Exploring the great outdoors is an adventure in itself, but it becomes a lot more memorable when you take your beloved cocker on one of your trips. The cocker spaniel is a sporting dog and loves to hunt the woods. They get instant happiness just being by being outside, and they are easy to tag along because they are one of the smaller breeds out there.
Cockers love being around their humans all the time, and what better way to give them the time of their life than to take them hiking with you.
Before you pack up you and your pup’s stuff to greet the backwoods, here are some things to remember to make your trip a safe and enjoyable experience for both of you.
• BRING THE ESSENTIALS
Taking your cocker outside also exposes them to a lot of circumstances that may require first aid. The rocky hills or sharp sticks lying around might puncture your mutt’s paws, making it harder for them to take walks on the trail. It is handy to take a first aid kit for you and your dog to keep you both safe and protected from the dangers of the outdoors. You can easily prepare a handy emergency kit for your Cocker Spaniel with these tips.
Also, don’t forget to bring extra water just in case the camping grounds do not have access to potable water. You might have to carry extra weight, but at least you can be sure that your drinking water is safe.
• DO EXERCISES
If you are planning to camp out for a night, bring some of your cocker’s toys and plan an exercise routine in the early morning. Doing physical activities while outdoors is a refreshing experience. If you’re planning for hunting with your dog it’s recommended to train your Cocker Spaniel to hunt before you head over.
However, remember not to overwork your or your dog’s muscles, especially if you are hiking for the day. Do some stretches and a bit of fetching, and be sure to warm up before doing hikes up a trail or rough terrain.
• TAKE CAUTION
Cockers have a natural hunting instinct that you need to be aware of. They might get excited when they see birds or other wildlife and proceed to chase them. You should seriously consider bringing their collar and leash, and updating their ID tag, should they manage to escape your notice. Also, have them updated on their rabies shots and other vaccines so they do not get harmed if they, unfortunately, get out of your sight.
If you’re hiking in the summer season don’t allow your cocker spaniel to be out in the sun for three hours or more. For further information check out our expert advice on how long can a cocker spaniel be in the sun.
If Cocker Spaniel remains longer under the sun then it might feel discomfort and due to the heatwave dog can have a heatstroke as well. To Avoid this Situation, you need to know how to help a cocker spaniel through the heatwave
• GROOMING
The cocker spaniel has a glorious coat that may become dirty or tangled on hikes. You cannot stop them from having fun by rolling on the mud or taking a dip on the pond, so the best you can do is bring grooming tools to remedy the problem. Also, they can become exposed to ticks and fleas, so you need to brush them out carefully so as not to damage your dog’s mane. Give them a good brush during bath and shampoo them thoroughly to keep them clean and free from any infestation.
CONCLUSION
Cocker spaniels would absolutely love a hiking trip. But you should make sure that the trip goes smoothly and safely not only for your dog but for you as well. If you love the outdoors, you will certainly have a special bond with your cocker. Besides having fun and adventure, hiking with your cocker helps you get fit through exercise. Remember to follow these tips and have a happy hike!
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