View Full Version : exhausting your dog
Has anyone had their dog become exhausted while hiking? I could see this happening if the dog were old or overweight, but I have a hard time imagining how a healthy dog could get worn out before a person.
My vet told me that it's nearly impossible to get effective weight loss for a dog by walking or running them. They are too efficient with 4 legs and weight must be controlled through diet. This leads me to believe that it would be hard to exhaust a dog through walking.
Just curious if anyone has had this experience and if so, were there circumstances that contributed?
Below is Beanie the Biscuit Tracker and she covers at least double or triple the miles I walk on the same stretch of trial, running back and forth, but she is always ready for another mile.
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i310/whiskey101/8df0474d.jpg
Jim Adams
03-02-2012, 01:07
1990, Bill Irwin hiked with his dog Orient. Orient was checked by the vet throughout the entire trip every week and when the hike was finished the vet told him that the 10 month hike had put 7 years of wear on Orients pads and feet. He was retired as a service dog and Bill got another dog but kept Orient until he passed away.
I think your vet is assuming that by 'hiking' you mean a leisurely 15 minute stroll 3-4 times a week.
the 2 leg 4 leg thing is BS
if it's hot almost all dogs will be exhausted well before a FIT person.
Stir Fry
03-04-2012, 16:27
Look at your dog now he sleeps or rests 16-18 hr a day. On a long distance hike over a period of time he just does not get enough rest. With police dogs we allmost never catch a suspect unless we get a good perimiter and get the suspect to lay down. He will kill himself trying to keep up with you. He will most likly finish with you but his health will suffer. This is not just my opinion I have talked to our lead K9 trainer and he told me leave my dog home unless I only plan to hike 4-5 hr a day.
I love my dog. She is always ready and willing to go with me wherever I go and whatever I do. And she has been with me on the trail and on the water. She totally trusts me. I always try to make sure that I never betray that trust.
OutdoorsMan
03-04-2012, 16:53
I am (one of the few maybe?) who enjoys seeing dogs on the trail. I have often thought how nice it would be to have a canine companion on my hikes but the information in this thread has changed my mind - that and the fact that there are places where dogs can't 'hike' and the additional responsibility hiking with a dog entails, etc.
bigcranky
03-04-2012, 20:47
Um, yeah, you can exhaust your dog. Especially in hot weather. Most dogs will just keep going past the point of exhaustion as long as they are following their owner.
1990, Bill Irwin hiked with his dog Orient. Orient was checked by the vet throughout the entire trip every week and when the hike was finished the vet told him that the 10 month hike had put 7 years of wear on Orients pads and feet. He was retired as a service dog and Bill got another dog but kept Orient until he passed away.
I have not seen that dog but maybe he was overweight or not ready for a daily life of long trail.Dogs are different like humans that are different. By your logic every wolf should retire 20 times in his entire life. or a sheepdog should retire 40 times i ten years.Please Give some respect to an animal that has been in the woods for eternity and we took them in our house to make them pampered pets.
Answering OP's question: In normal circumstances I can not exhaust my dog ( a sheltie) but in hot days he conserves his energy and just walks behind me . His record in this summer was 46 km in a day and yet he was not tired and I called it a day. Your dog seems like a fire ball and I am sure you wont see a day that he is exhausted until he is over 10 or more years old.
I think your vet is assuming that by 'hiking' you mean a leisurely 15 minute stroll 3-4 times a week.
the 2 leg 4 leg thing is BS
if it's hot almost all dogs will be exhausted well before a FIT person.
I have not heard a fit person runs 80 km day (52 miles) a day, day in day out pulling a musher yet in iditarod dogs do it easily. Define FIT person again man.
CrumbSnatcher
03-04-2012, 21:56
i've seen alot of overworked and overheated dogs on the trail
tell ya what,put on a fur coat, zip it up and then go hiking in hot weather!
then let me know how that worked out for ya
CrumbSnatcher
03-04-2012, 22:11
i saw the video of bill and irwin, that dog looked stressed out, watched them climbing a rock face and the dog made a nice move up the rock,just to be called back down to help bill up. i bet that dog back tracked alot. most dogs rely on us humans, but with irwin it was the opposite.
i've seen alot of overworked and overheated dogs on the trail
tell ya what,put on a fur coat, zip it up and then go hiking in hot weather!
then let me know how that worked out for ya
With all the respect for you., I have seen a lot of overworked and overheated hikers too. Dogs don't sweat from the body( they don't have sweat glands) so they regulate their body temperature via mouth and breathing and it makes us think they are overheated when they are just regulating their body temperature.
