If you want to get outdoors, take your Goldendoodle hiking. Some dog owners wonder whether it’s okay to take Goldendoodles on hikes, but it is great exercise for them.
They are capable of doing everything a golden retriever would be expected to be capable of, including running, jumping, swimming, fetching, and more. Given that poodles, the other half of the mix, are also extremely energetic dogs, the athleticism of Goldendoodles shouldn’t be a surprise.
Before you scroll down to a more in-depth answer on “Can I Take My Goldendoodle Hiking,” check out these other Goldendoodle guides from our team: Best Goldendoodle Head Halters and Motivational Dog Walking Quotes.
Can I Take My Goldendoodle Hiking?
Don’t be fooled by the sweet angel appearance and curly hair. Goldendoodles are fierce competitors. Not only do Goldendoodles have a great deal of energy, but they also need to spend it. It’s ingrained in their DNA.
It is advised that small Goldendoodles engage in at least 60 minutes of daily playtime, including running, leaping, jumping, and even just acting silly. Training is crucial for both you and the dog because while they are having a great time, they also need to stimulate their brains. More on that in a moment.
Therefore, a Goldendoodle can easily accompany you on a hiking trail. If you like to run, you have a running partner who can unquestionably catch pace with you, at least over short distances. However, if you plan to prepare for the half-marathon, you should probably leave your dog at home.
If you can, bring your Goldendoodle along if your family travels frequently. For him, a hike on the trail or a trip to the beach will be the definition of a perfect outing. Use a dog harness whenever you are in public areas with a lot of people or even other dogs. Always carry poop bags as well.
Hiking will also help your Goldendoodle maintain its weight. This helps prevent hip dysplasia in the future. Exercise is frequently used to treat cases of hip dysplasia that have already developed. One of the most important things you’ll learn is to keep your dog lean and active if they have this diagnosis.
And this is not new; research has demonstrated that exercise can aid dogs with asymptotic hip dysplasia in preserving their mobility and slowing down degeneration. A healthy dog will outperform one that spends all day on the couch.
Things to Know Before You Take Your Goldendoodle Hiking
Goldendoodles enjoy being outside and discovering new things. It is an energetic dog breed that makes excellent trekking and hiking partners. Before going on a hike with your Goldendoodle, there are some things you’ll need to know to keep both of you safe and have fun.
Training
Make sure your Goldendoodle is prepared to venture outdoors before deciding to take it hiking. To ensure that your dog does not go missing or get hurt when hiking, some basic training is necessary.
Your Goldendoodle must obey return requests and be friendly to newcomers in addition to understanding basic commands like “sit,” “stay,” and “come.”
Choose The Right Trail
Pick a trail that is suitable for the level of experience and physical fitness of both you and your dog. If you’re just starting out hiking with your Goldendoodle, stay away from long treks and challenging rocky trails. Your first hike should be on flat ground with little elevation change.
Some routes and locations do not permit dogs, while others only permit them on leashes. Before you go to the trailhead, make sure you are aware of the dog policies. Most trails also require standard vaccinations before dogs are allowed to enter.
Keep in mind that it is generally better to hike with a dog on a leash, even if dogs are permitted off-leash on the track. By doing this, you can prevent your dog from being hurt or going missing.
Flea and Tick Medicine
Ticks are present all year round. Ticks may appear to bite primarily in warmer months, but this is simply because they are more common and people are spending more time outside throughout late spring, summer, and early fall.
Make sure your Goldendoodle is taking medication or wearing a tick collar to ward against parasites since ticks can spread sickness and infections that can leave your dog ill.
If you find a tick on your dog, don’t panic. Research how to remove ticks safely and remove it as soon as possible. Consider freezing the tick in a clearly marked plastic bag in case your dog has health issues in the following months. Veterinarians can test the frozen tick for Lyme disease and other illnesses.
Water and a Water Bowl
Sure, there might be a lot of water along the trail, and your Goldendoodle might enjoy gulping it down. The issue is that the water could be contaminated with poisons, such as cryptosporidium, giardia, heavy metals, and toxins, which are invisible.
To keep your dog healthy, keep fresh water and a clean dish with you at all times. If you take your Goldendoodle hiking often, consider a dog water bottle.
