I have the opportunity to go hiking in the mountains tomorrow. A day trip - two hour drive there and back, with around 5 hours hiking or so. I'm trying to figure out if I should bring the pooch. He's never been on a car ride longer than half an hour or so, and he copes okay but starts to get a bit whiny. And this would be a lot more exercise than he is used to. So I'm leaning towards no. I'm going with a group, so it's not like I can turn around if it gets too much for Simba. Plus, it's going to be rather warm tomorrow....around 30 C although it will be cooler in the mountains, of course. As I write this all out I think I see my answer - probably not a great idea to take him, but what do you all think?
Hi Lisa, I think for all the reasons you listed... Long car ride, more exercise than what's he's used to, can't turn around, and warm temps. I absolutely would not take him. It just sounds too risky to me. But your hike for YOU sounds amazing!
I know! I'm hoping I can go, but I have been coming down with a cold today and I'm feeling kinda crappy. Not sure how I'll feel tomorrow. So annoying! I really want to go!!
Hope you're feeling better and can go on the hike. I would leave Simba at home though for all the reasons you give.
No, I wouldn't take him, particularly if it's hot and you can't control the length of walk. Just go and enjoy it, but leave Simba at home.
You've probably made your mind up now....if he is staying on lead, it's not like 5 hours would be really strenuous exercise....and if it's cooler in the mountains (and probably low humidity) I'd say a healthy adult Labrador would be fine....
I'd say the temp is the issue, not the distance. He'd be fine at human walking pace. The only other thing might be rough terrain having an abrasive effect on his paws, but if the paths are not stoney that should be ok too.
It depends on loads of factors. The mountains here can be cooler and breezy, but there are sections that are out in the open, sheltered from the wind and absolutely deadly in extreme heat. I agree the distance wouldn't be an issue - you won't actually be walking very far in real terms in 5 hours, unless it's all on the flat - unlikely because it pretty much defeats the point of being in the mountains! Are the mountains full of springs, lakes and rivers? That gives great opportunities for pups to cool off if they get a bit warm. But, if it's dry and arid where you're going, you'll have to carry plenty of water because the dust will make you both super thirsty, never mind the heat. His paws should be OK if he's used to walking on tarmac. We're on all sorts of surfaces all the time and the pups have no problems now their pads are more like adult ones and less the velvety-soft pads of young puppies (sniff!). If you've not done the walk before, I'd say you're probably best to leave him behind this time and see what you think for future expeditions. For the car trip, that would be a bit of "suck it and see". Other than the trip home when we picked her up (and again when we got Shadow), both when she was very young, Willow hadn't been in the car longer than half an hour and would whine a bit, out of excitement or frustration. The first time we went on a longer trip - about two hours - we were prepared for a lot of whining, but she settled down after that first half hour. And when we went to the UK, which was 12 hours in the car, and a lot of driving when we got there, you wouldn't have known she was in the car most of the time. Now, she will have a little whine if she recognises the road we're on leads to a favourite place, but it's a couple of seconds and then she stops. So it might just be a good thing. Still, I would probably want to organise a longer trial trip for him when you can dictate whether you turn back or have breaks.
Well I had to stay home as I am feeling crappy. Ugh. Thanks for your responses though, I am hoping there will be another trip planned! I think I will likely take him, especially as it won't be nearly so hot (more than likely, these temps are very unusual for here). I will keep you posted! I think you are likely right about the car trip, Fiona, I suspect he would settle down. Hopefully I will get another chance and we will test it out!
Sorry to hear you're under the weather. Hope you feel better soon, and that your boy gives you lots of healing cuddles.