Slo-go'en
03-04-2012, 22:21
I have not heard a fit person runs 80 km day (52 miles) a day, day in day out pulling a musher yet in iditarod dogs do it easily. Define FIT person again man.
That's not a good example. A musher might push his dogs hard for a few days or a week during the iditarod, not every day, all day for months and months on end. I would also suspect they take a lot of breaks during the day to let the dogs rest. Dogs are sprinters, they can't keep up a hard pace for a long period of time.
CrumbSnatcher
03-04-2012, 22:28
With all the respect for you., I have seen a lot of overworked and overheated hikers too. Dogs don't sweat from the body( they don't have sweat glands) so they regulate their body temperature via mouth and breathing and it makes us think they are overheated when they are just regulating their body temperature.i understand everything you are saying, i also thought they regulate the heat thru the pads also(i could be wrong) but to me without the sweat glands, the regulating/controlling the body temperature would be tougher, not easier(again, i could be wrong) the thing that sticks out to me is the overheated, overworked HIKERS had a choice and got themselves into the situation. the dog is expected to obey and follow. anyway lets all please agree, that if you see a animal being abused or mistreated? to beat the hell out of the owner :-) just joking--------------------------------------------------no im not :-)
Thanks for all the info and points of view. Certainly the individual dog would be a big part of the equation, as well as the terrain and temperature. I wasn't planning to thru-hike with my dog. I don't think I would even want to do a multi-week trip with my dog. I do bring her on weekend trips and day hikes.
i understand everything you are saying, i also thought they regulate the heat thru the pads also(i could be wrong) but to me without the sweat glands, the regulating/controlling the body temperature would be tougher, not easier(again, i could be wrong) the thing that sticks out to me is the overheated, overworked HIKERS had a choice and got themselves into the situation. the dog is expected to obey and follow. anyway lets all please agree, that if you see a animal being abused or mistreated? to beat the hell out of the owner :-) just joking--------------------------------------------------no im not :-)
I've seen older bird dogs lay down when they were tired and hot. Not all dogs will push past their limits. They may be smarter than we give them credit.
SouthMark
03-04-2012, 22:59
I walk my dog every day at least 3 miles on hilly terrain, quite often twice a day. I have seen her almost not able to move after a 3 day backpacking trip. Having said that I'm sure she would continue walking each day and get stronger just as we humans do but just like we humans they need to work up to it. Usually at the end of day two, she does not move from stopping at the end of the day until the next morning. Different dogs, different breeds, different results.
Wise Old Owl
03-04-2012, 23:07
Yea Deanna's first choice was Chewie.. (Chewbacca) He was 2 miles during training and 4 miles at the end ... he crapped out at 4.1 - sucks... just sat down and stopped...
Here is the result:http://whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/files/1/1/5/5/2/2006_0910Image0019.JPG
CrumbSnatcher
03-04-2012, 23:39
I've seen older bird dogs lay down when they were tired and hot. Not all dogs will push past their limits. They may be smarter than we give them credit.
dogs will fake a limp to get you too stop, trying to tell ya something.
Wise Old Owl
03-04-2012, 23:45
That good info _ I have never seen that... but as I work with dogs I will look for that.
I have not heard a fit person runs 80 km day (52 miles) a day, day in day out pulling a musher yet in iditarod dogs do it easily. Define FIT person again man.
Given the history of mushing and the Iditarod, this might be a poor comparison.
Stir Fry
03-05-2012, 09:44
Its harder for a dog to get over heated in sub.0 temps Then it is when the temps are over 80 of 90 deg.
Thanks for all the info and points of view. Certainly the individual dog would be a big part of the equation, as well as the terrain and temperature. I wasn't planning to thru-hike with my dog. I don't think I would even want to do a multi-week trip with my dog. I do bring her on weekend trips and day hikes.
Enjoy your outings with your dog. As long as you keep her needs a top priority you both can have a great time.
I start to get faster than my dog (sled dog hybrid) somewhere in the mid 60s F.
When it's cold and I do a 30-35 mile day hike, he sprints up and down the mountains all day.
When it's hot we have to take a few hour break in the middle of the day
I took this little dog for a trail run once. It was a minature pinser / cocker spaniel. We ran 8km in under an hour and it was still dragging me on the leash.
beakerman
03-05-2012, 16:02
I've had my pyrs and my sheppard both go on sitdown strikes in the winter here in TX...not hot being the point there....this is during along day hike. They will not go on any multiday hikes as a result of this "testing"...
waterboy99
03-05-2012, 17:54
My wife and I live in Damascus right across the street from the Trail and in front of the Methodist Church. It is very distressing to us to see the condition of a great many of the dogs that arrive here. Most of the time the dogs look worn out and walking slow. I have seen a few dogs that seem to be doing OK but also the human was carrying all of the dogs needs. If you ever get the chance to just sit here in Damascus during the hiking season and watch the dogs struggling with the packs it will give you a good idea of how much dogs love people.
