery rocks, large scree fields with crevices: only suitable for dogs with absolute surefootedness, experience and nerves of steel.

• Insecure dogs: Panic in such passages can quickly become dangerous for both of you.

• Meltwater, small rivers, suspension bridges with perforated grids, steep snow fields: Can be doable – but only with appropriate experience and assessment by humans.

• Does your dog need to be carried? Be sure to train beforehand. Large dogs may need support in difficult areas – with a harness or a carrying aid.

⛰️ High alpine tours

The higher you travel, the more important preparation becomes – for both dog and human.

Weather & Equipment

• At higher altitudes there is often no shade, and at the same time it can snow even in summer.

• Wind and breaks quickly lead to cooling down – suitable equipment is essential.

Terrain & Experience

• Steep, rocky or exposed passages require full concentration and surefootedness.

• A person's experience often determines whether a path is feasible for both of you.

Water & Nutrition

• Always carry water with you – especially if there are no natural water sources.

• Flat snow fields can be used for cooling – only if they are safe to walk on.

• It is better to avoid steep snowfields.

• Pack snacks – snacks alone are not enough.

Realistically estimate tour length

• It's not just sore muscles that can become a problem – overexertion, exhaustion, or lack of motivation can also be a problem. For both dogs and humans.

• Breaks: Plan them regularly – your dog needs rest too.

💼 Dog backpack

Whether your dog can carry a backpack depends not only on the weight but also on the terrain, his experience and how well he is used to it.

• Weight: Max. 10–15% of body weight (including backpack)

• Fit: Good fit without chafing, shoulders free

• Getting used to it: Get used to it slowly, test before the tour

• Suitability: Consider age, stature and fitness

• Safety: No restriction of mobility – especially in narrow passages

• Weather: Waterproof or with rain protection depending on conditions

🐄 Grazing animals & livestock guardian dogs

Encounters with grazing animals are among the most common and tricky situations when hiking with a dog – and can quickly become dangerous.

Grazing animals like cows or sheep often perceive dogs as a threat—even when they are calm and on a leash. Livestock guardian dogs actively defend their herds.

Your behavior is what counts – and your preparation.

• Cows with calves: Better to make a wide berth, plan detours

• Observe behavior – also in sheep or goats:
  Are they coming directly toward you? Do they show any tension in their bodies? Do they stomp?

• Aids: Walking poles or a long stick to create distance

• Livestock guardian dogs: Can attack if they perceive your dog as a threat

• Areas of application:
  – Austria ( Alpine Club )
  – Switzerland ( Agridea )

Personal tip: Depending on the situation, it may be safer to let your dog walk off-leash but close to you – perhaps to give him the option to escape in an emergency. Always consider this responsibly – and if in doubt, keep him on a leash.

In an emergency: Turn around. Find another route.

🏡 Multi-day tour & overnight stay in a hut

A multi-day tour with your dog can be an intense, shared experience – if you are well prepared.

Clarify in advance:

• Are dogs allowed in the cabin?

• Are they allowed into the room, only into the anteroom – or do they have to stay outside?

• When camping, the same applies: ask beforehand whether it is permitted.

How is the hut organized?

• Single rooms, dorms, common areas – all of this influences whether your dog will cope there.

• In an emergency (e.g. bad weather), the hut may not turn you away – but it can be cramped and noisy.

Questions you should clarify beforehand:

• Can your dog stay calm when things are loud or hectic?

• Can he stay alone when you eat in the living room?

• How much food does he need – and how much can you carry?

Tip: Energy-dense dry food saves weight. In some cases, gear or food can be sent ahead to the hut.

Important: You are responsible – even when encountering other people or dogs.

🎒 What really matters on the road

When you're out in the mountains with your dog, one thing is most important: trust – in your dog, in your assessment, in your preparation.

Good equipment doesn't make a summit any flatter – but it does help you stay calm and safe along the way.

In our shop you will find well-thought-out products for on the go: functional, durable and carefully selected – so you can concentrate on what really matters.
For you. For your dog. For your time together outside.