First Aid Kit
Bring a small emergency medical kit for your dog along with you when you go hiking so that you are prepared for anything that may happen, including bruises, scratches, and run-ins with porcupines. Bring a garbage bag with you as well to collect any excrement; your dog is not a part of the natural environment.
A basic emergency kit for your dog should include at least bandages, a roll of self-adhering bandages (vet wrap) to keep bandages in place, alcohol wipes, gauze, tweezers, canine aspirin, and paw cream.
How Much Exercise Can a Goldendoodle Puppy Do?
Goldendoodle puppies are fond of outdoor exercise, but even the most active Goldendoodle puppy has a limited supply of energy. However, some folks are unaware that exercising your puppy too much can be harmful. Here are a few things to think about when taking your Goldendoodle hiking.
The best way to exercise a puppy is through small amounts, multiple times per day. The American Kennel Club advises giving your puppy five minutes of physical activity twice a day for each month its age. Goldendoodle puppies are more energetic than some breeds, so if your puppy has an inexhaustible amount of energy, increase the frequency of his walks.
If you’re preparing them for hiking, start by taking your two-month-old Goldendoodle for ten-minute walks. When your dog is 6 months old, you can take him for a 30-minute walk with no problem. A full-grown dog can go longer as long as they are used to regular exercise.
Pick Up on Puppy Cues
The amount of exercise that a puppy needs is not predetermined. Different canines require different amounts of energy release. Watching for hints and cues that measure your puppy’s energy is a helpful approach to determining when it needs a break.
Does your dog begin to lie down or rest instead of chasing, jumping, and fetching? He is probably worn out by it. Does your dog continue to run and play even after playtime is over? He might require extra playtime.
If you want to take your Goldendoodle puppy hiking while they are young, consider a dog backpack or a dog stroller. Be considerate about how much you can realistically carry if you choose a dog backpack. Goldendoodle puppies grow fast so watch the weight limits for a dog backpack or stroller.
Caution with Large Dogs
Large-breed dogs who exercise excessively at a young age may develop bone and joint issues. A Goldendoodle can weigh between 45 to 90 pounds when fully grown. Be careful when playing with your Goldendoodle if it falls on the larger side of the scale.
In the initial months, keep the distance and duration to no more than one to two miles and 30 minutes to one hour, respectively.
How Old Should Your Goldendoodle Be Before Hiking
Your energetic young puppy will grow up to be your best friend and most trusted travel companion. But wait before you take your Goldendoodle hiking; young puppies should not attempt lengthy or difficult excursions. Before starting those large hikes, you should evaluate your puppy’s age, height, breed, and overall fitness.
Your puppy’s limbs will continue to develop during the first year of life. Your dog is susceptible to growth plate injuries while they are still developing Growth plates are the soft areas at the ends of your dog’s bones that become firm as they reach their full size. The overuse of these growth plates as well as trauma can harm them.
Your dog’s readiness for strenuous hikes at a specific age will vary.
Once your dog is eight months old, growth plate injuries are usually the most severe and can lead to abnormalities that may even call for surgical treatment. Dogs are susceptible as long as they are still developing. Ask your veterinarian for advice on when your puppy will be prepared to go hiking.
Important Training for Hiking
The hybrid Goldendoodle inherits the outstanding intellect and trainability of its Poodle breeding. Put this to good use before taking your Goldendoodle hiking.
Goldendoodles are trained through the same methods as other dogs, such as repetition, consistency, praise, and incentives. Be goofy and excited when praising your doodle. Don’t be embarrassed to speak in a high-pitched voice or in “baby talk.” They react to such a tone quite favorably.
In contrast, if the dog behaves badly, a firmer tone with declension and roughness should be utilized. Do not, however, employ that tone if the puppy has simply failed a training procedure. Use it when the dog stubbornly acts up and demonstrates genuine disobedience to your command.
Walking on a Loose Leash
A young dog that is overexcited can ruin a hike by repeatedly tugging ahead.
Begin in a place with few distractions, such as your lawn, and concentrate on training your dog to follow you while you walk. You can employ the Silky Leash Method, which involves halting when your dog pulls and rewarding them with treats or increasing the pace when they let the leash dangle.
Ignoring Distractions
On hiking paths, your dog will encounter a lot of interesting things, including twigs, leaves, discarded snacks, excrement, and dead birds, some of which can cause your dog to get sick if they aren’t trained to leave them alone.
