For fourteen years, my border collie cross was an excellent hiking companion – always keen for adventure and good company on the trail – but it took a lot of training and diligence to get there. We took our role as responsible dog owners seriously... especially after witnessing a few misadventures.

Like the time in southern Utah when a hiking companion’s dog wore the pads of their feet on rough sandstone, almost ran out of water and then jumped into a water hole and chomped on a canyon toad. Toad toxins worked through his system and it wasn’t long before we were following a trail of more than just bloody footprints. The pup survived; the toad wasn’t so lucky.

And then there was one hike when another friend let her dog run ahead, only to have it veer off the trail and over the bank – in full pursuit of a porcupine. With two hundred plus quills piled up beside the sedated dog, the vet said the remainder would probably work their way out of the skin over the next few days.

We’ve had our fair share of animal encounters while on the trail too, but learned early that hiking with our dog meant four important commands. Come. Heel. Lie down. Stay. They served us well with grizzly bears, moose, deer, elk and yes, even people. We always carry a leash (and know when to use it).

On one hike we almost had heart attacks when a big black furry thing came bounding down the trail towards us. When the owners finally appeared a few minutes later, they laughed and said that other people had commented on the similarity between their dog and a young bear cub too! I’m sure someone has pulled their bear spray on that unsuspecting goof (the dog, not the owner – although maybe it should be the latter!). Hiking with your dog means taking responsibility for its behaviour, always.

In Utah this spring we came across a couple and their two large husky cross dogs on a backcountry trail in Arches National Park. Didn’t think dogs were allowed on the trail, I said. They’re not, my husband replied. Not an hour later, as we were hiking out we passed the park ranger on his way in, ticket book in hand. Follow the regulations regarding pets where you must and your hikes will be less stressful. There are miles and miles of wide open, unregulated land to explore with your best friend. Enjoy it!

Four tips for hiking with a canine companion:
1. Always carry a leash (and know when to use it).
2. Train your dog to come, heel, lie down and stay on command.
3. Follow the rules when in a regulated area such as a park.
4. Take responsibility for your dog’s actions.