Waterboy99
CrumbSnatcher
03-05-2012, 18:29
gotta get rid of the pack, man up and carry the dogs gear and food! makes a big difference!!!
too many people think its cool to hike with a dog & the packs like a fasion statement.
i saw it more of taking care of my best friend,and whats with the going into bars and stuff for hours on end with the pooch sitting outside
fadeaway
03-05-2012, 18:48
Do your dog and us (hikers) a favor and leave him or her at home.
Thirsty DPD
03-05-2012, 19:39
Do your dog and us (hikers) a favor and leave him or her at home.
The purpose of this forum is stated in the "Sticky", and requests everyone to "Read this before posting". Opinions are like.......everyone has one, they all stink. Based on our posts, we both now have opinions of one another. If you can't contribute to the thread, please fadeaway. Where's my steak sauce?
My wife and I live in Damascus right across the street from the Trail and in front of the Methodist Church. It is very distressing to us to see the condition of a great many of the dogs that arrive here. Most of the time the dogs look worn out and walking slow. I have seen a few dogs that seem to be doing OK but also the human was carrying all of the dogs needs. If you ever get the chance to just sit here in Damascus during the hiking season and watch the dogs struggling with the packs it will give you a good idea of how much dogs love people.
Waterboy99
Welcome to WhiteBlaze. Since you mentioned you are married, I guess you may want to look at the age you mentioned in your profile(12).
Do your dog and us (hikers) a favor and leave him or her at home.
Do yourself and us( posters ) a favor and leave your anti dog comment at your mind. :)
Has anyone had their dog become exhausted while hiking? I could see this happening if the dog were old or overweight, but I have a hard time imagining how a healthy dog could get worn out before a person.
My vet told me that it's nearly impossible to get effective weight loss for a dog by walking or running them. They are too efficient with 4 legs and weight must be controlled through diet. This leads me to believe that it would be hard to exhaust a dog through walking.
Just curious if anyone has had this experience and if so, were there circumstances that contributed?
Below is Beanie the Biscuit Tracker and she covers at least double or triple the miles I walk on the same stretch of trial, running back and forth, but she is always ready for another mile.
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i310/whiskey101/8df0474d.jpg
I saw an exhausted husky some guy was carrying up Mnt. Washington in NH. The owner was a hiker who didn't bring any water for the dog above treeline which comes quick there. Poor dog, stupid owner.
I love to see dogs on the trails. I must be one of the few who haven't had a bad experience with them.
I took Cuervo, rest in peace, from Abol to Andover. He did awesome, never ever showed signs of being tired. Water was ney an issue in June in Maine on the AT. And I carried some of his food and he carried some of his food. No water! I dont let my dogs carry water, personal choice.
Any dog is capable of becoming tired while hiking. Make sure they have access to as much water as they can drink(and food too) and you should be fine.
Now you didn't ask about this, but I will mention I don't think long distance hiking is for all dogs. You need to make your own judgement based on your dog.
Here's Baxter. He didn't quite work out for us(kept eating our chickens) and went back to the animal shelter. :(
15434
15437
This is a couple shots of Washington on the day we saw some guy hauling not only his gear but a big husky too.
1543615435
waterboy99
03-06-2012, 10:41
Welcome to WhiteBlaze. Since you mentioned you are married, I guess you may want to look at the age you mentioned in your profile(12).
Well we do mature pretty early here in Appalachia . Actually, today is my birthday (Mar 6) and I am 66 today and this Sept will be our 40th anniversey. Also, for those taking dogs on a long hike it is getting harder and harder to find places in Damascus that allow dogs.
There are only two that I know of off hand.
Waterboy99
Emily Harper
03-06-2012, 13:52
I have heard of a dog that died on the trail and broke his owners heart. All dogs are different. But all in all it's easier to not hike with a dog. I've heard of dogs getting lost. Parks that don't allow them, if the dog has bad manners like jumping up on people or barking or biting that is not appreciated. Ticks get really bad in summer. One guy had to flick off over fifty in one day, imagine that on a dog.
Well we do mature pretty early here in Appalachia . Actually, today is my birthday (Mar 6) and I am 66 today and this Sept will be our 40th anniversey. Also, for those taking dogs on a long hike it is getting harder and harder to find places in Damascus that allow dogs.
There are only two that I know of off hand.