A Strong Recall
There are many situations when the ability to call your dog back to you with a voice command would be beneficial. While hiking, it’s best to maintain your dog on a 6-foot leash. Your dog might not always be close to you, though, for a variety of reasons.
A strong recall is great for unexpected circumstances, such as if they manage to unbuckle their harness. The leash might snap. You may even decide to let your dog run loose in designated places where it is appropriate to do so.
Practice recall exercises each day until your dog comes when you signal or call, even in busy places.
Greeting Other Dogs
You don’t have to let your dog greet every other dog you come across on a hike. But because you’ll surely see dogs who aren’t on leashes, it’s a smart idea to socialize your puppy so that they feel at ease with unexpected greetings.
It can be upsetting for your dog to see another dog so close to him when he is on a leash while the other dog is not. Keep interactions brief and work to maintain your dog’s attention. It’s more crucial for dogs to feel at ease than it is for them to learn to put up with stressful conditions.
Post-Hike Grooming
When you take your Goldendoodle hiking, it will get dirty, messy, dusty, and even get leaves in its fur because it is an energetic dog who enjoys playing outside. The best part is that it’s all very simple to remove. The Goldendoodle cleans up exceptionally well despite having a thick coat and tightly curled hair. His coat is kept moisturized and to some part dirt-repellent by the oils his skin secretes.
Owners may assist by maintaining a relatively short coat on their doodles, and regular combing is a requirement, not a choice. If the dog’s hair is trimmed short, they just require brushing every few weeks or so. The Goldendoodle’s hair will require weekly brushing once it reaches its full length. You will have to brush your dog’s fur a little more frequently in the summertime.
Also, skip the bathing; the Goldendoodle doesn’t require one. Yes, there are emergencies where soap and water are required, but for the most part, you may avoid bathing your doodle.
Other grooming factors to think about include:
- Brushing teeth once or twice a week.
- Twice per month, trim their nails.
- Look for sores, rashes, or other infection-related symptoms.
- Regularly inspect and keep their ears clean.
FAQs
Goldendoodles are great hiking dogs. They are full of energy and the breed is known for being easy to train. The best way to make your Goldendoodle companion a good hiking buddy is to train them and to be mindful of their individual level of endurance when choosing a trail.
How long an adult Goldendoodle can hike depends on their current level of endurance. If they don’t take long walks often, build their endurance or start with a shorter trail of about one mile.
As you work up to longer hikes, pay attention to when they need rest. Larger dogs are known for bad hips, so straining a dog that is out of shape is not a good idea.
Goldendoodle dogs are great travel companions and will enjoy camping. They listen well once trained, love spending time with their families, and enjoy engaging in their surroundings. Goldendoodles typically enjoy meeting new dogs that might also be camping.
Conclusion For “Can I Take My Goldendoodle Hiking”
To summarize, it is perfectly fine to take your Goldendoodle hiking with you. It’s a great way for them to spend their energy, get some mental stimulation, and bond with you while exploring nature.
Be considerate when hiking with a Goldendoodle that is under one year old, and be sure to work on commands and training that they will need ahead of time. Pick the trail with them in mind and pack supplies for your Goldendoodle. Your Goldendoodle will enjoy being outdoors and spending extra time with you.
If you find this guide, “Can I Take My Goldendoodle Hiking,” informative/helpful, you can check out these other Goldendoodle-related guides from our team:
- How to Stop a Goldendoodle from Biting
- Best Portable Dog Fence for Camping
- How to Train an 8-Week-Old Goldendoodle Puppy
If you want to learn more about the Goldendoodle breed, you can by watching “Goldendoodle Dog Breed Information – How Intelligent are they | Goldendoodle Dogs 101” down below:
Garrett loves animals and is a huge advocate for all Doodle dog breeds. He owns his own Goldendoodle named Kona. In addition, he volunteers at the Humane Society of Silicon Valley, where he fosters dogs and helps animals. Garrett enjoys writing about Doodles and believes that dogs can teach humans more about how to live than humans can teach a dog.
Why Trust We Love Doodles?
At We Love Doodles, we’re a team of writers, veterinarians, and puppy trainers that love dogs. Our team of qualified experts researches and provides reliable information on a wide range of dog topics. Our reviews are based on customer feedback, hands-on testing, and in-depth analysis. We are fully transparent and honest to our community of dog owners and future owners.