Can She Cope?

[BellaBamba]

Hello!

This is my first post here on Yorkie Talk. My husband and i are proud owners of a beautiful 9 month old yorkshire terrier called Bella. She's amazing and we love her very much.

However, i have a question. As my first Yorkie, well, my first little dog actually! She is 5lbs and hubby and i are planning on doing a well known path in the south of England which is 33 miles long and we wanted to know if Bella would cope if she did it with us. We plan on going in September when she'll be one year old, and it won't be the peak of summer. We will be doing it over 2 days and sleeping in a tent / caravan / B&B over night, so around 16/17 miles each day. We'd take lots and LOTS of water, make sure she was on a harness and took regular breaks, but my worry is this will still be too much for her and i don't want her to be harmed in this as we know it's a big ask.

What would you think? Any advice would be great

Thanks everyone xx

[Yorkiemom1]

I have absolutely NO expertise in this area....but I am certain there are people on here that do....I would think if you spent the next months hiking with her, gradually making the hikes longer and longer, building up her tolerance, I would imagine she could do this...I would take one of those "slings" you wear across your front that they can ride in...just in case she wears out or her little feet get sore, you can pick her up and carry her.

[KazzyK810]

She's still a puppy. Personally, I wouldn't put that much stress on a puppy's joints. 33 miles is alot of steps for her short lil legs.

If you have to take her, I would invest in a front or back carrier for her and get her used to it, so she doesn't have to walk all the time.

[MikaTallulah]

I say baby stroller for baby after a few miles

[lillymae]

I would say that 33 miles is a bit much IF she has to walk all of the time . They do make dog shoes especially for this & you could get a doggie back pack to carry her in part of the way as well , or as already mentioned a doggy stroller. Welcome to YT !

[gemy]

Start building her up now with hiking, good for both of you :-) You also need to consider the roughness of the terrain, and the inclines too. I also would take a backpack that she can be put in if she either tires or injures a paw. So you are looking at hiking 5 hours per day approximately?
All Dog Boots sells different kinds of boots for dogs, it would be a good idea to have some made for your gal; try them out over the summertime.

When Razzle was 8 mths old we hiked with him - after a couple of months he was ready and able to do about 4 hrs (included a lunchtime swim). Terrain was relatively flat, but uneven-rocky. Also look at an all weather coat for her - especially one that will repel rain/wind. And consider the night time temperatures; how cold will it go in September, you might need a winter coat for her for the evenings.

You also need to prepare an emergency vet kit for her - well and one for you too. Among other things, vet wrap, splints, a cold pack(one of those instant ones). Styptic powder, clear bandaid, sterile saline wash. I put in tweezers as well, small blunt nosed scissors.

Put in an extra harness and lead; if one breaks on the trail you have a spare. I have a lead that has differently spaced holes in it, can be used to tie off your dog. Also you can place one end around your waist leaving both hands free.

If you are on steep and very uneven terrain, consider how your dog will descend it; climbing up is not soo much a challenge. Picture a steep and rocky decline, you need both your hands to descend safely. Maybe you are stepping down, 3 or 4 ft on a narrow and rocky trail. How is your dog going to descend?

I always recommend for hikers that their dog have a good obedience recall - ie come, walk easy, preferably heel trained, and most especially the STOP command is instantly obeyed. STOP can literally be a life saver for you and your pup. LEAVE IT and DROP it are very important too.

I love to hike with my dogs, but also like to be prepared, it makes for a very enjoyable hiking experience.

Take lots of pics!

[BellaBamba]

Thank you so much to everyones advice!

I will try everything you all suggested (building her up, looking at booties, slings and vet kits) If she doesn't cope well on shorter walks then i won't be forcing her to do the 33 miler!

She doesn't HAVE to come with us as my mum will happily spoil her for the two days we're away.

Thank you again to everyone, i will keep you all update.

xxx

P.S - i'm SO glad i asked, some of the things suggested i hadn't even thought of!

[MidnightUnicorn]

Originally Posted by KazzyK810

If you have to take her, I would invest in a front or back carrier for her and get her used to it, so she doesn't have to walk all the time.

My thoughts exactly.

Personally, I have a front-pack carrier for Tatiana. I wear it when I take her out for walks. If or when she seems tired, I scoop her up, and put her in it.

As far as booties, I recommend Pawz. Tatiana wears those. We live in the city, and sometimes the sidewalk can get hot, and the Pawz protects her feet.