[SunSiberians]

At the end of July I'm going on a 2 week backpacking trip in Wind Rivers, Wyoming. I have the wonderful opportunity to take one of my two dogs - now that is a tough decision! After much deliberation, I finally decided (well I think I have) to take Lakota. The longest backpack trip he's ever been on was 3 days - so 2 weeks is quite a difference. I've been working on getting him in shape for the trip - we'll probably be hiking 8 hours a day and he'll have to carry all his own supplies - food, treats, sleeping pad, first aid kit, dog boots and possibly some water although we'll be hiking along rivers and streams and lakes, so he probably won't have to do that. To get him into shape for this, in addition to our 1-2hr walk in the morning and 1-3hr walk in the evenings he's been walking on the tredmill. He started on the treadmill walking at a very slow pace for only 10mins, then we increased the time gradually until he reached 20mins. Then I started jogging him for 10mins and then walking the other 10mins. Now he's up to jogging the complete 20mins straight. I know this isn't much, but it's a start and I don't want him to exhaust himself. Now he's walking brisky for 20mins with his pack filled with two 32oz water bottles - as time goes on I'll increase the weight. He's also taking his pack on walks now.

What else can I do to get him in shape for our 2 week trek in the mountains? And how long can I have him walk on the treadmill? It is really important that he builds up stamina.

Thanks!



Also does anyone know of good treats, high in calories to give him lots of energy on the trail?

[rhino-lfl]

I'd be will to bet the dog can out hike you He looks fit for the most part and should be fine. Just keep him on a leash.

Oh, he'll go through more water then you, keep that in mind.

[SunSiberians]

Originally Posted by rhino-lfl

I'd be will to bet the dog can out hike you He looks fit for the most part and should be fine. Just keep him on a leash.

Oh, he'll go through more water then you, keep that in mind.

Actually that is unfortunately not the case. After about 4 hours of hiking he lags behind - so I really need him to be able to still have energy to hike out in front for 8 hours - 2 weeks straight. He's always been a slow dog though...
Usually on our day hikes they carry four water bottles - but this trip we'll always be near water, so there will be plenty.

[rhino-lfl]

Is that 4 hrs straight? Cause you can drink while you hike, it can't. If it's with breaks every 30 min or so ... get fatty in shape!

It will adapt over the course of 2 weeks better then you will, even if it starts out lagging initially.

[SunSiberians]

Originally Posted by rhino-lfl

Is that 4 hrs straight? Cause you can drink while you hike, it can't. If it's with breaks every 30 min or so ... get fatty in shape!

It will adapt over the course of 2 weeks better then you will, even if it starts out lagging initially.

He's always been "out of shape" despite the fact that we walk 2-4 hours ever day, go scootering or bikejoring in which him and Kapu pull and run out in front of me and we go hiking every weekend, plus we go to the dog park! And yet, he's still slow and chubby! >.< I'm going to have him checked for a thyroid problem, because I just don't know why he isn't more of an athlete when my other dog could run a marathon or pull a sled for 10 days straight! I've always struggled with his weight and we're very active.

[Dieselsmama]

Originally Posted by SunSiberians

He's always been "out of shape" despite the fact that we walk 2-4 hours ever day, go scootering or bikejoring in which him and Kapu pull and run out in front of me and we go hiking every weekend, plus we go to the dog park! And yet, he's still slow and chubby! >.< I'm going to have him checked for a thyroid problem, because I just don't know why he isn't more of an athlete when my other dog could run a marathon or pull a sled for 10 days straight! I've always struggled with his weight and we're very active.

Your plan sounds like just TONS of fun!! Just out of curiousity, why did you chose him instead of Kapu? Not saying I think you should have chosen differently mind you, just wondering.

[SunSiberians]

Originally Posted by Dieselsmama

Your plan sounds like just TONS of fun!! Just out of curiousity, why did you chose him instead of Kapu? Not saying I think you should have chosen differently mind you, just wondering.

Thank you! It will be fun!
Honestly, I haven't made a firm decision yet...however with Lakota's new training - he's much more responsive to me now and walks nicely on/off leash. Kapu on the other hand, is the athlete and would be a good choice to take, however, he never stops pulling. I'm going to work with him next in obedience training - but one dog at a time.

[Jen D]

It sound like you are doing all the right things to get him ready and with all that exercise I think a vet check would be good for the Thyroid. What kinda food do you feed him? When I hike for two hours my dog lags behind.

[SunSiberians]

Originally Posted by Jen D

It sound like you are doing all the right things to get him ready and with all that exercise I think a vet check would be good for the Thyroid. What kinda food do you feed him? When I hike for two hours my dog lags behind.

I feed them Innova Evo dry food. It's an awesome food - high in protein, low carbs and no grain.

[Jen D]

Originally Posted by SunSiberians

I feed them Innova Evo dry food. It's an awesome food - high in protein, low carbs and no grain.

I would love to hear about the Thyroid when you go, my mothers dogs is on meds for thyroid problems and it has helped.

[SunSiberians]

Originally Posted by Jen D

I would love to hear about the Thyroid when you go, my mothers dogs is on meds for thyroid problems and it has helped.

Oh really? Is it a life long issue or can it go away with meds? Your mom's dog is doing well?