Waterboy99
Happy Birthday
66 years old or 13 ,Welcome to Whiteblaze man. Happy to have you here although you are right beside the trail and I am thousand mile far from it.
My grand parents both lived till 94 years old. They were married for 75 years and funny thing is they never stopped arguing about their differences.
Jim Adams
03-06-2012, 19:11
Bill irwin was blind and Orient was not over weight, he was very much in condition and was a service dog. Bill took very good care of him and constantly checked his health,
Bill was an exception due to absolutely needing his dog and took great care of it.
As far as "normal" hikers with a dog, I have seen many a hiker "abuse" their dog by calling it hiking. Their are only 4 hikers that readily hike with dogs that I have respect for and consider "hiking dog experts" not to say that there are not others but these are the ones that I have witnessed and you are in a losing argument going against these four!Bill Irwin, CrumbSnatcher, Wicked and Heald.
geek
Bill irwin was blind and Orient was not over weight, he was very much in condition and was a service dog. Bill took very good care of him and constantly checked his health,
Bill was an exception due to absolutely needing his dog and took great care of it.
As far as "normal" hikers with a dog, I have seen many a hiker "abuse" their dog by calling it hiking. Their are only 4 hikers that readily hike with dogs that I have respect for and consider "hiking dog experts" not to say that there are not others but these are the ones that I have witnessed and you are in a losing argument going against these four!Bill Irwin, CrumbSnatcher, Wicked and Heald.
geek
You mentioned for names that have your respect. I am not arguing with any of them.who said I am arguing with them?
Unless you have seen my dog and me hiking how do you know I am not the fifth? and in your list I don't see Jim Adams. I am not gonna lose to you in this matter. I am pretty sure about my dog's training and abilities and shortage of him.
Jim Adams
03-06-2012, 20:51
Your dog doesn't have a say in the hike...if you think you can do unlimited miles and it won't affect your dog then you really don't understand dogs.
No, I haven't seen you or your dog but as far as I've seen so far, unless you are on that list of 4 names and hiking with a dog, then in my mind you are abusing your dog until I do see how you hike and treat your dog. This is based on ALL of the past hikers that I have seen with dogs.
BTW, Don't take me on about cats...I'll bury you!
geek
Wise Old Owl
03-06-2012, 20:59
Enjoy your outings with your dog. As long as you keep her needs a top priority you both can have a great time.
I took this little dog for a trail run once. It was a minature pinser / cocker spaniel. We ran 8km in under an hour and it was still dragging me on the leash.
Welcome to WhiteBlaze. Since you mentioned you are married, I guess you may want to look at the age you mentioned in your profile(12).
Awesome....YO GO!
Your dog doesn't have a say in the hike...if you think you can do unlimited miles and it won't affect your dog then you really don't understand dogs.
No, I haven't seen you or your dog but as far as I've seen so far, unless you are on that list of 4 names and hiking with a dog, then in my mind you are abusing your dog until I do see how you hike and treat your dog. This is based on ALL of the past hikers that I have seen with dogs.
BTW, Don't take me on about cats...I'll bury you!
geek
Sir ,cool down.
I don't need your approval or disapproval about how I treat my dog. We dog owner are not stupid or bonehead like you think we are. My dogs convenience has always been my first priority.I have no problem ending my hike if I find he is not enjoying the trip.The problem is that you are prejudiced about something that you have never seen but I am living with.
Thirsty DPD
03-07-2012, 01:07
There's a nice video, documenting the Orient Express. It provides much information on the care and handling of Orient. If your interested in the facts get a copy of the video. Jim, I see you live in PA. Angus & I could possible could have passed you on a trail. If we have, both Angus & I find your inplication that I abuse him insulting. Quite a statement to include "ALL", based on a chance meeting. I'm sorry that ALL your experience has been really negative.
Jim Adams
03-07-2012, 12:45
I have done 2 thru hikes and just basing my opinion, and no one is getting hot over the subject or needs to cool down, it is just my opinion but I feel this way due to most of the hikers that I met on the trail with a dog. I have owned several dogs throughout my life and love dogs. I just feel that most hikers who take their dog have no idea what that involves just to keep the dog healthy and happy. I am not saying that you are a terrible dog owner or that you abuse your dog hiking.....what I am saying is that if you haven't done a thru hike, you don't get to see actually what those dogs go through...most don't have proper care and concerns during a thru hike...that is why you have the response from the couple living in Damascus...they get to see what you don't. And yes, I did say all other than those 4 on the list...if you are taking your dog, I hope that I do get to add you to that list of 4...nothing would please me more!
geek
Sir ,cool down.
