Hiking with Your Dog? Here’s Why a GPS Tracker is a Must-Have

Dogs, just like us humans, absolutely love an adventure. So what better activity for both you and your dog than going for a hike?

Taking your dog for a hike is really just like taking your dog for a walk, except the stakes are a bit higher than you might think. As you take your four-legged pal into new terrain where the sights, sounds—and especially—the smells are different, preparation is key. And if you want to hike with complete confidence, one of the best things you can do is bring a GPS pet tracker along with you. 

Preparation for Hiking with Your Dog

You’ve probably heard the saying “Proper preparation prevents poor performance”, right? Well, not to sound like a David Goggins memoir but, it definitely applies to hiking preparation. Here are some essentials to bring with you:

Water

This is obvious to say but we’ll say it anyway. We tend to use a lot more energy when hiking, and like us, our dogs need more water than they usually would. Generally, you should offer water to your dog every 15-20 minutes, which is about as often as you’d want to stop and take a drink as well. 

AirBolt Tip: It’s a good indicator that your dog is overheating and needs a break if they start to try and burrow into the ground. Laying down in underground soil is how dogs cool down when overheating.

Food

Bringing food is a given, but bringing the right food isn’t as obvious. When packing food for your dog, two things are important. The first is that the food has the minerals, nutrients, and calories to sustain your dog. The second is that your dog will actually eat the food.

We mention this second part because some owners will go and buy some fancy dog version of a Clif Bar—only to find that their dog doesn’t want a bar of it (pun intended). Keep it simple and only bring stuff you know that they’ll eat while you’re out on the trail.

AirBolt Tip: If your dog starts trying to dig and lick the soil, that’s because they’re searching for more minerals. This is a great indicator of when they need a snack. But either way, stopping every hour for some food is about right.

GPS Pet Tracker

GPS pet trackers are your failsafe against anything happening while you’re out hiking. They’re a lifesaver in case something causes you and your dog to become separated while out on the trail. 

As a side note, if you are with your dog, it can be a good way of letting someone at home know where you are if you don’t want to splash out on your own GPS device. 

Dog Backpack

Small dog backpacks are helpful for carrying essentials that would otherwise not fit in your pack or weigh you down too much. Most dogs can comfortably carry 10% of their body weight. Many can carry more, but we want our dogs to enjoy the hike too.

The Risks of Hiking Without a GPS Tracker

Hiking with your dog is such a great bonding experience, but unfortunately, it does come with risks. There are so many interesting things on a trail that can distract your dog. And if you’ve never taken your dog for a hike before, it’s hard to know how they’ll react in this environment. 

The most common distraction to make your dog jet off on the trail is wildlife. If your dog sees a bird, a lizard, or a snake, there’s a good chance they’ll chase it. It’s in their instincts and can’t always be helped. 

This tip comes from my own experience. I was once hiking with my otherwise very obedient kelpie/pomeranian when she caught sight of a lizard, looked at me, and then bolted after it all the way down a densely vegetated hill where I couldn’t follow. She eventually came back, but it was a good reminder that just because your dog is well-behaved at home it doesn’t mean they won’t get over excited out on a hike.

Aside from this, loud noises, sudden storms/weather changes, fog, other dogs or people can all cause your dog to make a run for it.

How a GPS Tracker Helps Keep Your Dog Safe

So let’s say things do go awry. What then? This is where a GPS pet tracker’s value really shines through. It’s the extra set of eyes on your dog, even when you can’t see it.

Real-Time Tracking and Location Updates

A GPS tracker provides real-time location updates, so you can check exactly where your dog is at any moment. And it’s all managed through an app on your phone—super easy and convenient!

Durability and Waterproof Design

If it comes down to it, and you end up needing your GPS tracker to track your dog, the durability of GPS trackers becomes a key part of how they keep your dog safe. Being waterproof and shock-resistant helps ensure that wherever your dog is, they haven’t managed to break their tracker.

Peace of Mind for You

Hikes are about having a great time. Losing your dog is not a great time. Simple as that!

Best GPS Tracker for Hiking with Dogs

If you’re planning to go hiking with your dog, you need a GPS tracker that’s rock solid and won’t let you down. That’s AirBolt through and through. Here’s what makes the little AirBolt such a big help on the trails:

• Rugged and Waterproof: This baby is built to handle the rough stuff. It’s shockproof, waterproof and generally dog-proof.

• Long-Lasting Battery Life: Designed for extended hikes, AirBolt offers up to 3 months of battery life on a single charge. 

• Real-Time Tracking: Get accurate, real-time updates on your dog’s location through our easy-to-use app. Perfect for keeping tabs on your dog even in unfamiliar or dense areas.

• Lightweight and Comfortable: AirBolt’s compact design means your dog stays comfortable on the trail, without any unnecessary bulk or discomfort. Simply clip it to its collar with an AirBolt collar attachment and you’re ready to go.
  
  

Final Thoughts: Don’t Hit the Trails Without One

The best hikes are safe and stress-free, but you can’t guarantee either of those things unless you’ve got the basics covered; which—in our opinion—has to include a GPS pet tracker. 

We hope this blog gave you some useful info before your next hike, shop for your AirBolt, and we’ll see you out on the trails!