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Lea_SCAPPINI

Walking with your dog

Doggy goes hiking

Going on holiday this summer with your best travelling companion? Here are a few tips to ensure that your hikes/rides remain an extraordinary experience and not just a bad memory.

Choose your route

Suitable for your dog

Just like us: choose walks that are suited to your pooch’s fitness and stamina!

Your companion (we’re talking about the dog!) doesn’t become a sportsman overnight… if he’s used to spending most of his time on the sofa and getting up only to eat and relieve himself, don’t take him on a 7-hour hike, train him gradually.

Understanding

your dog's character

Whether he’s a hunter, a runaway, not very obedient or not very sociable, the character of your companion will condition your organisation. Start with what’s known as an ‘adaptation’ walk, because of the new terrain and the festival of new smells Medor will discover, which could have consequences for his obedience.

What you need to know

Rules and good practice

On hiking trails, dogs must always be kept on a lead, especially when approaching areas occupied by herds and guarded by the famous patous. You are responsible for your animal and must keep it under control at all times, particularly when encountering animals such as ibex, chamois, patous, etc. and other hikers and mountain bikers.

It’s a unique sensation to go through the forest at the pace of the dogs! It’s a feeling of freedom you can’t get from any other activity – a real moment of sharing!

Alex, 37 - Marseille
Prepare

his little canine backpack

As with us, don’t forget Medor’s essentials before setting off: harness and lead, water, food, small bags to pick up any “oversights” and little treats to keep him happy during the walk.

In hot weather, make sure your dog doesn’t become dehydrated. So remember to give him something to drink regularly. Don’t forget to give your dog a collar with your phone number on it – you never know!

So there you are, ready to take your most loyal companion on your escapades.

Patou and Toutou

Beware, when out hiking you may come across a herd protection dog. Far from being a companion dog, the patou is actually a protection dog that literally belongs to the herd. It is therefore important to keep your dog on a lead to prevent it from running towards the herd.

If patou comes to see your dog? let him sniff! If you hug him, the patou may misinterpret this kind of gesture and become aggressive. If Toutou is not sociable, try putting him in the middle of your group to create a barrier between the two.

Always more

The Val d’Escreins with your dog!

Discover different walking routes with your dog on a lead!

To find out more