Hiking with dogs: What you should know

Mindy Sherwood hiked Grays and Bierstadt, two of Colorado's fourteeners, with her favorite hiking partners in tow — a 12 ½-year-old long-haired Dachshund named Chloe and a 5-year-old coonhound mix named Django.

The trio has nearly 2,000 followers on a Tumblr blog dedicated to their adventures and recently started an Instagram account.

Sherwood, 27 of Fort Collins, and the pooches have hiked nearly all of the trails that allow dogs in Northern Colorado without a hitch thanks to careful planning, good training and preparation.

If you want to take your dog hiking in the Fort Collins area, there are a few things you should know to help you, your dog(s) and other trail-goers have a happy and safe experience.

Work up to it

A dog's age or size aren't necessarily indicators of a dog's ability to go hiking — Chloe has done two fourteeners, peaks of 14,000 feet or taller.

"She loves running up the trail and keeps up with everything just fine," Sherwood said. "People are always surprised to see her." 

But your dog does need time to build up his or her stamina before attempting big hikes, she added.

"A dog would not enjoy it as much if they go out and try to do a fourteener from the couch," she said. 

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Jill Reynolds, a member of Larimer County Search and Rescue, said it's important to know your dog's fitness level and be familiar with how your dog shows fatigue before going on a hike. 

That also means being willing to stop and take a break or turn back if your furry friend isn't up to it.

"They're going to go and do as much as we ask them to do," Reynolds said. "We have to be the ones to watch out for them. ... You've got to be the voice of reason."

Have the right gear

Sherwood packs water, treats and food for her dogs — as well as plenty of poop bags. Most of those supplies are carried in Django's dog-pack, which takes some of the cargo burden off Sherwood.

"He carries everything the dogs need, and I carry everything I need," she said. 

For big hikes, such as fourteeners, she also brings a paw stick, which helps protect paw pads. Dog booties serve a similar function.

Though Sherwood carries a human first-aid kit to use for her and her dogs, you can also buy a dog-specific first aid kit through several online retailers or build your own.

Reynolds recommends taking canine first aid classes, which are provided by Colorado State University. The American Red Cross is revamping its pet first aid classes as online-only classes, which spokesman Bill Fortune said should be available in late summer. American Red Cross also has a free Pet First Aid mobile app for iPhone and Android devices, he said. You can also text "GETPET" to 90999 to get the app. 

 Local bookstores also have books on canine first aid, Reynolds said. 

Know the rules

Larimer County and city of Fort Collins trails: Most Larimer County- and city-owned areas allow leashed dogs, though some don't due to natural resource sensitivity. You can not take dogs to Red Mountain Open Space and Rimrock Open Space in Larimer County or the following Fort Collins Natural Areas: Coyote Ridge, Running Deer, Bobcat Ridge, Cottonwood Hollow, Fossil Creek Reservoir and Soapstone Prairie.

U.S. Forest Service: Pets must be on a 6-foot or shorter hand-held leash in most of the wilderness areas. A leash is required at all times in developed recreation areas. Only guide dogs are allowed in swimming areas or sanitary facilities. 

Rocky Mountain National Park: Dogs are not allowed on trails, tundras or meadows in the park. Leashed pets are permitted in areas accessed by vehicles, such as roadsides, parking areas, picnic areas and campgrounds. View alternative hikes near Rocky Mountain National Park that do allow dogs at http://bit.ly/RMNPareadoghikes. 

Don't forget about wildlife

Most restrictions on where you can hike with your dog are related to protecting wildlife. 

In areas where your dog is allowed, it's important for their safety and the safety of wildlife in the area for them to remain under control and on the trail. 

Be sure to pay special attention for rattlesnakes, especially on the sides of trails, by looking out ahead while hiking. 

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"You have to keep your eyes open," Reynolds said. "Hopefully you spot wildlife before they do."

Be courteous

It may be hard to believe, but not everyone wants your dog to come say hello when they're on the trail.

Reynolds said it's important to keep your dog under control to avoid negative interactions —  something that starts with good training before you even step foot on the trail.  

It's best to always take the high road and move your pup off trail no matter who is coming, she wrote in a tip sheet provided to the Coloradoan.

"This will not only result in good will, but it will keep your dog safe from spooked equines and out-of-control mountain bikers," she said. 

And last, but certainly not least to anyone who has had the unfortunate experience of stomping through dog poop (or "land mines," as Reynolds calls them), clean up the unmentionables. 

This story was updated to include more recent information on American Red Cross' pet first aid offerings.

Follow Sarah Jane Kyle on Twitter @sarahjanekyle or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/reportersarahjane.