You may have seen photos of happy beagles hiking trails on social media. They’re adorable, right? But can beagles really go on hikes?
Have you ever heard of the saying “you can’t judge a book by its cover”? This is especially true when it comes to beagles and hikes. Just because they look like lazy couch potatoes doesn’t mean they can’t go on a hike.
In fact, these little guys are pretty energetic if you give them the opportunity to explore and get some fresh air. So, yes, beagles can definitely go on hikes!
Let’s take a closer look at why beagles love going on hikes and how you can get your own hiker-beagle buddy excited about hitting the trails.
Are Beagles Good for Hiking?
First and foremost, beagles are dogs. And dogs love being outside. It’s in their nature to explore and sniff around. So, in that sense, beagles are definitely good for hiking.
The only thing you have to worry about is your individual dog’s health. As with any type of physical activity, there are risks for certain types of dogs and beagles are no different. Be sure to assess your dog’s health by visiting the vet beforehand.
You’ll want to make sure he’s in good enough shape to go on a hike. If you’ve got a healthy beagle and enjoy hiking as a family, then beagles are a great breed for hiking. Their small size makes them a great option for families with small children. And they’re pretty good at sticking close to their human while exploring the outdoors.
Also Read: Fun Games to Play With Beagles
Is Hiking With Your Beagle Safe?
As we discussed above, beagles are great for hiking. But is hiking with a beagle safe? The short answer is yes. As long as you’ve taken proper precautions beforehand, hiking with your beagle is safe.
Before heading out on any hike, it’s important to make sure your dog is up to the challenge. If you’re unsure about the level of difficulty of a trail, don’t be afraid to call it off. Your dog’s safety is a top priority.
When going on a hike with your dog, remember to have enough of food and drink. And before heading out, make sure to check the weather report so you’re ready for any unexpected weather changes.
How far can Beagles Hike?
The average beagle can hike about 6-8 miles. Of course, this is dependent on the individual dog. But if you’re planning on hiking more than 10 miles, you’ll want to break up the hike into multiple trips.
Beagles can’t go all day. The best way to determine how far your beagle is capable of hiking is by monitoring his energy levels. If he seems tired and is slowing down, it’s time to turn around and head back to the car.
If you push your beagle too far, then he may end up getting injured and you’ll risk ruining the fun of hiking altogether.
Also Read: How to Help a Beagle Lose Weight?
Can Beagles be Trained to go on Long Hikes?
You don’t have to train your beagle to hike. If he’s healthy and up for the challenge, he’ll be ready to go as soon as you are.
That being said, there are some things you can do to prepare your beagle for hiking.
Start walking your beagle longer and further than you normally would. You’ll want him to be able to manage the distance of the trail without getting tired.
If your beagle is a first-time hiker, it’s best to keep them on a leash and give them plenty of room to explore and sniff. While you can teach your beagle to walk nicely on a leash, keep in mind that they may pull excessively at first.
And being out of breath is one of the biggest signs that your dog is too tired to keep going. Make sure to feed your beagle a healthy diet. This will help him maintain the energy he’ll need for the hike. And eating healthy will help keep his joints in good shape so he’s less likely to get injured.
Teaching your Beagle to respond to recalls
A beagle may be difficult to train for recall, but it is possible. A beagle on a trail is going to be very focused on the task at hand. If you want to train them to remember things, one option is to use food as a reward.
To improve your recall, it’s better to begin your training indoors, where there are fewer potential distractions. When your beagle is starting to catch on to your orders, you can start to introduce distractions and take the training outside.
Always remember that if your beagle doesn’t come when called, you should never punish it. As a training aid, have some tasty high-value treats on hand for your beagle.
Beagles can be taught to come when called if you show them that doing so will earn them a treat.
Provide them with some mental activity by teaching them simple commands like “sit,” “down,” “stay,” and “come” to use when hiking.
How to Make Hiking With Your Beagle Safe?
There are a few ways you can make hiking with your beagle safe. Make sure to bring ample water for both you and your dog.
Beagles have a tendency to get overheated and dehydrated quicker than other breeds. This is especially true if your dog is wearing a fur coat. Be sure to stay hydrated yourself and take frequent breaks for water and snacks.
Be sure to keep an eye on the trail for stickers and poisonous plants. Beagles are curious dogs by nature and will likely try to stick their snouts into things they shouldn’t.
Keep an eye out for snakes as well. Although most snakes will try to avoid humans, they’re still a potential threat to your beagle.
As with any outdoor activity, you want to make sure you’re prepared for anything. Wear appropriate clothing and make sure to apply sunscreen during the warmer months.
You also want to make sure your beagle is wearing a collar with identification tags. In case anything happens, you’ll be prepared with your dog’s information.
What not to do While Hiking With Your Beagle?
As they’re very curious by nature, beagles will try to sniff everything. This means you’ll want to make sure you’re holding onto your beagle’s leash.
Your beagle should never be off leash since he or she could easily wander off and become lost. Never leave your beagle at the campsite alone if you intend to camp for more than a day.
If he manages to get away from you, you run the risk of him getting hurt. Beagles are also clever and quick. They can easily outsmart less-experienced hikers.
So, you’ll want to avoid bringing your beagle to trails with steep dropoffs, cliffs, or other areas where he can easily get away from you.
Heat and humidity pose the greatest danger to your beagle while on a hike. Your beagle will enjoy a hike in the early morning or late evenings. Your beagle may have trouble maintaining a healthy body temperature on long hikes in hot weather, so don’t take them out unless you can help it.
When you’re hiking with your beagle, you want to make sure you stay hydrated. Beagles can be pretty stubborn. And they’re not always easy to communicate with. So, it’s important that you pay attention to your own needs while hiking with your beagle. You don’t want to get too dehydrated or exhausted. That would be disastrous and put both you and your dog at risk.
Conclusion
Beagles are active dogs by nature. They’re happy and healthy when they get the opportunity to explore and get outside. They’re great for hiking with families and small children, provided they’re healthy enough to handle the distance.
They can be trained to hike, so long as you make sure to prepare them beforehand. Making sure to keep your beagle safe while hiking is the first step to having a fun and safe hiking trip with your beagle.