I don't need your approval or disapproval about how I treat my dog. We dog owner are not stupid or bonehead like you think we are. My dogs convenience has always been my first priority.I have no problem ending my hike if I find he is not enjoying the trip.The problem is that you are prejudiced about something that you have never seen but I am living with.
Not all dog owners are boneheaded when it comes to the safety of their dogs. But some certainly seem to be. It is not always convenient for humans to actually focus on the needs of the dog.
Thirsty DPD
03-07-2012, 18:00
I have done 2 thru hikes and just basing my opinion, and no one is getting hot over the subject or needs to cool down, it is just my opinion but I feel this way due to most of the hikers that I met on the trail with a dog. I have owned several dogs throughout my life and love dogs. I just feel that most hikers who take their dog have no idea what that involves just to keep the dog healthy and happy. I am not saying that you are a terrible dog owner or that you abuse your dog hiking.....what I am saying is that if you haven't done a thru hike, you don't get to see actually what those dogs go through...most don't have proper care and concerns during a thru hike...that is why you have the response from the couple living in Damascus...they get to see what you don't. And yes, I did say all other than those 4 on the list...if you are taking your dog, I hope that I do get to add you to that list of 4...nothing would please me more!
geek
Fair enough, I understand completely, because Angus & I are subjected to those owners as well. We work at being considerate of everyone sharing the trail, even this one. It's not what we say, it's how we say it.
Wise Old Owl
03-07-2012, 18:03
Jim how sturdy is that soap box you are standing on? Come on... The dogs don't even get to do the whole trip anyway...
Jim Adams
03-08-2012, 14:32
I am just tired of seeing dogs on the trail abused. I feel like all dogs should get to run in the woods but I also believe that very few should be thru hiking. I am just concerned for the dog...not closed minded...I am giving a ride to a thru hiker from Pennsylvania to Springer in 4 days...he does have a dog and although I did attempt to talk him out of it, I am still giving him and his dog a ride to Georgia....I hope he takes care of the dogs concerns as well as he does his own.
geek
CrumbSnatcher
03-10-2012, 14:01
I have not heard a fit person runs 80 km day (52 miles) a day, day in day out pulling a musher yet in iditarod dogs do it easily. Define FIT person again man.
http://www.thestar.com/sports/wintersports/article/606229--iditarod-race-dogs-deaths-raise-cries-of-animal-cruelty
you never know :-(
Slo-go'en
03-10-2012, 16:14
http://www.thestar.com/sports/wintersports/article/606229--iditarod-race-dogs-deaths-raise-cries-of-animal-cruelty
you never know :-(
Interesting, 149 dogs died during this race since 1973 and the story was published in 2009. Saw a story on the news the other day about a dog which almost died this year. It made the news because of what the owner did to save it. Wonder if any dogs died which didn't make the news?
Of course, the Iditarod is an extrem race, pushing the dogs to thier limits - and beyond in some cases. But it does show how the race orginizers had to put in place measures to try and ensure proper care and treatment of the dogs during the race.
Nick&Bruce
03-10-2012, 23:34
If your dog is tired you should stop. If your dog is getting overheated or the trail is tough, carry its pack. If it's limping take a day off.
You should be able to tell when your dog is tired, sore, hot, cold, injured, etc... and its not just when he lays down and refuses to go keep moving.
Pay attention to your dog and you'll be fine.
There's tons of variation in people and how much hiking they can handle. There's just as much if not more with dogs.
Just make sure you know your dog.
Yes, even a fit dog can get tired out before their human(s). I hike often with my dog (husky/ border collie/ german shepherd/ lab mix) and she's normally pulling me up hills and investigating every fallen tree and leaf that moves. She's done over 20 miles in a day with a pack and still had the energy to dig 3 separate nests for herself at dinner (apparently the first 2 weren't quite right). One day I could tell she was just not feeling it and we barely made 8 miles of similar terrain as I steadily emptied her pack into mine throughout the day. I still don't know exactly why this was, she had no injuries, I checked her paws, it wasn't ridiculously hot, we stopped for water/ snacks several times, she never got sick, and we eventually worked back up to normal mileage during the trip, so I'm assuming she was just having a really off day.
Just be aware of your individual companion's needs (and recognize when they change) and be willing to re-work your hiking schedule around a dog if you choose to hike with one, since their well-being is ultimately your responsibility.
Many happy trails to you and Beanie!
When my Lab mix gets hot during our walks he stops and lays down on the cool grass or in a puddle or lake/pond on our route. I would say yes you can exhaust a dog but I would bet you will heat stroke the dog first during a hike. The dog sleds are pulled in cold and snow not the 90-100 heat of the summer.