Dogs Like to Travel, Too

My dog Lili and I go for a walk in the forest each day and we choose different paths and then sometimes also stray off the trail.

Even though we travel in a familiar environment, we can still get surprised by steep steps that can be quite a challenge for a small dog. Dog training schools teach how to avoid such unpleasant situations.

For example, you shouldn’t force your dog to go upstairs because they can look at the whole situation as a negative experience. You should always carry some water for the dog when travelling, even in winter. Puddles that dogs find so irresistible can lead to bacterial infection. You can never know for how long the puddle’s been there and what other animals have drunk from it.

Just as with puddles, one should also be careful when it comes to flowing water. Lili loves water, but I try to avoid trails where we can run into it during winter. Cold flowing water can lead to hypothermia or rheumatic disease.

And no matter how mundane your walk can get, full pockets of treats can always make things more fun. The forest is an exciting obstacle course where you can forge stronger bonds with your dog. You can use nature to make beautiful photos, but if your dog has a trick or two up their paw, things can get much more entertaining.

Fallen trees can be used to practice leaps or entice your dog to go under the tree trunk. Or you can walk on the thick tree trunks which will help with the body coordination.

When Lili and I have company, I hide in the forest and then she has to look for me. This is also a game you usually learn in a dog training school.

However, the rules of etiquette apply in the forest. Dog poop needs to be picked up and the dog needs to be on a lead because you’re never alone in the forest. Dogs find small animals, such as frogs and salamanders, quite interesting. They can touch them, which can lead to poisoning. Should this happen, it’s best to wash your dog’s mouth and seek the nearest vet.

Going for a walk in the forest with your four-legged friend can be quite an adventure. To me, it sometimes feels like I’m walking in the forest in the company of a wolf and that together we’re exploring the wilderness.

Maja Holer