Hiking in the mountains?

[Michael.Bolick]

Hello all. I am a new member of this forum. Trying to learn more to better take care of my cane corso.

I have a 9 month old female cane corso who has become a member of our family. We are planning to go on an overnight backpacking trip in the mountains and planned to bring my cane corso along. The park allows dogs and we plan to use a leash. We have trained her to walk on a leash and are very comfortable with her behavior, etc. However, I recently heard that hiking in the mountains with a puppy less than 18 months might lead to hip dysplasia. I have read in other places that this is not true. I plan to carry all the weight in my pack so she only has to carry her body weight. Hoping to take her but I don't want to hurt her.

I would REALLY appreciate any references to a credible web site or other resource on this issue.

Thanks!

 

[DennasMom]

WHA??

GO! Enjoy!
Just don't over-do it.
She should be good for 2-3 miles as long as it's not too hot out.
Take lots of water for her, be willing to take breaks and relax in some shade along the way, and have fun!

Hiking up and down hills is a great way to build muscle around the hind end and hips (and all over) - which can help prevent issues...

If I'm wrong here, someone please chime in!

 

[scorning]

I think it depends on the dog and what conditioning you have already done. My dane puppy, who is about the same age as your dog, can hike about 3 miles with us. Since our backpacking trips are all longer than 3 miles one way, we haven't taken him, especially since it is very hot here and he is heat sensitive. Also, I was worried about doing longer distances than he was used to two days in a row, since we usually only backpack for the weekend. He has gone car camping with us though, with several hikes throughout the camping trip. I think its a good idea to know that your dog will be comfortable in a tent before you backpack with them.

My previous dane was much higher energy than Finn and was hiking about 5 miles at this age. I would have taken him on easy backpacks at that age, and he backpacked with me several times as an adult.

 

[season]

Just be careful not to over extend them.


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[Cody]

we spend a ton of time in the mountains with our dogs the key is to not force them, let them rest when tired